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“Is everything okay?” Steph asked Hannah with concern.
“I’m fine,” Hannah tried to reassure Steph. “Just work stuff.”
Steph knew her sister far too well to be fooled by Hannah sayingI’m fine. It usually meant she wasn’t, but Hannah didn’t want anyone prying. Steph wasn’t going to push her, but she would try and subtly get it out of Hannah what was bothering her.
“I thought you were on another break from work?” Steph followed Hannah downstairs.
“I am,” Hannah confirmed before changing the subject. “Have you decided whether to hire a car and drive back to Marco Island today?”
“I am going to.” Steph nodded. “Are you sure it’s okay to leave Liam, Jack, and Tammy with you for a week?”
“Of course,” Hannah said. “I’m going to love having them here, and I promise I’ll take excellent care of them. I’ve already cleared it with Lorry for Tammy to be here without you.”
“Oh?” Steph’s eyes widened. “You spoke to Lorry?”
“I called her this morning,” Hannah told her and smiled. “Don’t worry, I didn’t tell her why you were going home. I told her I thought it would be a nice break for you and Max, and Lorry agreed.”
“Thank you, Han.” Steph hugged her sister. “I’m sorry to make you keep my secret about my failing marriage, and you know what else.” She touched her stomach.
“Of course.” Hannah squeezed Steph’s arm. “That’s your news to tell my sister, not mine.”
They walked into the kitchen, where the teenagers were finishing their breakfast. Steph was greeted by a chorus of good mornings and hugs before she settled at the breakfast table and helped herself to some granola.
“What are you three up to today?” Steph asked the teens.
“Aunt Hannah said we could go horseback riding and then surfing,” Liam answered for them.
“That sounds like fun,” Steph said, grinning at their happy faces.
“Do you want to come with us, Aunt Steph?” Tammy asked her.
“No, thanks, honey,” Steph declined and looked around the table. “I need to get back to Marco Island to deal with some hotel stuff.” She lied. “Last night, Hannah agreed that the three of you can stay here with her for another week if you want to.”
“YES!” Liam, Jack, and Tammy chorused happily.
“I guess that settles that!” Hannah laughed and looked at Tammy. “Don’t worry, Tammy. I’ve already spoken to your mom, and she’s happy for you to stay with just me.”
“Thanks, Aunt Hannah.” Tammy sighed in relief. “Mom can be a pain when it comes to who I stay with.”
“She’s only looking out for you, love,” Steph told her.
Tammy nodded and finished her toast before turning to the twins. “Should we go to the stables and wait there for Aunt Hannah?”
“Yeah, great idea, Tam,” Liam said.
“Do you mind, Aunt Hannah?” Jack, always the responsible one, asked.
“Of course,” Hannah told him. “Tell Ryan, the stable manager, that I sent you to choose horses, and I’ll be along as soon as I’ve dropped your mother at the car rental.” She looked at Steph. “It’s only five minutes up the road.”
“I can walk,” Steph said.
“No!” Hannah shook her head emphatically. “Youcannot.”
“I agree with Aunt Hannah, Mom,” Jack backed Hannah up. “You were ill the other day, and you could faint again along the way.”
“Fine!” Steph hugged Jack. “I know when I’m beaten. I’ll let Hannah drive me.”
The twins and Tammy finished their breakfast, and after saying goodbye to Steph, they headed out the back door and toward the stables at the end of Hannah’s garden.
