“My brother and I couldn’t agree more. We’re getting to the point with our mom that we’re going to need more involved care than we can provide at home. If this materializes, it would solve a huge problem for us.”

“I imagine it would. I’ll take the keys out there myself.”

“Are you sure? I could come get them if you’re busy.”

“No problem. I’ve got to do my rounds anyway.”

“Thanks a lot, Blaine. Appreciate it.”

“You got it. So I’ll see you next weekend, huh?”

“Yes, you will.” Paul was hosting Alex’s bachelor party next Saturday night. “Looking forward to it.”

“Me, too. Talk to you then.”

As Paul ended the call, Alex and Jenny came in through the front door.

“Hey, you’re up early,” Jenny said with a cheerful smile.

Paul was frozen in place as it dawned on him that he’d missed his opportunity to get Hope out of the house before they were caught together. Crap. “I, um…”

“Everything okay?” Alex asked as he peeled a banana while Jenny made coffee.

“Um, yeah. I’m going back to bed for a while. I’ll just… I’ll see you later.”

“Okay,” Jenny said.

Out of the corner of his eye, Paul saw Alex shrug at Jenny’s inquiring look. Yes, he knew he was acting strangely, but he had a good reason. Lately, Jenny had been dragging Alex to church on Sunday mornings. He could only hope today would be a church day.

He went back into his room, where Hope was still asleep. Paul got back in bed, moving carefully so he wouldn’t wake her. Listening intently to what Alex and Jenny were doing, he hoped to hear the shower go on or the car start or something to indicate the coast was clear. But all he heard was the low hum of conversation.

Hope stirred, her legs moving before she turned, her eyes opening and widening at the sight of him. “Oh, um, wow. I didn’t mean to stay here all night.”

When she started to get up, he stopped her with an arm around her waist. “Wait. Alex and Jenny are out there.”

She fell back against the pillow, groaning. “I’m thinking of a four-letter word that I shouldn’t say, but it fits the situation.”

“I’m thinking of the same word.”

“And of course I really need to pee.”

“She’s been dragging him to church lately, so we may get lucky.”

“What time is church?”

“They’ve been going to the eight-thirty mass.”

She glanced at the clock and groaned again. “That’s in forty-five minutes, and what if they don’t go?”

“Let’s pray that they do.”

“Very funny. In the meantime, my bladder is going to explode, which is way more information than you need on our first morning together.”

“What can we do to take your mind off of it?”