Coming Home (Sequel to This Time Around)

Chapter Twelve

CHAPTER TWELVE

McKenna bent over Nicholas' crib to rest her hand on his chest, smiling at the gentle rise and fall. It was silly, but she couldn't help herself. She did the same thing with Selig and Aislinn, and the tradition would continue until the twins were out of danger of SIDS.

"Do you want to hold a mirror under his nose?"

Loki's whisper came from nowhere and she started, but thankfully didn't press down on the baby. "Don't sneak up on me like that," she whispered back, scowling at him over one shoulder. "If you wake him, you walk the floor with him tonight."

Loki tried to look contrite, but she knew him well enough to see the devil in his eyes. He would never lose his affinity for mischief and although she'd cheerfully smack him at times, she wouldn't want him to change that part of his nature, either.

His hand came to rest on her shoulder, his fingers pressing gently into her. "Your oldest is waiting for his good night kisses."

"And then you'll tell me what Tony wanted?"

His smile faded and he nodded. "And then I'll tell you what Tony wanted."

She felt a sigh working its way up from the soles of her feet as she tucked Nicholas' light blanket around him and stepped back. As they left the nursery, she pulled the door by and glanced up at him. "You were awful quiet during dinner. What's the matter?"

"Go tuck Selig in. I'll go open a bottle of wine."

"Oh, boy. I'm really not going to like this, am I?"

"I don't think so."

She let the sigh out and rubbed her forehead. "Okay. I'll be down in a few."

He kissed the top of her head and they went in separate directions, with him heading down the stairs, while she made her way to Selig's room.

He was in bed, a book on his lap, but he closed it as she came in. "Hi, Mommy."

"Hi yourself. What're you reading?"

"Captain Underpants. It's pretty funny."

"I'll bet it is." She sat on the edge of his bed and took a look at the book's back cover. "Captain Underpants and the Preposterous Plight of the Purple-Potty People. Do I even want to know?"

"It's really funny, Mommy."

"Well, it's almost time for lights out. It's almost nine."

He nodded. "Can I read a few more minutes?"

"I suppose." She reached over to brush his hair away from his forehead. "What's the matter, Sel? You look very serious."

"Is Daddy okay?"

"What do you mean?"

"I was trying to tell him what this book was about, but I don't think he was listening." Selig's blue eyes were troubled. "Is he mad at me?"

"I doubt it. Did you do anything for him to be mad?" She waited for Selig to shake his head, then added, "I think it might have something to do with his phone call earlier. But you don't have to worry. Everything is fine."

"What did Uncle Tony want?"

She shrugged. "I haven't a clue. But, you don't need to worry, like I said. So, why don't you read for another fifteen minutes and then get to sleep?"

He didn't look entirely convinced, but nodded. "Okay, Mommy."

She waited for him to sink back into his pillows, then tugged the covers up to his chest. "Sweet dreams, little man. I love you."