"Jeremy, honey, why are you still up?" Stacey smiled.

Jeremy shook his head. "No." His voice was flat.

Stacey knelt, her smile softening. "Your dad and I are going to the supermarket. Want to come?"

Jeremy's eyes lit up. He nodded eagerly. "Let's go!" Stacey beamed at Hayden.

"Okay," Hayden chuckled.

Stacey raced upstairs, grabbed her bag, and touched up her lipstick. Downstairs, Hayden stood with Jeremy, Lillian, and Kevin, their faces alight with excitement. Stacey felt a pang of amusement. Just a grocery trip, she thought, and everyone's this thrilled? Still, leaving the kids, even with Gwen and Marie, felt wrong. Remembering her own childhood scare, she decided a family outing was preferable.

They headed out. Lillian and Kevin clipped on their toddler leashes. "Why doesn't Jeremy have one?" Lillian asked.

Hayden looked at Jeremy. "I forgot his. We'll get one at the store."

Jeremy frowned. "I…" He struggled for words. I don't need a leash! he thought. Hayden's gaze was unwavering. Jeremy knew better than to argue.

Stacey’s expression turned serious. "Even though you're three, you're still a child, Jeremy. What if someone…?" A memory flickered in her eyes. "I got lost when I was three. Jeremy, safety is important. Listen to your dad."

Hayden's eyes softened, a shared memory with Stacey passing between them. "Let's go," he said gently.

Jeremy remained unconvinced at first, but Becky's story changed his mind. He’d always known about her abduction. Sharon often spoke of what might have been. Quietly, he grabbed a leash at the supermarket and placed it in the cart. Stacey and Hayden exchanged smiles.

Stacey held out her hand. Jeremy, slightly confused, tilted his head. "I'll hold your hand so you don't get lost," she explained.

His eyes sparkled. "Yes!" He squeezed her hand. Stacey felt a surge of warmth.

"Me too!" Kevin yelled, scrambling towards them. Lillian echoed him. Stacey sighed. Managing Jeremy was one thing; two toddlers was another.

"What to do?" she exclaimed.

Hayden chuckled, instructing Gwen and Marie, "Grab two more carts."

Stacey's eyes brightened. The carts had child seats—perfect for Lillian and Kevin. The toddlers, fascinated by their new vehicles, forgot about holding hands. Jeremy, relieved, preferred being with Stacey anyway.

Hayden and Gwen each pushed a cart while Stacey held Jeremy's hand. "Anything you want, Jeremy?" she asked.

"Yes," he nodded eagerly. His frequent use of the word amused her.

Lillian and Kevin, enthralled by the colorful packages, grabbed everything in sight. Hayden and Gwen quietly returned the unwanted items. It was chaotic, but strangely fun.