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“Can I ask you something?” Eli said as they went down the stairs together.
“Sure.”
“Do the twins seem weird to you since I brought Candace home?”
Shit, Scotty thought. He’d wondered if Eli had noticed his siblings’ frosty reaction to his wife. “Maybe a little?”
“It’s more than a little. They won’t even talk to her or look at her. What’s up with that?”
“I think they might be jealous of her.”
Eli stopped short and turned to Scotty. “Why?”
“Um, well… They used to have your full attention. Now they have to share you with someone else.”
Eli rubbed at the stubble on his jaw as he contemplated that. “Aw, jeez. They don’t have to share me. Candace is someone else to love them.”
“They don’t know her well enough to see it that way. Hopefully, in time, they’ll come around, but if you’re asking my advice…”
“I am. Of course I am.”
Scotty felt seven feet tall to have someone like Eli ask for his advice. “I’d be careful not to be too… you know… cozy with her while they’re around. Just until they get used to her.”
“Ah, I see. That’s a good point. We’ll dial back the PDA a bit for now.”
“That’d be good. You know you’re like their whole world, right?”
“Not anymore. You and your parents are as important to them as I am. I get jealous that you guys have so much time with them.”
“But you’re the rock-star older brother when you come home.” Scotty looked up at him, feeling shy when he added, “For all of us.”
Eli gave him a warm smile. “I can never wait to see any of you.”
“Amazing how families are made, huh?”
“It really is, and I’m thankful for you guys every day. I know my babies are well loved here.”
“Don’t let them hear you call them babies.”
Eli laughed. “I won’t. Don’t worry. But that’s what they’ll always be to me. I was thirteen when they were born.”
“I get it.”
Eli gave him a quick hug that took Scotty by surprise. “You’re the best.” He ruffled Scotty’s hair. “I’m glad my babies have you to keep them entertained when I’m not here.”
Scotty fixed his hair, pretending to be annoyed when he was thrilled to be around Eli. “They keep me entertained, too.”
“Here they are. Coming in hot!”
The twins came rushing through the door, dragging backpacks as their detail followed.
“Can we go to the beach now?” Alden shouted when he saw Eli and Scotty waiting for them.
Aubrey dropped to her knees to hug Skippy, who was very patient with them.
“Right now,” Eli said. “Go put your school stuff away and grab your suitcases.”
They went flying up the stairs, screaming with excitement for the weekend adventure.
