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

thought about it before adding, "But I

nostalgia, and it

said as he

him just then. "You

time, and he might not fall asleep if he had to share a bed with them. As Irene released him, he picked up his book and briskly

returned just then, and he stared at Irene

sleep with then. "Goodnight, Daddy,” Tommy said primly and scampered off

stayed in bed, she asked, "If Erin has a daughter, do you think

your mind?" Isaac growled, and Irene promptly sat up in

Isaac were actually unrelated, she was

was

want a daughter?”

you?" Irene asked in

locked the door just as he turned to look

he said and reached out to hold her

felt like he could snap