His Unexpected Twins. Carrie Nichols

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      Brody had that same look Riley got when he talked about Meg. Ha, maybe it was something in the Loon Lake water. “And so you started the camp?”

      “Camp Life Launch started as Mary’s idea, but I guess you could say I took it and ran with it. Some of the guys I served with in the army are pitching in and we’ve even talked about doing something for returning veterans who might want to help with the kids or simply be surrounded by nature. You’d be surprised how calming watching the night sky or a pair of alpacas snacking on carrots and enjoying the sunshine can be.”

      Liam nodded and an idea struck him. Something Craig had said. “Sounds like something these kids might benefit from, too. Ellie says it can be hard for them to just be children, even after the cancer is under control.”

      Brody wiped a hand over his mouth. “You might have something there. The older ones might even enjoy volunteering as counselors to younger ones, show ’em life-after-cancer stuff. Kevin and Danny, those two boys your sister and brother-in-law were helping out, have turned into a valuable resource helping with some of our youth campers. I’ll definitely talk to Mary about it.”

      Just then, Brody’s curly-haired boy toddled up to Liam. “Alley-oop,” he said, thrusting his arms up and balancing on his toes.

      “Alley-oop?” Liam shook his head and looked to Brody for help.

      Brody chuckled and ruffled his son’s hair. “Sorry, big guy, I don’t think Liam understands Elliott Speak.”

      The boy bounced on his toes. “Alley-oop, alley-oop.”

      Brody glanced at Liam and laughed. “He’s saying ‘Elliott, up.’ He’s asking you to pick him up.”

      “Oh, okay, that I can do.” Liam bent down and picked up the smiling toddler. He settled Elliott on his hip. “Have you been trying to keep up with the other kids? I think James is more your speed since he’s still new to this whole walking gig.”

      “Won’t be long before James will be running around, too.” Brody laughed as he leaned over and chucked his son’s chin. “Mary and I have started discussing giving this guy a brother or sister. We’ve been immersed in getting Camp Life Launch going this past year but things are settling down.”

      “Alley Daddy.” The boy bounced up and down in Liam’s arms.

      “Yeah, that’s your dad.” Liam hung on to the agile toddler. Warmth spread across his chest at the feel of the toddler’s sturdy weight in his arms. Holding Elliott had him thinking of what it would be like to have his own family. “You want to go back to him now?”

      Elliott gave Liam a grin and pointed. “Alley Daddy.”

      Liam handed him over to Brody and the toddler threw his arms around Brody’s neck.

      “Alley Daddy.” The toddler rubbed his face on Brody’s shirt.

      “I sure am, big guy.” Brody rubbed the boy’s back and turned to Liam. “He hasn’t mastered his name yet.”

      Liam laughed. “I just got Fiona to say Liam and now James is calling me Meem.”

      “Meg is practically glowing these days. I’m so glad to see her happily settled.”

      “Yeah, I guess Riley has been good for her.”

      “Well, I know Mary and Elliott are the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” Brody shook his head as if in wonderment. “And I have a feeling this camp will be, too. If you ever want to stop by, feel free. Although I can’t promise we won’t put you to work.”

      “I may just do that,” Liam said. Brody had the same glow of happiness as Meg. Would he ever be so lucky as to find such contentment? An image of Ellie came to mind and even the specter of her cancer returning couldn’t chase it away.

      “Thanks again for all the help. You should come back on carnival night and see everyone enjoying all your hard work.”

      Brody strolled over to Mary, who waved to Liam. Brody said something to her and leaned down and gave her a kiss.

      “Hey, I see you’re fitting right in.” Ellie came to stand next to him.

      “Fitting in?”

      “Talking to Craig. He’s been wanting to meet you ever since I told him I knew a real live fireman.” Ellie hooked her arm through his. “Of course I was referring to your dad, but I guess you’ll do.”

      “Hey.” He drew his brows together and scowled, but his lips twitched with the need to grin.

      “Did he ask about the job?”

      “Yeah. He said his mom was trying to talk him out of it, but he’s kinda young for her to be worried already.” Liam leaned down and filled his nose with her scent.

      “Things change when kids get cancer, and his mom has had a tendency to hover since his diagnosis. Firefighting can be considered a dangerous job.”

      Sure, but unlike cancer, he was in charge. “Yeah, I told him about all the training and safety equipment. I’d love to try to set something up locally if he wanted to visit the firehouse.”

      “That’s really sweet of you. Thanks.” She squeezed his arm. “What were you and Brody talking about?”

      “He was telling me about the summer camp they’ve set up at their farm. When he said they had youths who’d turned their lives around act as counselors, I suggested kids like Craig might be interested in something like that, too. Maybe even act as advisers or counselors to children still going through that.”

      Her eyes widened. “You did that?”

      “Yeah, why?” He tried to shrug it off, but the fact that she seemed pleased made his stomach swoop like it had on the day he’d shed his probie status with the department.

      “I think that’s a great idea. Thanks so much for suggesting it to Brody.” She gave him a strangely amused smile.

      Warmth rose in his face. How could he have been so oblivious? “You’ve already suggested it to him?”

      She patted his chest. “Doesn’t mean it’s not a great idea, and I appreciate you taking an interest.”

      He grunted. “Are you patronizing me?”

      She looked genuinely hurt and he regretted his accusation.

      “Absolutely not,” she said before he could apologize. “Mary and Brody offered to give me a ride home so you won’t have to go out of your way to take me back. Your sister’s place is in the other direction.”

      “I brought you. I take you home,” he said, and scowled.

      “Okay.” She checked her watch. “It’s still early. How about if I make some popcorn and we watch a movie? That is, if...if you want to.”

      He draped an arm over her shoulder. “I’d love to.”

      * * *

      Ellie СКАЧАТЬ