“So, Finn…” Josie said as Adam wandered back into the room, carrying two glasses. “Let’s talk about this big race tomorrow.”
“Mom is going to kick Adam’s ass,” he responded excitedly.
I gasped. “Finn!”
“Sorry…I mean butt.”
Adam chuckled as he paused in front of me and lowered the drink into my hands. “You clearly don’t know who you’re up against, Finn,” he said, returning to his seat.
Grayson’s eyebrows rose as I took a sip of the gin and tonic. It tasted magnificent.
Josie cleared her throat, drawing her husband’s gaze. “The Harlows used to have quite the reputation for swimming, you know?”
Finn shrugged. “But that was, like, a hundred years ago.”
“Reputations change,” I sang out before taking another glorious sip.
Grayson sniggered as he panned his gaze from my glass to his brother. “That they do.”
“What?” Adam mouthed as his gaze tapered.
Grayson shook his head, trying not to smile.
“Did you still want to watch a movie tonight?” Adam asked Finn while reaching for a slice of pizza. “I mean, if it’s okay with your mom.”
“As long as it’s age appropriate, it’s fine by me. I’m hoping to do some Reiki on Liam when he wakes, so I’m sure Finn would love the company.”
“Awesome! Thanks, Mom!”
As Adam and Finn delved into their favorite movies and quotes, there was no disguising the mystified faces of Grayson and Josie as they observed their easy conversation. While Finn was completely engaged, Adam had never looked so relaxed, and my heart warmed at their exchange.
“Adam?” Liam cried out from his bed. “Adam?!”
We all spun around at the panic in his voice.
“He’s not breathing!” he yelled, peering over Harrison’s bassinet.
Josie and Grayson grew pale as they rushed to their baby's side while Adam drew out his phone to call 911.
“Nora!” I yelled as I bolted to the door.
Within seconds, her door flew open, and she ran past me into Liam’s bedroom. “What’s happened?”
“He’s fine,” Grayson cried out as his shoulders slumped. “Jos, he’s fine.”
Josie held back tears as she scooped up her son. Harrison’s cries were evidence to his breathing.
Liam flustered under his bed sheets until Nora took his hand. “Liam, honey…it’s okay. Everything is okay.” She checked his pulse before facing us. “He must’ve had a nightmare. We’ve had to increase his pain medication, and one of the side effects can be hallucinations.”
“Adam wasn’t moving,” Liam whimpered. “I thought…”
Grayson moved to Liam’s side. “Gramps, it’s Harrison. My son. Not Adam. Adam’s right here,” he said, motioning to his approaching brother.
Liam’s weary gaze panned to Adam. “Oh, yes…” He lowered his tear-filled eyes. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay, Gramps.” Adam grasped his other hand. “He’s a good-looking kid. Easy mistake to make.”
“I thought it happened again, I…I…” Liam’s chest rose up and down in quick succession. “I thought…”