Gina followed behind him, already looking tired but glowing in that maternal way people wrote greeting cards about.
Malcolm set the twins down.
“Bro,” he said, pulling me into a rough hug and thumping my back hard enough to knock air out of my lungs. “You look less dead than usual. That’s promising.”
“Good to see you too.”
His attention shifted to Hadley instantly.
His expression softened, losing the teasing edge.
“You’re Hadley.”
She nodded nervously.
He held out a hand but didn’t step closer, giving her space. “I’m Malcolm. I work as a partner at my dad's law firm. Which sounds boring, but I basically yell at men for a living.”
She laughed.
Gina stepped forward next, gentle and calm.
“Hi, Hadley,” she said, hugging her lightly and carefully avoiding her stomach like she’d done this dance before. “Welcome to the madness.”
“Thank you.”
Gina turned to Eli. “And you must be Eli. The twins are loud and messy and occasionally sticky, but they love new friends.”
Jensen tugged Gina’s shirt. “Game?”
Eli hesitated.
“I have Minecraft,” he said slowly. “With redstone machines.”
Jensen gasped like Eli just offered him gold.
“Machines!” he yelled.
Jenny clapped excitedly, repeating, “’Chines!”
Gina laughed under her breath. “Yeah. You’re their favorite now.”
Mom appeared last.
Elegant as always. Sunglasses. Linen dress flowing around her like she was stepping out of a luxury magazine ad.
But her smile when she saw Hadley was real.
She crossed the distance and pulled Hadley into a careful, affectionate hug.
“How are you feeling, sweetheart?”
“Tired. But okay.”
Mom touched her cheek gently. “You look radiant. You are just glowing Hadley, hope Cal is taking good care of you.”
Hadley flushed again.
Mom turned to Eli next, resting her hand briefly on his shoulder. “Hello, Eli, right. I’m very happy you came.”
