Chapter 189

Stacey finished washing up, the kids' chatter at the door urging her on. Lillian and Kevin, two tiny cannonballs, flung themselves at her legs the moment she stepped out. She scooped them up.

"Let's go. The bathroom stinks," she declared.

The twins trailed close. Stacey hesitated over the hotel's meal options. Hayden. Should she invite him? Was he awake? After last night's dinner, it seemed rude not to.

"Becky, call Hayden. Let's all eat together," Debra smiled.

Stacey, surprised by her mother's initiative, agreed. Checking the time—after seven, surely not too early—she called.

Hayden's sleepy voice answered. "Becky?"

A raspy note in his voice made Stacey pause. "Did I wake you?"

"No," he mumbled, then, clearer, "I don't have any plans. Give me a few minutes."

Relief washed over Stacey. "My mother wants to invite you to breakfast."

"Great!"

Lillian's eyes shone. "Mom, was that Dad?"

Stacey nodded. Kevin piped up, "I miss Dad! Where's Dad?"

"He's in the other room," Debra reassured them.

"Why wait?" Lillian demanded. Kevin echoed, "Why?"

Stacey sighed, knowing she needed a distraction.

Fortunately, Hayden arrived quickly. A knock, then a flurry of small legs. The twins saw him, and small arms wrapped around his legs.

"Daddy, you're so slow!" Lillian exclaimed.

"Mommy wouldn't let us!" Kevin complained. "She said we'd disturb you!"

Hayden smiled at Stacey, kissing each twin. "Good morning!"

Lillian and Kevin returned his greetings with enthusiastic kisses. Stacey and Debra watched, laughing.

"Everyone's ready! I found a great restaurant last night," Debra announced.

Gwen and Marie appeared with leashes for the energized twins. They bolted outside. Stacey and Debra followed, securing the room.

In the elevator, Lillian's curiosity erupted. "Grandma, what are we eating?"

"Something delicious!" Debra teased.

"How delicious?" Kevin asked seriously.

"Super delicious!"

Lillian's eyes widened. "I want it!" Kevin echoed her.

Debra chuckled, "I'll buy it for you." This trip needed to be fun.

"Daddy wants it too!" Lillian declared. "And Mommy! Grandma! Everyone!"

Kevin agreed, adding, "Yeah! Mom, Dad, Grandma, and Kevin!"

Lillian quickly added, "Me too!"

Laughter filled the small elevator. Hayden felt a warmth spread through him.

On the ground floor, several cars waited. One wasn't enough, so Debra sent Gwen and Marie off in another, leaving Stacey, Hayden, and the twins together. Hayden smiled; Debra's subtle maneuver wasn't lost on him.