Life (and Other Things Like It)

Chapter 26

Mike opened the door. "Take off your shoes."

Maddie slipped off her shoes. "Hi, puppy!"

Ozzie yipped at her as Cooper came from his hiding place.

"Hi, new puppy!" Maddie set her luggage down and petted both dogs.

Mike shut the door behind them. "Are you sure you don't want to put your stuff across the hall at Marce's and Mal's?"

"It can wait." Maddie stood up. "Where's Mercy and Lucy?"

"Out shopping."

"You said that already. Why aren't they back yet?"

"It usually lasts a while."

"Why?!"

"Because they go to so many different places. Plus they drop off and collect dry cleaning."

"Ugh! Where's Beth and Rae? Then we'll go see Mal and the twins."

Mike shook his head with a rueful smile at his baby sister. She was definitely spoiled. "Alright. Let's go."

They went deeper into the house and came across Puck and Finn in the den, studying. Beth and Raven were playing on the floor by them.

"Hi!" Maddie shouted.

"Tia Mad!" Beth climbed to her feet and ran over.

Maddie scooped her up. "Hi, Beth!"

Raven turned over and crawled to Maddie. She pulled herself up by gripping Maddie's leggings.

"Hi, Rae!" Maddie scooped her up, too.

Raven blew bubbles.

"Hi, Tio Mi!" Beth waved to Mike.

"Hi, Beth!" Mike took her from Maddie. "How's it going?"

"Rae and I are playing quiet."

"Quiet?"

"Yeah. Papa and Finn are reading."

"I see. That's boring, huh?"

Beth nodded. "They're not reading to us."

"They should be ashamed of themselves. Making you girls be quiet while they do boring stuff."

Puck raised an eyebrow. "I can't wait for you and Tina to have kids."

"Me either." Mike set Beth on her feet.

Maddie kissed all over Raven's face as the baby giggled. "Let's go see the twins now."

"Twins?!" Beth grew excited.

"What about us?" Finn asked.

"What about you?" Maddie lifted her nose.

"You know about the prank." His heart sank.

"Humph!" She turned her back on him.

"But she forgave me for that."

"She did but I haven't!"

"Come on, Mad." Mike prodded her.

"She's just being nice for some reason."

"When is she ever nice?"

"Don't talk about my big sister!"

"Oh stop. Come on. Let's go see the twins. Mickey will surely like to show off the puppies."

"Okay!" Maddie grew excited.

"Papa?" Beth gave him large wounded eyes.

Puck's shoulders slumped. "What?"