He replied a few minutes later, as Jace pressed start on the coffeemaker. She came through the surgery well. They said it was a bad break that’ll take eight to ten weeks to heal completely, but she should make a full recovery and have no lingering issues other than some occasional aches and pains from the break site, thank the Lord.
That’s good news. Happy to hear it, and the boys will be, too.
How are they?
They seem fine, rolling with everything.
Glad to hear it. They said she could be here four days. I can come home before then.
Four days with the boys sounded wonderful to Jace, even though he’d have to find someone to watch them when he worked. No need. I’ve got things covered. Stay with Carolina and take care of her. Do you need me to send anything over on the boats?
That’s good of you, mate. We might need some more clothes and stuff. I’ll let you know.
Anything you need.
Tell the boys we’ll call them tonight and to have a good day at school. I called the school, and they have your number if anything comes up. You’ve been added to the approved pickup list.
Jace had never felt more honored by anything than to be on the approved pickup list at his sons’ school. I’m on it. No worries.
We’re very thankful to you for stepping up for us this way.
And I’m thankful that you asked me. We got this.
He had just put down the phone when Kyle came bursting into the kitchen, fully dressed, his hair combed into submission, his face washed and his backpack on his shoulders. “I win!”
“Wow, my man. Very good job.”
“What’s my prize?”
“I’ll tell you when Jackson comes out.”
Kyle turned around and went after his brother.
“Damn, I’m good at this,” Jace said.
“Are you giving yourself a high five already?” Cindy asked when she came into the kitchen, looking sleepy and pretty.
“I’m killing it over here. I’ve got one completely ready to go and incentivized to get the other moving. Seamus reports that Carolina came through the surgery well, but they’re going to be in the hospital at least four days.”
Cindy came to him, put her hands on his hips and went up on tiptoes to kiss him. “Fatherhood looks good on you.”
“I’m digging it. But, you know, it’s only temporary. Can’t get too carried away.”
“Maybe you can offer to cover for them so they can get away every now and then.”
The idea sent a thrill through him. “Yeah, I could do that.”
Kyle returned with a much less enthusiastic Jackson in tow. He was dressed, but his hair was still standing on end, and he was clearly not the morning person of the duo.
Jace got them fed and sent them off to brush their teeth with orders for Jackson to do something about his hair, too. He got out their lunches, took an inventory of what was in them and wrote it down so he wouldn’t forget.
“Jackson doesn’t like mayo,” Kyle said. “I love it.”
“That’s good to know. What else?”
In a scandalized whisper, Kyle added, “He never eats the carrots that Carolina packs for us.”
Jace gave him a playful bop on the head. “Don’t be a tattletale.”