Chapter 409
He returned with three small boxes wrapped in silver paper. ‘Been saving these for the right moment.”
The kids tore into the packages, gasping as they pulled out gleaming metal keys with an ornate ‘H‘ engraved on each handle.
“Cool!” Lucas exclaimed, already testing how the key
his hand. “What do these open?”
Adam leaned forward, elbows on the table. “These aren’t just any keys. They’re Haven family keys–one–of–a–kind and impossible to copy. They unlock the main Haven estate where generations of our family have lived.” His voice softened, eyes crinkling at the corners. “Where I grew up, and where you three will always belong.”
“For real?” Alex whispered, suddenly holding his key like it might shatter. “We get to have keys to your actual house?*
“Our house, Adam corrected, glancing at Irene. “The Haven home belongs to all of us now. Those keys mean you’ll always have a place there, no matter what.
Lily twisted in her seat to look from Adam to Irene, brow furrowed. “Are we moving?‘
“Not tomorrow,” Adam said, his eyes finding Irene’s across the table. “But someday, if your mom’s up for it, we might all live there together.”
Irene felt heat rise to her cheeks as every adult at the table pretended not to notice the unspoken question hanging in the air.
Sophia dabbed at the corner of her eye with a napkin. “Those keys,” she said, voice wavering slightly, “are kind of a big deal in our family.” She reached for Marcus’s hand, her diamond catching the light. “My father–in–law gave me one the day Marcus and I got engaged. It means you’re truly one of us now.”
- My Tate me
“The Haven name isn’t about bank accounts or corporate mergers,” Marcus added, nodding at Adam. “It’s about who sits at your table when things get.
tough.”
“See?” Lucas poked Alex triumphantly. “Told you it was about hearts, not money!”
As dinner wound down and plates were cleared, the family naturally broke into smaller groups. Nathan and Marcus huddled over Nathan’s phone, deep in conversation about Sterling Group stock options. Emily perched on the arm of Wesley’s chair, pointing to something on a treatment chart while he nodded thoughtfully.
In the kitchen, Rose approached Irene with cautious steps, like someone crossing thin ice. She cleared her throat softly. “Irene, I just wanted to say thank you.” She twisted her wedding ring nervously. “For trusting us with Joseph’s care. I know it couldn’t have been easy.”
Irene glanced up from loading the dishwasher, her face carefully neutral. “He trusts you. That’s enough for me.”
Rose nodded, accepting the measured response for the progress it represented. “Is there anything specific I should know? About his medications or preferences?”
“His schedule’s on his nightstand,” Irene replied, then hesitated before adding, “And he likes Earl Grey in the afternoons. One sugar cube–never stirred. Just dropped in and left to dissolve.”
‘One sugar cube,” Rose repeated, a small smile warming her face. “I’ll remember that.”
Meanwhile, Adam caught Thomas’s eye and nodded toward the hallway. When they were out of earshot, Adam leaned forward in his chair.
‘Everything set at Dr. Sterling’s research center?” he asked, keeping his voice down.
Thomas’s professional mask slipped into a genuine smile. “Just as you requested, sir. Private suite, all the medical equipment.”
Adam nodded, shoulders relaxing. “Thanks, Thomas. Seriously.”
“If I may, Thomas said, straightening his already–perfect tie, ‘it’s been something special, watching all this unfold.” He gestured vaguely toward the dining room where laughter spilled out. “These kids might trave come up with a ridiculous operation name, but they’re onto something important.”
“They usually are, Adam agreed, watching through the doorway as his children darted between adults, cementing plans with all the seriousness of tiny.
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Chapter 409
diplomats securing international treaties.
Later, as moonlight spilled through the windows, Irene knelt beside the triplets beds. Adam leaned against the doorframe, taking in the scene–three sleepy
gentle hands smoothing back hair from foreheads. faces, stuffed animals clutched tight,
“One story,” she said firmly, reaching for a
worn book. “Then lights out.”
“Two, Lucas countered immediately, a negotiat
to his core.
“Mom?” Alex’s voice cut through their familiar bedtime dance, suddenly serious in the
Irene set the book down, studying their earnest faces. Something shifted in her expression- touched her finger to his nose. “It’s the most thoughtful birthday wish I’ve ever heard.*
the nightlight. “Are you happy about our scheme? For real?”
tness reserved only for them. “I am, sweetheart. She
“And mostly,” Lily yawned, her eyelids growing heavy, “you’ll be alone with Daddy. That’s important.”
Irene glanced toward Adam in the doorway, a soft smile playing on her lips. “Yes, that’s important
As the children drifted toward sleep, Irene pressed gentle kisses to each forehead. “Sweet dreams,
my
little schemers.
She joined Adam in the hallway, closing the door quietly behind her.
“They’re really something,” Adam murmured, drawing her into his arms.
“They are,” Irene agreed, leaning into his embrace. “Operation: Claim Daddy’s Billionaire Empire.” She laughed softly. “Only our children would come up with something so ridiculously perfect.”
Adam’s arms tightened around her, his chin resting atop her head. “Not ridiculous at all,” he corrected. “It’s exactly what they’re rightful place in this family, in this life we’re building together.”
Irene looked up at him, warmth blooming in her chest. “When did you get so wise, Haven?”
doing–claiming their
“Must be the company I keep,” he replied, pressing a tender kiss to her lips. Between you and those three little geniuses, I’m learning something new every day.”
They moved toward their own rooms, still separate but somehow feeling closer than ever before.
“It’s going to be busy,” Irene said softly. “I’ll make you fully on your feet ASAP…”
“And it’s just us,” Adam finished, his eyes holding a promise that sent a pleasant shiver down her spine.
“Just us, she echoed, suddenly feeling both nervous and excited, like standing at the edge of something momentous.
Adam’s smile was gentle. “Goodnight, Irene.”
“Goodnight, Adam.”
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