Free Conklin's Corruption (#3) (Conklin's Trilogy) by Brooke Page

ones?”
    “I was thinking maybe we should take them to the zoo?  It’s a beautiful day, and I know Josie will love it.  Does that sound okay?”
    “I haven’t been to the zoo in almost 20 years,” he murmured.  “My gran would take us when we were young.”
    I reached for his hand and squeezed.  I knew how much he missed and respected his grandparents.  I couldn’t help but feel a touch of his sadness laced with his words.
    “I’m sorry you lost them, Ty.”
    He glanced at me then pulled his hand away, grasping the steering wheel with his jaw clenched.  “Can we get lunch first?”  Tyler asked while clearing his throat. “Our shower this morning made me work up an appetite.”
    He was changing the subject.  Tyler rarely opened up to me about his past.  I could count on one hand the few times he showed vulnerability when it came to his grandparents.  For some reason, this time he seemed more affected by my mentioning them.  I think it was best to change the subject along with him.
    “Of course.  I’m sure Josie and Emmett would like that.”
     
     
     
    ***
     
    “Uncle Tyler!”  Josie shrieked, completely bypassing me to cling to Tyler’s leg.  Tyler flinched and put his hands up as though the police ordered him to the second she wrapped her tiny arms around his thigh.
    “Hey, Josie,” he greeted his soon-to-be niece.  He slowly moved one hand down to pat her head.
    Heather followed with Emmett on her hip.  He gave me a huge smile when our eyes met.  My heart melted as I reached for him.
    “Hey little man!”  I took him in my arms and snuggled him close, causing him to giggle.  Josie’s head whipped towards my affection for her little brother, and she detached from Tyler’s leg and came to mine.
    “Auntie B!  Mommy said we get to have a sleepover!”
    “A what?” Tyler asked in fear.
    Ray walked behind Tyler and patted his shoulder, handing him a diaper bag.  “Have fun, big guy,” Ray smirked.
    “Becca, you just said we were watching them tonight,” Tyler said in a low tone.
    “And tomorrow morning!” Josie cheered.  She ran back over to Tyler and took his hand.  “Uncle Tyler, can I stay up late tonight and go in the hot tub?  Mommy said the city lights are really sparkly.”  She looked up at him with her big brown eyes and a small smile snuck across his lips.
    “Not too late little miss.  Come here and give me a kiss.  Mommy and Daddy won’t see you for a week.”  Josie ran to her mom and hugged her.  I saw a tear fall from Heather’s cheek.  Leaving her kids was hard on her. 
    Ray scooped Emmett from my arms and blew a raspberry on his cheek then smothered him with kisses.  They switched places and cuddled each of their children.
    Heather rubbed under her eyes as she handed Emmett back to me.  “There’s breast milk in the cooler, and all of their things are over there.”
    Both Tyler and I looked to where she was pointing and nearly gasped when we saw the piles of luggage.
    “Do they really need all of that?”  Tyler asked in horror while looking at Ray. 
    Ray grinned in amusement at Tyler.  “Yep.  Every last bit.  I’d say you two should stay here and watch them, but Josie really wanted to go to Auntie B’s house.  You know, since she’s staying there still,” Ray winked at both Tyler and me.
    My mother and father told us it would be bad press if we were living together before the wedding. I countered with the fact that I was 25 and Tyler was 28 and people could get over it.  We compromised on me keeping the condo with Jamie and remained “living” there.  Jamie would find a roommate once we were married.  Ray found the entire situation hilarious.
    Tyler’s shoulders slumped as he took in all of the luggage.  He let out a huff and went to load the bags in the car.
    I gave him an apologetic look as he walked past me, his expression uneasy.
    “Heather, we have to get going,” Ray urged his wife as he followed Tyler with their