EVELYN'S POV

"The kids. Are you taking them, or will they stay with Samantha?" I asked Leonard, studying his reaction. "I think we should take them," I suggested. His eyes flickered with surprise—he probably hadn’t expected me to say that.

"Yeah, I’ll talk to my mom, and she’ll make preparations for their stay," he explained.

"You don’t think they’re safe with me? They’re over two years old, and we can both handle them. Why shouldn’t they be here with us?"

"Evelyn, that’s not your responsibility," he said, his voice laced with guilt.

"I know, but this is for us. When we get married, these kids can’t stay with your mom...