Chapter 53 Stay
Alyssa nodded obediently. “I remember, you are Mommy’s dearest and best friend, hello Ms. Wales, hello Mr. Rhode.”
Sarah was utterly charmed by Alyssa’s cuteness. She scooped Alyssa onto her lap, unable to let go. “Rachel, she’s just like you when you were little.”
Nick sat quietly to the right of Rachel. “Mr. Rhodes, Ms. Wales.”
Sarah couldn’t help gushing as she looked at Nick. “He’s got serious model potential. Rachel, your genes are doing great work.”
Up front, Harry was driving. He chuckled and glanced at the rearview mirror. “Careful, Sarah -wipe the drool before you scare the kids.”
That finally broke the tension in the air.
For a moment, Rachel was able to set her worries aside.
Back at the apartment, Harry and Sarah began bonding with the kids. Thanks to all the stories Rachel had told them growing up, Alyssa and Nick already felt like they knew her longtime friends, and warmed up to them quickly.
That was why Sarah said, “These two snuck all the way to Guardia because they couldn’t stand being away from you–sending them off tomorrow would break the hearts. And come on, we’ve only just started getting to know them.”
Rachel sipped her water, looking troubled.
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Harry, ever the practical one, added, “Rachel’s work here probably won’t give her the time to look after Alyssa and Nick properly.”
Sarah patted her chest. “You’ve got me! I have a flexible job. Why don’t I take the kids to my studio, and when I’m home, I’ll look after them? If you’re free after work, you can come by too. Surely the three of us adults can find time to care for two little ones?”
Nick seized the moment and shot Alyssa a look.
Catching Nick’s cue, Alyssa immediately threw herself into Rachel’s arms, acting cute. “Mommy, I don’t want to be apart from you. I really like Ms. Wales and Mr. Rhodes, too. Nick and I will be good, and we won’t run off. Please let us stay. We do our homework every day, we promise we won’t cause you any trouble.”
Sarah’s heart melted at Alyssa’s pleading.
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Chapter 53 Stay
“Don’t send them away, Rachel. Let them stay for now.”
Nick stood where he was, looking up at Rachel. “Mommy, I’ll take care of Allie. We won’t wander off.”
Rachel stayed silent. She hadn’t agreed yet.
The thought that Zane knew where they lived–and could show up at any time–made her hesitate. If the kids were to stay here, it just wasn’t safe.
Suddenly, Harry spoke up. “You know, this apartment’s way too small. If Alyssa and Nick are really staying, there just isn’t enough space. Rachel, what do you think about moving somewhere else?”
That hit right on Rachel’s concern.
Sarah caught on immediately. “Let’s do it–tonight! I’ve got a new place I haven’t even moved into yet. Plenty of rooms for all of you.”
Harry, ever the voice of reason, added calmly, “Things are still a bit unstable out there. Sending the kids overseas right now might not be the safest option. For now, let’s take turns watching them. Once things settle down, we can figure out a long–term plan.”
Rachel took a deep breath, already starting to waver.
Alyssa pressed on. “Mommy, I want to sleep with you every night. I want you to tell me bedtime stories. The ones Nick tells are really boring.”
Nick thought to himself that he’d forgive Alyssa for that comment for the sake of staying with Rachel.
In the end, Rachel relented. “Alright, let’s move.”
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Chapter 54 Nick’s Secret Plan
