“If we’re lucky, the kids won’t walk away with too many bad habits,” Cain said and laughed again. “Come on, Mrs. Casey. Let’s go round up our troops.”

“Do you think the guys out there are going to follow us up there?” She pointed to the street. “I want us to relax and spend some time with Maddie and Jerry without feeling like a bug under a microscope.”

“I have a solution to that, but we don’t have time to worry about it now. Did your father mention anything about Carol? That was the only thing I forgot about.” Cain was still pissed at what Emma’s mother had done, and Emma didn’t feel any differently. The lengths her mother had gone to get her hands on Hannah surprised even her, and that was something when she considered that she’d believed her mother had hit rock bottom.

“She’s living with her brother Morris, and the divorce is almost final. According to Muriel and the guy she has working on this, no matter if she shows up or not, it’s done.” She rinsed and accepted a towel. “I called the sheriff and told him about the restraining order. He’d be happy to take her in if she comes within a mile of us.”

“I’m still sorry all that happened with her. Carol isn’t my favorite person, but she is responsible for my favorite person.” Cain kissed her again and led her out to the bedroom.

“My mother isn’t someone who should’ve had children,” Emma said. “It was more about survival than anything else when I was growing up. The only bright spot was my father.” She followed Cain into the closet. “I’m sure you have your opinions about him, but he did try his best.”

“I love your father,” Cain said as if trying to put her at ease. “He also loves our children, which buys a lot of forgiveness for any shortcomings he might have.”

They dressed, then ran into Hannah and Victoria in the hallway as the girls headed for the stairs at top speed. After a lecture on how to act in the house, both girls took off at a slower pace that could in no way be described as a walk. There were a slew of guards in the front yard when she glanced out the window, and the number made her think about ordering more food.

“Do you think we’re going to have room for all these people?” she asked Cain.

“I had some temporary space brought in, so we’ll be fine. With the number of guys out there, it’ll put a wall between you and the unfriendly people across the street.” They walked into the dining room where most of their guests were eating the spread Carmen and her staff had put together.