Chapter 177
Up close, she saw something in his eyes she rarely noticed–real honesty and a glimpse behind his perfect mask. The roses smelled amazing as her heart started beating faster, a strange warmth spreading through her chest,
Trying not to smile, she said, “Since you brought flowers all the way over here, I’ll let it go this time. She pointed at him. “Change my treatment plans again, though, and we’ll have problems.”
A smile ghosted across Adam’s mouth, his eyes warming. “Crystal clear, Doctor.
Their eyes met, and something sparked between them–something neither was ready to talk about yet.
Joseph materialized from his study, vintage teacup in hand. He took in the doorway scene, eyebrow climbing as his gaze moved between them.
The old man understood immediately. Maybe this Haven kid’s got more substance than I thought, Joseph mused. I haven’t seen a connection like that in decades.
Joseph cleared his throat with zero subtlety.
Irene jumped like she’d been caught with her hand in the cookie jar. I should put these in water, she mumbled, turning away quickly
When Irene reappeared, the triplets–smelling victory in the air–swapped looks, green–lighting phase two.
“Guys! Massive news!” Lucas exclaimed. “Epic fireworks show at Silver Beach tonight! City birthday bash!”
Lily bounced excitedly. “Fireworks! Colors going boom everywhere!”
Alex slid in smoothly. “Uncle, flowers are cool, but real apologies need action.”
Lucas hit his mom with puppy eyes. “Please? We haven’t seen any since moving home!”
Irene read her kids like a billboard but couldn’t fight the smile. “This whole thing was a setup, wasn’t it?”
Lily planted hands on hips. “Everyone says they’re the best fireworks in the country!”
“Besides,” Alex added, “it’s actually punishment for Uncle Adam. Wheelchair plus sand equals total workout.”
Adam laughed a rare sound. “Sand and wheels don’t mix. But I’m game for this punishment.”
Joseph set down his cup. “Nothing beats a good fireworks show. Used to catch them all the time.” He leveled a look at Adam. “Bet your calendar doesn’t make room for stuff like this much, does it?”
“Excel doesn’t schedule fun,” Adam replied with a small smile.
All work makes Jack a dull boy,” the old man chuckled. “You young people need to get out more.”
The triplets swarmed Joseph. “Come too, Great–gramps!”
Joseph patted Lily’s head. “This old–timer’s sitting this one out. Beach winds and ancient bones don’t mix.”
Irene hesitated. “The crowds though… All that noise might mess with your recovery…”
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Chapter 177
“Doc, my legs can survive son exploding gunpowder, Adam countered.
Irene caved under the four–way assault. “Fine. But my treatment kit coming with us.”
The triplets bolted upstairs to change, leaving sudden silence in the wake.
Irene arranged the sprawling bouquet. “Thanks for these… they’re pretty spectacular.”
“Don’t make a habit of apologizing,” Adam admitted. “Thomas swore flowers were the express lane to forgiveness.”
Irene spun around, startling at his closeness. “They work. But next time, doctor’s orders are basically the law.”
His eyes locked on hers. “Message received. Your medical calls–I’m Hands off.”
She caught the dark circles under his eyes. “You look like you didn’t sleep much either.”
“I didn’t,” Adam admitted. “Kept wondering if I should have woken you up after all.”
That vulnerability hit her right in the chest, her anger evaporating faster than she wanted to admit.
Suddenly, Sparkle called out: “Handsome guy!”
The triplets thundered downstairs. “Ready to roll!”
Thomas appeared in the doorway. “Chariot awaits.”
Adam turned toward the door, looking back at Irene. “Ready for some fireworks, Doctor?”
She snagged her jacket, fighting a smile. “Let’s do this.”
From the window, Joseph watched them leave. Those two, he thought with a smile, might make some fireworks of their own tonight.
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