Chapter 188

Stacey and Debra exchanged a few words in the lobby, overheard by Stacey's daughter. Stacey quietly closed the door behind them. Debra, with a knowing smile, turned to Stacey. "It's late. Let's shower and get ready for tomorrow's launch."

"Yes!" Stacey exclaimed, her worries forgotten.

Gwen and Marie bathed Lillian and Kevin. Stacey showered in her own room; their suite had multiple bathrooms. Soon, Lillian and Kevin, in fluffy nightgowns, bounced into Stacey's room.

Stacey, despite having hired help, preferred to tuck her children in. After goodnights with Debra, Lillian and Kevin’s eager eyes practically begged for a story.

"Tell us a story!" Lillian chirped.

"Me too!" Kevin echoed.

Stacey gathered them under the covers and opened their favorite book. Her voice lulled them, and soon both children slept. Stacey continued softly, then closed the book, settling down herself. Just as she drifted off, Kevin sat bolt upright.

"Kevin?" Stacey asked, startled.

Kevin frowned. "Mom, you didn't finish the story."

Stacey sighed inwardly but gently coaxed him back down, rereading the story. Her own eyelids grew heavy, but Kevin’s expectant gaze kept her going. Finally, she finished. "All done!"

"Okay," he murmured, snuggling deeper.

Stacey arranged the covers, turned off the light, and settled down. Then, "Mom, I can't sleep," Kevin whispered.

"I want another story!" he insisted, his eyes sparkling.

Stacey was exhausted, but his earnest gaze won her over. Three stories later, Kevin finally slept. Stacey switched off the light and promptly fell asleep herself. But the peace was short-lived. Lillian cried out, "Mom, I wanna pee!"

Stacey sprang up, quickly taking Lillian to the bathroom.

The next morning, Stacey woke with dark circles under her eyes. Gwen and Marie arrived to help. After the children were ready, Stacey freshened up. Excited chatter from the living room revealed the twins had already found their grandmother.

Lillian and Kevin knocked excitedly on Debra's door. Debra, startled awake, opened it.

"Grandma, wake up!" Lillian declared.

Kevin, noticing Debra's pajamas, declared, "It's good to go to bed early and get up early!"

Debra chuckled, pinching Kevin's cheek. "You're quite the little teacher."

Debra went to dress while Lillian and Kevin explored her room. Their excitement led them to Stacey's room. Finding it empty, they heard noises from the bathroom and pounded on the door. "Mom, what are you doing?"

Stacey chuckled. Kevin pushed at the door.

"Lillian, Kevin, don't," Stacey called, "I'll be out soon."

"What are you doing?" Kevin asked.

Before Stacey could answer, Lillian shouted, "Grandma's up!"

Stacey, startled, replied, "Yes, she is."

"But she's still in her pajamas," Kevin complained, adding, "She went to change."