Chapter 109
“If you want it, it’s yours.”
“No way. Do you know how rare this is? Medical researchers would kill for access to this.” She cradled it carefully. “I’ll just read it here, if that’s okay.”
With that, she curled into a nearby armchair, immediately lost in the pages. She was completely focused on the text, tuning out everything else.
Adam returned to his work, stealing glances at her total absorption. The quiet between them settled like a comfortable blanket–no need to fill it with words.
The soft light from the lamps warmed the room as night deepened outside. Neither noticed the hours passing, happy in their own activities yet somehow together.
A gentle knock finally broke the spell. Thomas stood at the door, looking apologetic.
“Dr. Sterling? Your kids are here looking for you.”
Irene blinked a few times, suddenly realizing how late it had gotten. Before she could respond, the door burst open wider as three small figures rushed in.
Mom! What are you doing here?” the triplets chorused, surrounding her chair like tiny satellites finding their planet.
Lily yawned hugely, fighting to keep her eyes open even as she clung to Irene’s arm. All three looked like they’d fought hard against sleep just to find her.
“Reading,” Irene explained, smoothing Lucas’s wild bedhead. “Adam has this incredible medical book I’ve been hunting for forever. I completely lost track of time.”
The triplets exchanged looks of total disappointment.
“Reading?” Lucas repeated, his face dropping like a rock. “That’s it?”
Irene raised an eyebrow at their dramatic disappointment. “What did you expect me to be doing?”
Alex and Lucas exchanged sidelong glances while Lily pouted spectacularly.
“Did you at least have fun tonight?” Lucas asked carefully, his tone oddly pointed for a five–year–old.
“I had a great time,” Irene answered honestly, completely missing the scheming looks passing between her children.
Lily tugged her sleeve, voice dropping conspiratorially. “But what did you and Uncle Adam do together?”
“Ate dinner. I read, he worked.” Irene pinched her daughter’s cheek gently. “Normal adult stuff.”
Lucas looked ready to smack his forehead in frustration. Their gorgeous, brilliant mother was absolutely hopeless at this dating thing! They’d given her perfect alone time, and she’d spent it reading a dusty old book?
Seeing their crestfallen expressions, Irene quickly changed subjects, How was your hospital visit? Did you have fun with your uncle?
The triplets instantly perked up like someone had flipped a switch.
1/2
Chapter 109
“Second Uncle showed us his trophy collection!” Lucas bounced despite his drooping eyelids.
And he got me this princess doll from Milan!” Lily added, suddenly wide awake. “It’s so pretty, Mom!”
“He told us all about how he won the championship from last place! Alex’s eyes shone. “None of the other racers thought it was possible–not even him!
As they gushed about Brandon, Irene smiled even as she felt a strange tug in her chest. Something about watching her children get excited about someone else–first Adam, now Brandon–felt like watching bits of their attention shift away from her. It was silly, childish even, but the feeling was there.
“He said next time he’ll show us actual race footage!” Lucas continued excitedly.
“And he knows all these famous racers!” Alex added.
From his desk, Adam watched as the usually quiet study filled with the children’s energy. Something about the scene felt right–the lively chatter filling spaces he hadn’t noticed were empty.
Irene caught his eye over the children’s heads, offering a small, apologetic smile for the interruption. But Adam just nodded, looking surprisingly content with his quiet evening being invaded by three pajama–clad hurricanes.
Some disruptions, it seemed, were worth making space for.
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