It had only been a few days since Raymond started spending more time with their triplets, but already the kids were warming up to him in ways she hadn’t expected.

“Raymond, read to us after breakfast!” Ruby demanded.

“No, come play outside with me!” Diamond countered.

Jasper looked up from his plate, grinning. “Can we play the game we did yesterday, Raymond?”

Raymond chuckled, clearly amused by their enthusiasm. “One at a time, you three,” he said gently, his eyes warm as he looked at each of them in turn. “I’ll read after breakfast, then maybe we can play outside later, alright?”

“Yay!” Ruby cheered, clapping her hands together.

Emilia...