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“She’s really amazing,” I said in a sincere voice. “I’m already in love with her.”
Caleb glanced at Noah and then, back at me.
“She’s really sweet,” I said. “You’ll see.” Turning away, I headed into the bathroom.
“What do you think of this dress?” I asked, reaching Irene.
She looked up at the dress I was holding.
“It’s so pretty,” she squealed. “I want to wear it.”
“Awesome! Let’s get you dried up.”
I helped Irene out of the tub and wrapped a thick, soft towel around her. Using another, I gently dried her hair.
She stood still as if she was used to being bathed and dressed. There was no shyness or embarrassment in her at all.
Suddenly, I wondered how long she had a nanny taking care of her.
After she was dressed, I helped her hop onto a stool so she could look in the mirror over the sink. Her smile told me she was approving the dress.
“Ready?” I called.
“Yes!” she cried, running over to me.
Her bright smile warmed me instantly. I was a mere stranger to her but she’d accepted me as a friend in a matter of a few hours.
We stepped out of the bathroom and the room fell silent at once.
Irene’s gaze toggled between Corey and Caleb. She pointed at them, looking thoroughly confused. “Why are there two of them?” she asked, staring up at me.
I chuckled. “They’re twins.”
“Twins? How do I get a twin too?”
The room erupted with our chuckles.
Corey stepped forward and kneeled before Irene. “You’re such a cutie pie,” he said, pinching her chubby cheeks.
In return, she placed her hands on his cheeks, taking him by surprise. “You’re so pretty, Caleb.”
“I’m Corey,” he said. Gesturing behind him, he added, “That’s Caleb. And what’s your name?”
“I’m Irene. Irene Civella.”
Corey glanced up at me and straightened up. “You have a knack of picking up wounded monsters,” he said so softly that only I could hear him.
“Dinner’s ready,” said Caleb. “There’s spaghetti with hot dogs and chocolate ice cream for dinner.”
“They’re my favorite!” Irene declared. “I’m so hungry right now. I didn’t eat any breakfast today.”
My chest squeezed at once.
Poor, poor baby. She’d been starving an entire day.
Identical expressions of concern and worry came over Noah, Caleb, and Corey.
“What kind of assholes don’t feed a child?” Corey hissed.
