Page 59 of Embers in the Dark

The minute the twins are near one another, I see Clay hand over a twenty.

“Motherfuckers.” I point to both of them.

“I don’t know why you even doubt us at this point,” River says. “Isn’t Uncle Malloy just a big dumb-dumb, Ella? Yes he is. Stick with me, I’ll teach you the ropes.” He blows raspberries on her cheek, and she giggles.

“Hi, I’m Clay, the better twin. We’ve met when you’ve come to the station before,” Clay greets Baylee. She’s just watching as the two Nichols brothers interact and I can see her brain try to take it all in.

I tried to warn her that whatever she has seen with them in the past is nothing compared to the two of them outside of the station. She laughed it off, but she’s now getting the full Nichols experience. It’s something else—especially River.

“River, are you embarrassing yourself already?” Kennedy says as she walks into the kitchen from one of the rooms. “Oh, hey, Malloy. Baylee, thank goodness. It’s so good to see you. Clay, you owe me twenty.” She waves her fingers at her future brother-in-law.

“You too?” I look at her horrified.

“Come on, Malloy. Don’t judge.” She gives me a look like I’ve got shit for brains.

Kennedy gives Baylee a hug. “I’m glad you could make it and I’m excited you’re here. I hope you don’t mind the craziness you’ll see tonight. And don’t judge me for the man I’m going to marry.”

“Hey, I’m a catch!” River protests and Ella screams.

“Oh, yes, you’re amazing,” Kennedy says as she walks over to River and gives him a kiss. Ella watches their interaction, and Kennedy goes to grab the sweet baby from River.

“I don’t think so”—he moves his niece away from his fiancée—“she hasn’t had enough uncle time.”

“River, you’ve had her the entire time she’s been here,” Kennedy protests.

“River, let Kennedy have some time with her,” Clay interjects.

“You always side with Kennedy. It’s so unfair,” he whines.

“Yes, because this is preschool,” he deadpans at his brother. “Let Kennedy have some time with Ella please. Pass the baby to her. 1… 2… there we go. Good boy, River.”

Once he hands his niece over, River gives his brother the finger.

“So mature, Riv,” Clay tells him.

Kennedy coos at Ella and sniffs her sweet head. “What is it about sniffing their heads?” I ask Baylee.

“Oh, they have the best baby smell,” Baylee says. “I remember when Catrina was born, and I did the same thing.”

Catrina is Baylee’s oldest niece and everyone doted on her. Now that I think back, it’s true, everyone sniffed her head too.

“Okay, I’m here. Sorry about that. Ugh. I promise no more work calls will interrupt me,” Abby walks out of one of the bedrooms. “Hi, Malloy. Hi, Baylee!” She eyes our newest addition then swings her gaze to her soon-to-be husband.

“Sweetheart, you owe me twenty.” She gives him a sweet smile.

“That’s low. You of all people, Abs!” I protest.

“That’s cute, Malloy. I still like to be part of the bet. You bet on Clay and I, remember?”

“I plead the fifth,” I tell her.

“Okay, could someone clue me in. What the hell is happening?” Baylee finally chimes in.

“Oh, Baylee, first off, you’re an outcast like Clay and I because you’re not part of this posse that watches all the reality shows. You’ll be an outside observer of their rituals. Just stick to me and Clay. Now that you’re with us, we’ll form our own trio. Don’t worry.” River winks at her.

She looks up at me, and I don’t know if she’s scared or honored to be included.

“Second, we bet on everything, and absolutely anything is fair game, including the two of you finally dating,” Kennedy explains with a sly smile taking over her face.

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