As much as he wanted to go to the orphanage with Chris, Adam stayed home. Even though he was still a valet/footman, he didn't do his normal duties. Mark said it wouldn't be right for him to serve at table or do his valet duties for Roman and Seth. So in order to give Mark extra time upstairs, Adam did a lot of Mark's downstairs work.
Now he sat at the table and polished the upstairs silverware. Paige had a bit of time, so she helped Adam, and did an excellent job.
"Adam; Beth, Becky and I are so happy for you. We're going to make something nice when your mother and Mister Calaway marry. We are going to give them a wedding party. We will decorate while you are at their wedding. Do you think pink is alright?" Paige spoke in a soft voice. She didn't want Judy to hear.
Adam smiled. "She loves pink. Thanks for understanding about it just being us for their wedding. Don't fret, you will be at mine."
"Of course we understand. We'd rather give them a nice party. I wonder if I will ever find someone? I saw in the newspaper where you can write to gentlemen. Something they call a pen pal. Maybe that would be a way to meet someone." Page spoke with a bit of a sigh.
Adam put down the spoon he'd polished. "Oh Paige, I don't think that's a good idea. You could be sending this address to someone who could come burgle the house. Put everyone in danger, mostly yourself. You will meet someone Paige, you have time. You are only seventeen. You never know, the one they hire to replace me, could be the one for you. But, please Paige, don't send out any letters. Please?" Adam was kind but firm. He'd read about pen pals and wasn't keen on the idea.
Paige saw the worry on Adam's face. "Oh, I never thought of that I won't send any letters. Thank you for telling me. I wouldn't want anything to happen because of me. Oh, they are going to hire someone new? That's a bit exciting. Do you know anything about who they have in mind?" Paige started to polish a fork.
Adam smiled at Paige. "Good about the pen pal issue. I think it would just lead to trouble. Yes, I do. His name is Cody Rhodes. He was one of the orphans brought up by Lady Mayfield. He is in training there as an under butler. He is a very nice young man. If Duke Eric likes him, Cody will fit in perfectly. If nothing else, you will have a new friend. I don't know if he likes girls or boys, that will be up to him to tell. My advice, just make him feel welcome. Like I took you under my wing, you do it for him."
Paige nodded. "I will, Adam. You made me feel so welcomed when I first came here. I am happy for you and Lord Christopher, but I will miss you. You're like a brother to me. You are also my best friend. Beth and Becky… I love them, but sometimes they treat me like a baby."
"Like Jason does with me. The youngest always gets picked on. I'm not going anywhere. You can always come talk to me. Just because I'm marrying Chris, does not mean I am changing. I will still be Adam. I promise, Paige, I will always be there for you." Adam gave Paige a gentle nudge to the shoulder.
"Really? I can still ask your advice? Even when you are Lord Adam?" Paige cocked her head at Adam.
Adam scoffed. "Of course. Like I said, I will still be me. I'll just be married. Come on, I am not going to abandon my little sister."
Paige and Adam finished polishing the silver. Paige then went to help Judy with luncheon. Mark came back downstairs.
"Duke Eric wants his luncheon on a tray, and Adam you are to join him. He wants to start asking you wedding questions. Don't worry, I will be serving. Don't be nervous, just be yourself." Mark gave Adam a pat on the shoulder.
At one o'clock, Eric and Adam sat on the leather couch and enjoyed Judy's luncheon of baked sole and roasted potatoes. It was delicious.
"So, July twenty ninth, at eleven in the morning at Saint Peter's?" Eric asked as he wrote in a little notebook.
Adam finished chewing and politely dabbed his mouth the linen napkin. "Yes, Your Grace. Will it be an issue? It can be changed." He tried not to sound as nervous as he felt.
Eric smiled softly at his future son-in-law. "Adam, call me Eric, or even poppa Eric like Seth does. I know this is not easy for you. I want to make you feel as comfortable as possible. You're going to be my son-in-law, and I am very happy about that. So relax, I want you to enjoy this time. Planning your wedding should be a joyous, happy time. I will contact Saint Peter's today. The only issue would be if the church isn't available. Tuesday is good, it has always been a lucky day for me."
