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Fifty-Eight
Noah didn’t know if he believed the guy.
Somehow Robin just…took over. She was good at that.
Well, Linsey and Jude were probably supposed to be in charge, but they let Robin be.
He kind of got the idea that they agreed with what Robin was saying.
Were on her and Nick’s side.
Chandler offered to take the twins and Becky outside, saying the fewer ears listening to this the better.
Nova wasn’t budging. Everyone could see that. She was clinging to Robin like he’d seen an octopus do on a nature video in school last week. Kind of like Becky was him.
Becky was a little like having another baby sister, that was for sure. He peeled her arms off his neck. “It’s ok, Beckers, I promise. Go with Chandler. We’ll play with your blocks in a little bit. We’ll build them really high this time.”
“No! Me stay with you, too.” Her arms went right back where they were. She glared at the bald guy—everybody glared at the bald guy, apparently.
She looked just like Robin right then. Who was also glaring at the bald guy.
She was on Noah’s side, too.
Nick reached over and scooped Becky out of Noah’s arms.
Chandler was ready. He carried a crying Becky out, after the twins. Becky was crying for Noah, like Nova did sometimes.
Then it was just Noah, this uncle he didn’t know, Nova, Robin—and the people who held his life in their hands.
Nick’s hand landed on his shoulder, and he pulled Noah closer.
Noah looked up at him. “Did you mean it?”
“Mean what exactly? I’ve meant everything I’ve ever said to you. I don’t want you to go anywhere. And if I have to, I’ll fight in the courts to keep you. But…I think you’re old enough to have a say in what happens in your life. So…now…is your time to say what you need to say. And I promise we will listen.”
“You said that. That first night. When we ate pizza. That you’d be a fair dad. And would always listen to us.”
“I’ve tried to. Tried to be fair and listen. I don’t know if I’ve been doing a good job, though. I do know that…the world is a lot more fun, having you and Nova with me in it. I feel like I matter more when I’m with you guys. And with Robin and her kids. They fit right here, too.” Nick touched his heart. The man was a bit sappy at times. Always talking about how he felt and stuff.
“Yeah. It does feel a little more insane with the clone dorks around.”
“No kidding. We want you here, Noah. Don’t ever forget that. We’ll find a way to make this work. You have my word on that. I promise.”
