Abby gasped. Noah David Drummond. Im ashamed of you. What do you have to say for yourself, mister?
The boys square jaw lifted pugnaciously. Let them go home. Who wants Erin Drummond hanging around looking bug-faced?
Mollie flew at Noah. My sisters not bug-faced. You take that back. She punched him in the mouth and blood spurted.
Although Abby reached for the combatants, Ben moved faster. But Noah shoved Mollie hard. Her back struck the recliner, causing Sam as well as Mollie to cry out.
Now look what youve done, Erin cried, slamming her book closed as she popped to her feet and glared at Noah. She stretched out a hand toward Mollie.
Bens two-fingered whistle rent the air. Time out, he snapped, his scowl sufficient to send both girls scurrying toward the door. The older twins froze in place. The younger ones dropped the Hot Wheels cars they were lining around the rooms perimeter. Kneeling next to Sam, Ben softened his voice while he efficiently checked the boys legs for possible injury. Then he examined Noahs swelling lip. Used to the sound of crying, Ben didnt realize all the other kids had joined the chorus. Not until he rose and assured Abby that Noah was okay.
Whats gotten into the ones who werent involved? he asked Abby.
Perhaps we should postpone sharing pizza, she responded, circling her arms around the four boys. It appears weve all had an eventful day. Im sorry, Ben. We didnt have a chance to catch up. She checked her watch again, but instead of meeting Bens confused eyes, she let her gaze stray toward the kitchen, where the dog had set up a racket again.
Ruffians hungry and lonesome, Noah declared, clenching his small hands as he stalked past the huddled girls. Its not fair he cant come out cause of twitty girls. Its his house, too, you know.
See, Uncle Ben, Erin squealed. Noahs going to let that monster out.
Ruffians not a monster, Brad and Reed shouted in tandem.
Throwing up his hands, Ben grabbed his shoes and socks and waved his nieces toward the exit. I give up. Theres no chance of us carrying on a civilized conversation in this madhouse. Abby, Ill be in touch.
Ben missed the longing look she aimed at his retreating back. Thanks for everything, Ben, including moral support, Abby said, trailing him to the door. If you only knew how much I miss adult conversation. It goes without saying that I love the boys, but
Ben spun around, without realizing shed crept up on him. She stood near enough so that her light, flowery perfume washed over him.
Shifting his shoes to his left hand, he raised his right and brushed the back of his scraped knuckles over Abbys chin. We arent saying goodbye permanently. Lord knows I need to talk to someone about whats happening with the girls. Preferably someone who understands what Im dealing with. Worry clouded Bens brown eyes as he silently watched his nieces climb into the back seat of his BMW.
I dont know if I can be of any help, but Id like us to talk, Ben. I care about Erin, and I thought she actedwell, odd today. Granted, the twins en masse can be overwhelming.
She got off on the wrong foot with the dog. The girls have a cat who rules the roost at home. SoI know they like animals. He sighed wearily. Weveuhgotta go. I need to feed us, check Erins math and supervise baths before getting the girls off to bed. As he spoke he stepped barefoot into the wet loafers.
Youre doing all that, Ben? I thought your father said youd found a woman to look after the girls and take care of the house.
At the mention of his father, Bens slight frown became a scowl. Mrs. Clark only works from eight to five. I assure you, if my dad gave a damn, hed help a little. Who knows better than him that doctors dont keep regular hours? Just then Erin leaned out of the car and called plaintively to Ben. He blew out the breath hed sucked in, tossed Abby a last so long, and trudged down the steps in his soaking shoes.