Page 38 of One Hot Daddy

"Exactly."I kiss the top of her head."At least they're having fun.That gives us more time to mull over how to break this news without causing a family revolt."

Jennifer traces lazy circles on my chest."Maybe we're overthinking it.Children are more resilient than we give them credit for."

She's right, and I'm sure everything will work out with the children.

Chapter Eighteen

Jennifer

The day after Fletcher and I declared our love for each other, we resolve to bite the bullet and tell the kids everything.First, however, I need to help Fletcher calm his nerves.He isn't exactly neurotic about the situation, but he is, well...let's just say a swig of brandy wouldn't go amiss.Fortunately, he bucks up faster than I expected.No booze necessary.When I suggested last night that the grandparents should all be here for the big reveal, Florry took over the logistics of the operation.

Fletcher receives another text from his mom just as we're both ready for whatever might happen.His lips curl into a sweet smile.

I lean over his shoulder."What did Florry say?"

"Mum told me she and Patty got the kids all dressed and ready for our 'big talk' as she calls it."He shows me his phone screen, and I can see Florry has added a string of thumbs-up emojis."She's also reorganized the pantry and alphabetized the spice rack."

"Your mother's nervous energy is quite productive."

"Oh, you have no idea.Last time she was anxious about something, she color-coded everyone's sock drawers."Fletcher pushes his hand through his hair, making it stand up adorably."Are we ready for this?"

"As I'll ever be."

We wait in comfortable silence, his hand clamped around mine.The warmth of it grounds me.When we hear the crunching of gravel in the driveway, I spot four little faces pressed against the backseat windows, instantly disappearing when they spot us looking.

Fletcher tightens his grip on my hand."Here we go."

The front door bursts open before we can even reach it.Henry barrels toward us, followed by Charlotte and Josh, with Amelia bringing up the rear.

"Jennifer!Jennifer!"Henry throws himself at me."Grandma Patty made pancakes and they looked like dinosaurs!"

"Mine was a stegosaurus," Charlotte announces, rolling her eyes.

I just see Fletcher over the kids' heads.He looks like he might be sick, the poor man.

"Shall we all go inside?"My voice is slightly higher than usual.Nerves, I guess.

Florence appears in the doorway, looking immaculate despite the early hour.Behind her, Patty wipes her hands on a tea towel, flour still dusting her shirt.The grandfathers shuffle in last.

"Everyone's here," Fletcher mumbles, his voice cracking slightly."Smashing."

I usher the kids into the living room, trying to ignore the butterfly convention happening in my stomach.Florence has, of course, arranged the seating to perfection---children on the floor with cushions, grandparents on the sofa, and two chairs positioned front and center for Fletcher and me.It's a bit like we're about to perform in a very intimate theater production.

"Did we do something wrong?"Josh asks, his face scrunched with worry.

"Not at all," I quickly reassure him, leaning over to his level."We have some exciting news to share, that's all."

Fletcher winces."Right.Yes.Exciting news."

He's gone pale.

I lean back in my chair, reaching over to clasp his hand."Your dad and I wanted to tell you something special."

The children all lean forward, eyes wide and bright with excitement.Josh's worry transforms into curiosity.

Charlotte grins."Is it a puppy?"

Fletcher winces."No, pet, it's not.Though that would be easier to explain."