The front door dragged open with a heavy whoosh and closed with a solid click just as Rowan finished putting dinner on the table.
âHey, kiddos!â she tossed the dish towel on the counter and smiled at them as they walked in. âHow was Trick or Treating?â
âA bust,â Lacey sighed. âI wore this awesome burgaler costume for nothing!â
âItâs burglar, sweetie,â Marina said from the table. âReally? No one gave you candy?â
âNo one was home.â Zion took his plate to the couch. âAnd we stayed in the neighborhood, like you said.â
âWell, you guys can try again tomorrow,â Rowan said. âAnd since itâs your birthday, Zion, I think youâll be old enough to take your sister and your friends a little farther to search for candy.â
âReally?â Lacey gasped.
âWell, Mom and I have to agree,â Rowan said.
Lacey turned glittering eyes on Marina. âMom?â
Marina rolled her eyes. âYou know how things work -- whatever Mama thinks is best, goes. Have fun, babies.â
âAlright!â Zion cheered. âOh, being a teenager is gonna be so cool.â
âFor him,â Rowan whispered in Marinaâs ear as she set a plate of pasta before her at the table.
Marina popped her eyebrows in agreement, but otherwise said nothing.
âPromise to stay out of the street,â Rowan said.
âOf course, Mama. I know the rules.â Zion grinned. âIâll keep her safe.â
âAnd Iâll keep him safe!â Lacey jumped about the living room, giggling at nothing.
Rowan smirked. âIâm sure you will, lovebug.â