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

Then she went upstairs.

room beside the master bedroom had been made up for Lori and Carol to share for

enough to recognize faces yet. She was the definition of an angelic

on this "miracle"

quietly snapped a

as he was holding up his phone, capturing

at the sound

to the crib, gazing down at the peacefully sleeping Lori, her eyes soft

she been asleep?" she

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 have our hands full with all

smiled faintly, then looked up at him. "Mr. Maynard, let's step outside.

paused, already guessing the

his phone into his pocket and grinned easily. "Sure, let's talk somewhere else—don't want to wake our

Briony and Maynard sat

asked, "Did your family give you

admitted, tapping his back with a rueful grin. "Grandpa even whacked me

her head.

her gaze, teasing, "Briony, are you actually worried

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

Comments ()

0/255