Chapter 174

Stacey didn’t get home until eight, after a long afternoon at the playground. She paid Marie and Gwen extra for their overtime, then asked them to help with the kids. Both women, comfortable and well-paid at Carter Villa, readily agreed to bathe Lillian, Kevin, and Jeremy. Jeremy’s clothes had arrived half an hour earlier, courtesy of the Hoggard family’s driver. After showering herself, Stacey faced a dilemma: Jeremy, only three, was far too clingy to sleep alone. The memory of his tearful arrival tugged at her heart.

That night, all three children slept in Stacey’s large new bed. Jeremy was ecstatic. He nestled between Lillian and Kevin, remarkably well-behaved. Stacey smiled, pulled out a storybook, and began to read. Lillian, ever lively, peppered her with questions, much to Kevin’s quiet disapproval. He gently tugged at his sister to let Stacey continue. Jeremy, captivated by Becky’s storytelling, listened quietly, his joy evident.

After the story, the children settled down. Jeremy, however, lingered on the scent of Stacey’s body wash, a comforting, motherly fragrance. He pressed his lips together, a silent vow forming. Stacey, unaware of his thoughts, soon saw all three asleep. She switched off the light and drifted off herself, though not for long.

Kevin’s need for the bathroom roused her. As she returned him to bed, she heard crying. Jeremy was sobbing softly. “Jeremy?” she whispered, gently nudging him. “What’s wrong?”

His tear-filled eyes met hers. Stacey carefully wiped them away. “Bad dream?” she asked softly, handing him her writing tablet. He hesitated. Stacey waited, sensing his reluctance. Finally, she leaned down, kissing him gently. “Don’t be afraid,” she murmured. “I’ll stay with you.”

Jeremy nodded. Stacey kissed his forehead. “Go back to sleep.”

Kevin watched, his curiosity piqued. Stacey, soothing Jeremy, noticed Kevin’s intense gaze. Her heart jumped. “Kev, sleep,” she whispered, gently pushing him down.

Kevin, speechless, rubbed his eyes. He wondered why his eyes didn’t water like Lillian’s or Jeremy’s. If I cry, he thought, will Mommy comfort me too?

Stacey, noticing his unusual eye-rubbing, asked, “Kev, is something wrong?”

“No,” he replied honestly. Then, seriously, he asked, “Mommy, why don’t my eyes make water?”

Stacey blinked. “Water?”

Kevin nodded earnestly. “Like Lily and Jeremy. When they cry, Mommy is extra nice!” His words held a child’s raw, unveiled envy.