Page 315 of What We Brave

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"I'm holding!"

"It's not enough! You're too?—"

She goes next, squealing as she tumbles onto the bed beside her brother. Her rabbit goes flying. Caleb catches it without thinking, tosses it back to her.

Iris is the only one left now, still clutched against my chest. She has no idea what's happening but she's laughing because everyone else is laughing.

"The baby! I can't—she's too?—"

I spin once, let out a dramatic groan, and deposit her gently between her siblings. She immediately tries to climb back up.

"More! More papa!"

"Papa's arms are broken. You broke them. All three of you."

"Do it again!"

"Breakfast first. Then we'll see."

They groan but they're already scrambling off the bed, thundering toward the kitchen. I follow behind.

Forty-four years old and I'm doing theatrical pratfalls before coffee. Jared would laugh his ass off if he could see me now.

I've got eggs on the stove and Caleb strapped into his booster seat when the questions start again.

"Papa, when's Grandma and Grandpa coming?"

"I'm picking them up at the airport after breakfast."

"Can I come?"

"Not this time, buddy. You're staying here with Daddy and Mama."

"Why?"

"Because we have a surprise for Grandma and Grandpa, remember? You're going to help set it up."

His eyes go wide. "The little house."

"That's right. But it's a secret, so?—"

"I know, I know. Don't tell."

"Good man."

June's pushing scrambled eggs around her plate. "Papa, do Grandma and Grandpa live at the airport?"

"No, sweetheart. They live far away. They take an airplane to come visit us."

"Why don't they live here?"

"They work in other countries. Helping people."

"Why?"

"Because that's what they do. It's their job."

"But I want them to live here."

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