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.

daughter. She hugged

Then she went upstairs.

been made up for Lori and Carol to

enough to recognize faces yet. She was the definition of an angelic baby: eat, sleep, repeat, never fussing,

absolutely doted on this "miracle" little

a few photos of her

he was holding up his phone, capturing

at the sound

walked over to the crib, gazing down at the peacefully

has she been asleep?" she asked

face—so perfect! When she grows up, we're going to have our hands full with all the boys chasing after her. We'll have to keep

at him. "Mr. Maynard, let's step outside. There's something I'd like

already

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

the study, Briony and Maynard sat across from

asked, "Did your family give you a hard time

tapping his back with a rueful grin. "Grandpa even

her head.

"Briony, are

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