The front door had barely opened when three small blurs launched themselves at Irene.
Mom! Lily crashed into her legs, nearly toppling her backward. Lucas and Alex weren’t far behind, their faces a mix of relief and leftover worry.
“Careful with her feet, Adam cautioned as Irene winced slightly. “Your mom’s a little banged up.”
The triplets immediately stepped back, eyes wide as they took in the bandages on Irene’s feet and the fading marks on her wrists.
“What happened?‘ Alex’s glasses slid down his nose as he peered at her injuries.
“Did the bad people hurt you?” Lucas asked, his voice small.
Irene knelt down, gathering them close despite the pain. “I’m okay, just some scratches. Nothing that won’t heal.”
“Did you fight them off?” Lily’s eyes gleamed with excitement. “Like in the movies?”
“Something like that.” Irene exchanged glances with Adam, both agreeing silently to spare the kids the scarier details.
Joseph appeared in the living room doorway, leaning heavily on his cane. His weathered face relaxed visibly at the sight of Irene.
“About time you two figured things out,” he said, eyes twinkling as he took in their proximity. “Thought I’d have to lock you both in
a room.”
Adam rolled his eyes. “Good morning to you too, old man.”
The triplets‘ heads whipped back and forth between the adults, picking up on the undercurrent immediately.
“Wait.” Lucas stepped forward, eyes narrowing suspiciously. “Are you and Uncle Adam…?“.
“Finally!” Alex threw his hands up. “We’ve been working on this forever!”
Lily bounced on her toes. “Does this mean Uncle Adam will live with us now? Or are we moving to his house?”
Irene’s mouth fell open. “Hold on–what do you mean you’ve been working on this‘?”
The kids exchanged guilty looks before Lucas spoke up. “We had a plan. Operation Mom and Adam.”
“With Thomas and Ethan,” Alex added matter–of–factly. “They’re on our team too.”
“And Grandpa Joseph,” Lily piped in. “He said you were perfect for each other ages ago.”
Thomas, who’d been quietly bringing in Irene’s things, suddenly became fascinated with his phone. “I have no idea what they’re talking about,” he muttered unconvincingly.
Irene looked from her children to Joseph, who didn’t even try to hide his smug smile, to Thomas, who was failing spectacularly at appearing innocent,
“You’ve all been plotting behind our backs?” she asked, not sure whether to laugh or be mortified.
“Not plotting,” Alex pushed his glasses up. “Strategic relationship facilitation.”
- 1.
Chapter 342
Adam snorted. “Where’d you learn that phrase?”
“Thomas taught us,” all three answered in unison.
Adam shot his assistant a look that promised future retribution. Thomas suddenly remembered urgent business in the car.
Brandon appeared at the top of the stairs, hair still mussed from sleep. “What’s with all the noise- Irene! He took the steps two at a time. “Jesus, what happened?”
As Adam gave Brandon a condensed version of events, the triplets huddled together, whispering excitedly.
“It worked,” Lucas hissed. “All our plans worked!”
Operation successful!” Alex agreed, adjusting his glasses importantly
Lily twirled in a little victory dance. “We’re gonna be a real family now!”
Wesley wandered in from the kitchen, coffee mug in hand. He took one look at Adam and Irene, raised an eyebrow, then simply said, “About time.” Then, glancing at Irene’s bandaged feet: “You okay?”
“I’ll be fine.” She smiled gratefully at his concern.
Brandon cleared his throat, looking uncharacteristically serious. “So, you two are…” He made a vague gesture between them.
“Yes,” Adam said simply, no hesitation.
Brandon studied them both for a moment before a genuine smile broke across his face. “Well, damn. First smart decision you’ve made in years, Haven.”
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