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.

the garden first, needing to see her son and daughter. She hugged them tight, showering them with kisses until her heart finally

Then she went upstairs.

children's room beside the master bedroom had been made up for Lori and Carol

a month old—not even old enough to recognize faces yet. She was the definition of an angelic baby: eat, sleep, repeat,

doted on

a

as he was holding up his phone,

turned at the

and walked over to the crib, gazing down at

long has she been asleep?" she asked

Maynard replied, showing her the photos he'd just taken. "Look at that little face—so perfect! When she grows up, we're going to

looked up at him. "Mr. Maynard, let's step outside. There's something

already

his phone into his pocket and grinned easily. "Sure, let's talk

Maynard sat

asked, "Did your family give you a hard

back with a rueful grin. "Grandpa

shook her head.

"Briony, are you actually

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