Several of them are under another staff member’s supervision, and the second Zain parks, Penny sees me.
“Miss Kaia!”
Three small bodies come running.
I barely close the truck door before Penny wraps both arms around my waist.
“You didn’t die!”
I look down at her. “Good morning to you too.”
“My mom said your house burned.”
“Your mom is very informed.”
Theo stops beside her and looks at Zain, then at me, then back at Zain.
His eyes narrow.
I know that look. It is the look of a child about to ruin my life.
“Did you get married?”
I choke.
Zain goes completely still beside me.
“What?”
Theo points between us. “You came together.”
“That is not how marriage works.”
Penny gasps.
“You live with Chief Carson now.”
I stare at her. “How do you know that?”
“My mom knows everything.”
Of course she does.
Another child, Sophie, joins the group.
“Did you get married because your house burned down?”
“No.”
Theo frowns. “Then why do you live with him?”
“It’s temporary.”
Penny nods with deep seriousness.
“That is how my aunt got married.”
I close my eyes.
