Until then, the threat to my family remained unknown.
The ER at Cabell Huntington Hospital had been blessedly empty when we got there. After an X-ray and a splint, she was released with instructions to take an over-the-counter pain reducer for the next week or so. On the way home, we stopped at a drive-thru burger joint to grab dinner. Finn, Sloane, and I were relaxing in the living room while the kids sat at the table tearing through their meals.
“I wish I could’ve been there to see you level that feckin’ bitch.”
“Wow, Finn. Don’t hold back.”
“Swear jar, Uncle Finn,” Rogan announced around a mouthful of food.
“Sorry, munchkin. Hit me up before I leave.”
“The going rate is ten bucks now, just so you know,” I added with a smirk.
“Christ, I’m gonna go bankrupt.” He shook his head, then returned his attention to his sister. “I wish you hadn’t been hurt though.”
“It’s a sprain.” Sloane rolled her eyes. “I think I'll survive.”
“Whatever you say, slugger.”
“Don’t you have a home to go to?”
“Are you kicking me out?”
“Depends.” She shrugged.
“On what?”
“On whether you’re going to finish the rest of your fries.”
“Take ’em.” He transferred the pile from his plate to hers. “I have an early morning meeting with the contractors anyway.”
A few weeks ago, a bomb went off in Finn’s new lab facility during an employee appreciation banquet. Thankfully, no one had been seriously injured in the explosion, however the damage to the building was such that it would take months to rebuild. In the interim, he rented a warehouse several blocks away to ensure his people still had jobs. For all the shit I gave him when he started dating Waverly, Finn was a good man and, from what I’d seen, he was an even better brother. Teasing banter aside, it was clear he’d do anything for his sister and her children. I was grateful he’d been there for them when I wasn’t, but those days were over.
After a semi-emotional goodbye, Sloane announced it was bedtime for the twins. Unlike most nights, they didn’t complain. They yawned through changing into their pajamas, and were well on their way to dreamland when we tucked them in.
“Goodnight, baby girl.” I kissed Reagan’s forehead. “I love you.”
It was the first time I’d said it out loud, though I’d felt the words from the start. My nose stung when she returned the sentiment.
“Night, Daddy. Love you too.”
Switching places with Sloane, I went to Rogan’s bedside. He lifted his eyes to mine. They were glistening and his bottom lip was tucked in between his teeth. Seeing him upset hurt my heart. His pain was my pain. When asingle tear slid down his cheek, I couldn’t stand it any longer. Crawling into the bed beside him, I pulled him into my arms. I felt completely helpless as he cried softly.
“I’m sorry, Dad.”
“No, Ro.” I pressed my lips to the top of his head. “You have nothing to be sorry for.”
“I been mean to you.”
“You were scared, Rogan. That’s all.”
“You’re not mad?”
“I’m angry that some bad people kept you and your mom and your sister from me for so long, but I could never be mad at you. I love you, Rogan. More than my next breath.”
“Love you too.”
I held him close, not letting go until long after his body went lax with sleep. Even then it took a great deal of effort to leave their room.