We call the kids after we run through a drive-through. I’m starving and Ben never says no to food.
“Daddy!” Cole answers. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, buddy. Just a little bump on the head.”
“Did they have to do surgery?” Cole doesn’t seem as worried as I’d imagine he’d be. Then again, he’s spent most of his short life in a hospital or at appointments for his heart.
“No surgery, but they did have me attached to the monitors like they do to you.”
“Wicked,” Cole replies.
“Are you coming home?” Phoebe interrupts.
“We’re on our way right now,” I answer when I’ve swallowed a mouthful of fries and chocolate shake. I’ve never tasted anything so good in my life. “We’ll be there soon.”
When we pull up in the drive a short while later, a wave of relief crashes over me. I’ve never felt so good to be home. Cole and Phoebe streak across the yard in no time flat and barrel into Ben, who wraps an arm around each of them.
“Hey, creeps,” he says affectionately.
“We missed you,” Phoebe says, having lost some of her natural verve. “We were worried.”
“I’m sorry I worried you, baby, but everything is all right. I’m indestructible.”
“Indetrucktible?” Phoebe repeats with a disbelieving expression.
Cole sighs as though he’s reached his limit, but doesn’t correct her.
“That’s right. Nothing can hurt me.”
I begin to herd them toward the house. “Let’s get inside before this food gets cold.”
The kids take one of his hands, one on each side, and babble about their night with Mrs. Parker. I follow behind them, thankful to have my little family back together.
When we open the door, the scent of fresh paint assaults my nose. And then the sound of arguing voices reaches my ears.
“You haven’t even finished yet, what’s taking you so long? I’ve been done forever.”
“Because I like to make sure it’s done right, not fast.”
It’s my nephews, Rafe and Donny, who both have paint rollers in their hands, along with Sofie and Jack. The kids squeal and dash to their cousins, who wrap affectionate arms around their shoulders.
“We thought you guys could use a little help,” Sofie says.
“But you had to go back to base,” I say, my eyes filling with tears. They had finished all the painting and I couldn’t deny, it looked amazing.
“We took a few more days,” Jack says and claps Ben on the back. “Had to make sure you two were okay.”
“Just a scratch,” Ben says, his cheeks a little pink.
“That’s right, he’s indetrucktible,” Phoebe blurts out, causing everyone to laugh.
“You shouldn’t have,” I say.
“What else is family for?” Jack says.
Chapter Ten
Ben
