The Runaway Groom

Finding the book interesting, Tommy suddenly pointed outside and exclaimed, "Pitter patter!"

"Pitter patter, pitter patter, listen to the rain!"

Tommy appeared interested as Isaac read it for him, and the boy pointed outside and exclaimed, "That's what we're hearing outside... I like nursery rhymes, Daddy."

Irene smiled mildly. "As long as you like it."

Tommy then lay down and wrapped himself in the soft blanket, his little legs lifted into the air.

Just then, Isaac's phone on the table rang.

Seeing that it was James and probably about work, he picked it up. “I'm taking this."

Irene nodded. "Go on."

She lay with Tommy and read it for him, "Home! Home! Sweet, sweet home! There's no place like home!"

"I like this, Mommy," he said, pointing at the last part. “There's no place like home—does that mean missing where we used to live?"

The boy was quite smart for his age, and Irene smiled. "More or less." “I miss home too," Tommy suddenly said.

it here?" Irene

he replied and suddenly thought about it before adding, "But

Irene told him—such was nostalgia, and it inevitably occurs

I should sleep,” Tommy said

him just then. "You can

not slept with anyone else for the longest time, and he might not fall asleep if he had to share a bed with them. As Irene

stared at Irene quizzically when

just too old to sleep with then. "Goodnight, Daddy,” Tommy said primly

she asked, "If Erin has a daughter, do you think we

lost your mind?" Isaac growled, and Irene promptly sat

actually unrelated, she was still his half-sister and Tommy's aunt. That would

was just

a daughter?”

you?" Irene

locked the door just as he turned to look at her,

he said and reached out to

felt like