The front door dragged open with a heavy whoosh and closed with a solid click just as Rowan finished putting dinner on the table.
“Hey, kiddos!” she tossed the dish towel on the counter and smiled at them as they walked in. “How was Trick or Treating?”
“A bust,” Lacey sighed. “I wore this awesome burgaler costume for nothing!”
“It’s burglar, sweetie,” Marina said from the table. “Really? No one gave you candy?”
“No one was home.” Zion took his plate to the couch. “And we stayed in the neighborhood, like you said.”
“Well, you guys can try again tomorrow,” Rowan said. “And since it’s your birthday, Zion, I think you’ll be old enough to take your sister and your friends a little farther to search for candy.”
“Well, Mom and I have to agree,” Rowan said.
Lacey turned glittering eyes on Marina. “Mom?”
Marina rolled her eyes. “You know how things work -- whatever Mama thinks is best, goes. Have fun, babies.”
“Alright!” Zion cheered. “Oh, being a teenager is gonna be so cool.”
“For him,” Rowan whispered in Marina’s ear as she set a plate of pasta before her at the table.
Marina popped her eyebrows in agreement, but otherwise said nothing.
“Promise to stay out of the street,” Rowan said.
“Of course, Mama. I know the rules.” Zion grinned. “I’ll keep her safe.”
“And I’ll keep him safe!” Lacey jumped about the living room, giggling at nothing.
Rowan smirked. “I’m sure you will, lovebug.”
