“A castle, mama?” Alvin asks a few hours later, sitting on the kitchen table and combing through some of the plans I’ve sketched out on scrap paper with crayons I’ve borrowed from my boys. “To live in?” “Well,” I say, leaning back and considering. “Maybe castle isn’t the right word. But palace is t

Two months fly by then, with all of the work we have to do to get everything in order before Victor can make his bid for Supreme. “Well,” I say under my breath as I survey the incredible work that has been completed on our new home in that time. “It sure is nice to have money.” “Sure is,” Victor s

Victor gives Bridgette a friendly nod and then takes me warmly in his arms, pressing a kiss to my hair and resting his cheek against the top of my head. “Did you think the other kids wouldn’t like them?” “I don’t know what I thought,” I murmur, still watching my boys, a hand pressed against my stom

“I think I did a good job,” Victor tells us, crossing his arms and looking down at Alvin. “I think you’re going to love it.” “Okay,” Alvin moans, his shoulders slumped. “Let’s see it.” “This is so unfair!” Victor says, laughing and crossing to the desk he’s been using to conduct all of his busines

I groan as I walk across the yard, a hand underneath my belly to support it. I can’t believe they weigh this much already, these little girls. It’s only been three months since the boys’ birthday, but I feel like I’m already gigantic. They must be making me sleepwalk down to the kitchen at night, ma