"Leah, I need to talk to you. Come here!" I ell down the stairs. She comes running up.

"Yes?"

I explain everything Trystan said to me and she complies. I call him back, and he said his mom will pick us all up shortly.

When we arrive at the Johnson's house, Penelope, Jessalee, and Tierney come crawling up to me. Adorable! I begin playing with them and I see Leah follow the other kids upstairs. I look down at the babies again and they're rolling around giggling on the floor, playing with their feet.

"Hey, girls," I say. I decide it's better to try to engage in conversation than just sit around and watch them play. "Your brother is really nice, isn't he?" I ask them and without waiting for a response, I continue. "You probably don't know this, but your daddy is having time alone with your mommy." I sigh and continue. "I wish I could've met him. The way Trystan talks about him, it seems like he used to be around the house more often, but now all he does is work." I huff and look over at Jessalee. She's standing up while holding onto the arm of the couch. She has probably done it before, but I can't help but smile at how cute it is. It also pains me to think that her father might not see her first steps.

"Hey, Charlie!" Trystan calls to me from what I'm pretty sure is the kitchen, causing me to whip my head around toward him and see him all covered in some sort of cheese sauce. I can't help but laugh at him as I walk over.

"What were you doing?" I ask curiously.

"I was, uh, just trying to make macaroni and cheese." He says, looking slightly embarrassed.

"I'll help you. Just hold on a second." I say, holding up one finger. "Leah, come here a minute. I need you to keep an eye on the babies." I call to her and she comes running down.