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I shake my head in exasperation. Cammie is a hard worker, but she always takes care of herself last. I guess it’s a good thing she’s ours because we’re going to break that habit. “The kids were hungry around six o’clock, so we ate. Go wash up, and I’ll bring you a plate.”
Cammie curls around my back and kisses my neck, making my whole body shiver. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. But no more skipping meals. Even when it’s busy,” I grouse.
A pleased giggle escapes as she dances toward our bedroom. “Calm down, killer. It was one meal.”
“One too many,” I grumble under my breath. She better watch out. I’ll send Daddy Reid after her if it keeps happening.
Ten minutes later, Cammie comes in freshly showered and smelling of vanilla mixed with her raspberry tart. She grabs Em from the counter and sets her down, heading to the table while I warm up her plate.
“Tell me about your top three things that happened at school today,” she says to Em.
Fidgeting while it heats, I pull out my phone and text Reid. Those nerves are back now that she’s here.
Finn: Are you available for the Big Talk? Fifteen, maybe twenty minutes?
Reid: Give me twenty
Finn: I also, maybe, sort of did a thing
Reid: What thing did you do?
Finn: I may have, possibly, built a family nest today
Reid: …
Those three little dots appear and retreat several times. Reid is a riot of emotions in the bond, and no singular one is clear enough for me to make out. My heart beats against my ribs as I wait for his response.
I deliver Cammie a plate of the stir-fry I made earlier and check my phone. Still nothing. I was only worrying about Cammie’s response, but I should have worried about Reid. Probably Ben too. Maybe this is too much too soon.
Cammie chats with the kids about their day while she eats, and I finish putting the pudding away to set. It’s not a welcome home cake, but it will have to do. I distract myself by washing up and doing the antsy pants dance like Em accused.
My phone buzzes in my pocket.
Reid: Whatever you built will be perfect.
That band around my chest retracts, and I breathe a little easier.
My phone rings with an incoming video call. A second later, Reid’s face appears on the screen, his eyes soft and his smile big.
“Hey, babe. We’re finishing up dinner and homework now,” I explain.
He mouths so only I can see it. “They’re gonna love it.”
I nod like a bobble-head, not totally convinced this will go the way Reid thinks but trying to sunshine the shit out of it anyway. There is a very real possibility that the kids could see this move as something negative or scary instead of a celebration. Or that Cammie thinks I’m too much. I need to be prepared to roll back my enthusiasm.
Cammie clears her throat. “Before we start getting ready for bed, we wanted to talk to you all.”
“Reid got called in to work today but wanted to ensure he was here too.” I take a seat next to her at the table, grabbing her hand and flipping the phone around so the kids can see Reid.
“Hey, guys! I’m at the station, but I wanted to pop in.” He waves.
“Where is the firetruck?” Em asks, leaning half across the table so she can see the screen.
“Sleeping until the bell rings. I’ll take you on a tour soon and we can see it. But right now, we need to talk to you,” Reid explains.
Cammie squeezes my hand. “We’ve been staying here, and it’s been nice. Finn and Reid have asked us to stay and live with them.”
