Jackson and Kyle nodded even as their little chins quivered. They’d had a tough, emotional day and needed to get some rest before school in the morning.
“What do you say we get you guys home?” Jace asked.
“There’s ice cream in the freezer for good lads who do what they’re told and behave for Jace and his friend Cindy,” Seamus said.
“We already had ice cream,” Kyle said.
Jackson nudged his brother, as if to say, Shut up, will you?
“I don’t think there’s ever been a better night for a second scoop of ice cream,” Seamus said. “Don’t you agree, Jace?”
“Absolutely. What do you say, guys?”
Jackson looked up at Seamus. “You promise you’ll be back?”
Seamus hugged the little guy and then his brother. “Wild horses couldn’t keep us away from you two monkeys. Caro and I will FaceTime you after school tomorrow so you can see for yourselves that she’s fine, okay?”
“Okay,” Kyle said, still seeming reluctant to leave Seamus.
Who could blame him? Seamus and Carolina had provided stability since their mother’s tragic death.
“They have to be to school by eight ten,” Seamus said. “We get them up around seven fifteen because they’re slow in the morning. They know where their school clothes are kept and how to get dressed on their own. They like cereal and juice for breakfast, and their lunches are already packed in the fridge. Look at what Caro packed for them so you know what to do for the next day. I’ll call the school and let them know what happened so you can pick them up at three. If you have any problems at all, call our friends Big Mac and Linda McCarthy.” He handed Jace a slip of paper. “That’s their number. They’ve raised a bunch of kids and will know what to do in any situation.” Seamus took a deep breath. “I can’t think of anything else you should know off the top of my head, but if I do, I’ll text you.”
“We got it,” Jace said. “Try not to worry.”
“My nerves are shot seeing my Caro hurt so bad.”
“I’m sure, but she’s going to be okay, and the boys will be, too. Guys, this is my friend Cindy. Cindy, this is Jackson and Kyle.”
She shook hands with them. “It’s so nice to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you guys.”
“You’re pretty,” Jackson said, giving her a goofy smile.
“Thank you,” Cindy said, amused by the comment.
“Isn’t she?” Jace smiled at Cindy as Seamus handed him the keys to his truck. “We’ll take good care of them while you take care of Carolina.”
“Thanks for this, mate. I owe you.”
“No, you don’t. It’s my pleasure.”
“There are sheets for our bed in the hall closet. Make yourselves at home.”
“Don’t worry about a thing.” Jace herded the boys out of the clinic and unlocked the truck as they ran ahead to jump into the back seat. “Should I let them do that? Run into a parking lot that way?”
“At this time of day, it’s not a problem. There’s no one else around.”
“I have no freaking clue what I’m doing.”
“You’ll figure it out like everyone else does when they’re tossed into it.”
When they got in the truck, Jace glanced at the boys in the mirror. “Everyone buckled in?”
“Yep,” Kyle said.
As he drove them home on dark island roads, he was glad he’d taken the time to renew his driver’s license when he got out of prison. He hoped he could handle the enormous responsibility he’d been entrusted with. Cindy was right—at least they were older and could help him fumble through. Although the magnitude of what Lisa had taken on when he’d suddenly disappeared from their lives occurred to him once again. He felt guiltier than ever, now that the boys were under his care for the first time ever.
As daunting as this was for him, it would be a hell of a lot easier than caring for and supporting two toddlers—alone—like she’d had to.