Briony drove straight back to Pearbrook Mansion from the hospital.

Maynard's car was already parked in the driveway.

She stepped into the house.

Marlene came out to greet her. "Mr. Maynard's upstairs, trying to get Lori to sleep!"

Briony paused. "When did he get here?"

"He arrived around noon."

"He's been here all afternoon?"

Marlene beamed, a fond, almost motherly smile on her face. "He's been learning how to be a good dad all day! We all know he's not Lori's biological father, but anyone can see how much he adores her."

Briony pressed her lips together, then asked, "Where are the twins?"

"They're playing in the back garden. Crystal's out there with them."

Crystal had recently taken some time off to visit her hometown when her father fell ill. Once he recovered last week, she returned to Northborough.

needing to see her son and daughter. She hugged them tight, showering them with kisses until her heart finally felt at

Then she went upstairs.

had been made up for Lori and Carol to share for

just a month old—not even old enough to recognize faces yet. She was the definition of

absolutely doted on

a few photos of her with

he was holding up his phone, capturing the moment. The whole scene

turned at the

the crib, gazing down at the peacefully sleeping Lori,

she been asleep?" she

just taken. "Look at that little face—so perfect! When she grows up, we're going to have

faintly, then looked up at him. "Mr. Maynard,

already guessing

easily. "Sure, let's talk somewhere else—don't want to wake our little

Briony and Maynard sat

"Did your family give you a hard time

did," Maynard admitted, tapping his back with a rueful grin. "Grandpa even

her

teasing, "Briony, are you actually

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255