Felix grimaced.“Well, technically, the network leases transponders all the time.Because this is breaking international, I obtained access to more along a broader spectrum so our commlinks will be unimpeded.”
“And also to get the news out that the mainstream American news is neglecting,” Julia said darkly, and the crew winced.
“Yeah,” Liam agreed.“Sorry, you lot, but your networks are embarrassing right now.”
“We know,” Lucius said, sounding depressed.“Believe me, we know.”
“So, yay Dad for the patriotic news coup,” Josh said dryly.“And let’s hear it for transponders in new places.”
“And for work to do,” Danny said.He glanced at Josh and Liam apologetically.“You’re staying at the mansion tonight?”
“Yeah,” Josh said, and Liam tried not to let his disappointment show because he’d harbored a deep hope for one more night in the apartment, alone.“We’ll be at the family workout tomorrow.”
“Excellent.”Danny rubbed his hands together like a happy goblin.“We work best in gestalt, children, and I can’t say I’m not counting on the lot of you to think us up a miracle.”
At that point Julia let outthemostamazingyawn, and the entire assembly stopped to stare at her as it seemed to devour all of her person, energy and all.When she was done, Leon cupped her elbow and said, “Ahem.”
She gave him a beseeching look, but he shook his head.“We have anagreement,” he enunciated.“Besides.”His dark eyes—much like Josh’s but older, more calculating, though still a handsome, depthless brown—swept the assembly.“I think we’re ready to break up for the evening.It’s time for everybody to get to their computers and analyze information, and time for you to rest.”
“I am perfectly capable of—”
Leon kissed her, right there, and Liam watched as Josh’s mother melted in his arms.
When he pulled back, he cocked his head, and Julia seemed to wilt against him.“That will not always work,” she said crossly.
“No, it will not,” he agreed.“So I’m taking advantage while I have it.Good night, everybody.”
She gave him a droll glance but allowed him to shepherd her up the stairs with a good-night wave.As soon as they were gone, the happy gossip began.
“Did you know?”Molly asked Josh.
“No,” Josh said.“But I feel stupid for not.”
“You’re going to have asibling!”she practically squealed.“And Grace, you too!”
Grace wore a transported look.“More babies to sit on!”he said happily.“And we can take the new squashed baby to Michael’s house, andthose kidscan sit on it.It will besquashed baby soup!”
“This baby will be more superbaby than Josh!”Stirling said, sounded excited.“We’ll teach it electronics—”
“And languages and art!”Tienne added.
“And cars!”Michael said.
“Andtheater,” Molly added.
“And safety,” Carl muttered.“And Chuck, we know you’re teaching all the kids to drive.”
Chuck let out a maniacal laugh that everybody joined in on.
When it had faded, and Liam felt the tiredness of what was becoming a late evening settle in his bones, Josh turned to Danny and Felix.
“You guys, did she mean it?I mean, I know Leon’s a good dad, but… you guys.”And for the first time Liam heard the forlorn note of the little boy Josh was trying so hard not to be.“You… you three weremyparents.You’re all… you know, still a team, right?”
Both of his fathers met his gaze.“Yes, son,” Felix said softly.“She… I mean, she begged us to stay here with her, but I think as things get going, she’ll probably cling to Leon and Danny, and I will join you all out in the world.But as for being parents together?Yes.I… what we’ve forged as a family—it’s quite unique.”He glanced around the room.“And that goes for all of you.Since March of last year, our family has grownsomuch.There’s most assuredly room for one more.I….”He swallowed, obviously trying not to be emotional, and Danny took over.
“We’ll stay family,” he said firmly.“And I suspect we’ll stay in the game.But right here, this place, will always be open to you.Your sanctuary.Your home.Whenever you all need it.”His lips twitched in a faint smile.“Back before we met Julia and ever dreamed of a Josh, I dreamed of heists.I dreamed of revenge,” he said with a modest tilt of his head.“I dreamed of riches and art and the ability to have a life full of books and knowledge and fun.I never,everdreamed of the whole of us.I should have, but I didn’t know I could have everything.I like it.”His smile grew in both emotion and mischief.“I’m not letting it go now.”
The meeting broke up after that, each of them to their own quarters.In the past, Liam had managed a guest room, often using one of the dedicated rooms of the folks who’d been staying in their city apartments.But tonight, he and Josh followed Grace and Hunter up the stairs, and instead of peeling off to their room, Grace grabbed Hunter’s hand and led him to Josh’s suite.
