บท 60: Chapter 60

“Hey.” Uncle Steve’s grin was slow and wide. “Get in here. Give me a look at you all.” His dark gaze narrowed a fraction as it flicked over Harper and settled on Wyatt. “Hey, little man. You grew up!”

Wyatt shrank back, his eyes wide and his fingers still jammed in his mouth.

Uncle Steve looked to Justin. “What’s this one again?”

“What?”

Uncle Steve rolled his eyes. “What is he? He’s got something in him, doesn’t he?”

Justin felt sick when he realized what his uncle was asking. “I…I think his dad was part Mexican.”

Uncle Steve grunted. “And this is the new one, huh?” Uncle Steve stared blearily at Scarlett. “She looks all right. Hey, little princess!”

Justin forced a smile to cover for the kids’ fear. “They’re pretty tired. I’m gonna put them to bed. Have you eaten?” He was falling so easily into old patterns. Distract, distract, distract. “I think there are some eggs in the refrigerator. I could make you an omelet.”

Uncle Steve gave a lazy smile. “You’re a good kid, Justin.”