“Sure,” I said, mostly because I wasn’t entirely sure yet how I’d be spending my days around here anyway. The irony of my life wasn’t lost on me. I hadn’t just left behind a shadowy world of mystery and magic; I was now signing on to explore the ultimate triumph of human technology. “That’d be great.”

“But don’t tire her out,” warned Candace. “She’s pregnant. With twins.”

Evan gave me a once-over. “Really? I can’t even tell.”

“Flatterer,” I muttered, much to his amusement.

“You also can’t take her on any of those simulator rides,” added Candace. “They’re not good for pregnant women.”

“That, I know,” said Evan patiently.

“Just making sure,” she said. “I know how reckless you can be.”

Honestly, Evan seemed like one of the least reckless people I’d ever met—rivaled only by Charles. That easygoing nature must run in the family. Both were quick to smile and had a good attitude about everything. Even though Candace harassed them both for various reasons, it was obvious that there was a lot of love in this group, and they were all willing to bring me into their little circle. It was both touching and weird, and I mentioned it to Evan later.

“Your aunt and uncle are so nice,” I confessed when we were alone. Charles had entrusted Evan with the spare DVD player to install in my room. “I know she’s friends with Roland—my stepfather—but still. They’ve just gone above and beyond. I didn’t expect this kind of welcome.”

“That’s how they are.” Evan’s back was to me as he connected a few cables between the TV and DVD player. “They’re just naturally good. That, and they’d bend over backward for someone like you anyway.”

I frowned. “Because of Roland?”

“Nah.” He straightened up and turned on the TV to test it. “Because of the baby. Er, babies.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

Satisfied all was working, he turned around and regarded me with a gentle smile. “They love kids and especially babies. They can’t have any of their own—though it wasn’t for a lack of trying. They went through a lot of heartache, and even though they’ve sort of accepted things now, I know it still hurts them sometimes.”

“I had no idea,” I murmured. I rested a hand on my stomach. “I feel kind of bad. Maybe I shouldn’t be here... .”

“Don’t think like that,” he chided. “They’re not bitter. Like I said, they’re good people, and you carrying twins just makes their day. You could stay here as long as you wanted—you and the kids—and they’d be delighted. There’s nothing they won’t do for you.” His words sent a disconcerting reminder of Dorian’s constant What wouldn’t I do for you? quip.

I wondered if Roland had known about the Reeds’ childless state when he’d decided on this location for me. Had he guessed their situation would add an extra level of protectiveness?

“I don’t know what to say. I just don’t feel like ... I don’t know. I’m just kind of overwhelmed by it all. I don’t think I can pay them back for this.”