"Really? Tuesday has always been my lucky day. Um… It was a Tuesday when I saw Chris for the first time, Your Gra… Sir… um… E… Eric." Adam had a hard time, but he finally relaxed enough to say Eric's name.
Eric was so thrilled he leaned over and hugged Adam. "See, that wasn't so hard. You know, It was a Tuesday when I met Sika Reigns, it was nearly love at first sight. He was born in Samoa, across the world. He was so darkly handsome. Roman is a near mirror of him. Dean favors my Bischoff side. When Sika was drowned at sea, I thought my world was closed. It was a Tuesday, when I saw Vince. I had taken the boys to tea at Gunter's. They were headed off to boarding school the next day. Once again, it was almost love at first sight. Yes, my dear boy, Tuesday is a very lucky day."
"I am sorry about your first husband. I can understand, Roman is extremely handsome, almost as handsome as Chris." Adam ducked his head with a flush on his cheeks.
Eric chuckled. "It's alright, son. I do understand. Now, back to the wedding. I don't intend for this to sound rude, but do you have friends, outside the house, you would like to invite? I am trying to keep to one hundred fifty guests. OF course, you may invite anyone you desire. I have already counted your mother, brother, Calaway, Beth, Becky and Paige." Eric pushed aside his finished luncheon tray and looked at his notebook again. There was so much to do.
Adam thought for a moment. "I really don't have friends outside the house. I would like to invite Mister and Missus Schulz. He is the butcher, and is always so good to us. He gives us the meats meats for the house. They are bit like grandparents to me. If… it would be alright to invite them."
Eric wrote in his notebook. "Of course they will be invited. I've heard we get the best meats is because you speak German. You are a very smart young man. Do you speak many languages?"
Adam ducked his head. "Yes. Spanish, French, German, a bit of Italian and I want to learn Russian. I think it is good to be able to speak to immigrants in their own language. I also like learning things. Thank you for letting me invite the Schulz's." Adam gave Eric a true smile.
Eric grinned. "You know, with your knowledge of languages, you might be able to help Vincent with his work at Parliament, or at least Roman. Things are not going well with our German friends. Would that be of interest to you?" He gave Adam a pointed look. Adam would be a good clerk for Vince and would be a help to Roman.
"I would like that. It would be nice to be able to put what I have learned to good use. It might also help to give Roman more time with the twins. They are only babies for a short time. Could I ask you a question? Something I haven't even spoken to Chris about yet. Because I want to know what you think." Adam arched his brow at Eric, with a serious look on his face.
Eric saw the seriousness on Adam's face. "Of course you can. I want you to know, you can trust me. I want you to come to me, as a parent. I will never betray your trust, nor the trust of anyone that speaks to me in confidence." He gave Adam a firm nod to prove his point.
"Thank you. You know Chris' work at the orphanage. Well, there is a wonderful little girl, Melanie. Would have objections to us maybe adopting her? It's… just… I haven't even mentioned it to Chris." Adam looked at Eric, eyes filled with hope.
Eric rubbed his chin in thought. "I would have no objections. I think it would be a nice thing to do. Actually, the more I think about it, the more I like it. If that's what you and Chris want, then do it. Adam, you will be a wonderful poppa. I know Chris adores children. If you feel that strongly, talk to Chris bout it. Adam, let me give you some advice about marriage. Talk, talk, talk. Never got to bed angry and if you really think you are right, a night on the sofa works wonders." He gave Adam a wink.
"You mean… put Chris on the sofa… to get my way? I mean absolutely no disrespect, but isn't that a bit… well… spiteful?" Adam wasn't exactly sure what to think.
Eric chuckled. "It might seem that way, but, you will learn, the McMahon men can, at times, be more stubborn than a British Army mule. Adam, I don't mean over little things, I mean important things. For example, Vince told me I couldn't serve on a committee I want to be on. He meant well, because I do belong to many committees. Anyway, this committee would have helped Vince. I made him sleep on the sofa till he gave in. Because of that, he is now up for a position in the Admiralty. He thanked me for being the stubborn one. See? We solve nearly all our problems by talking." Eric hoped he'd explained it so Adam understood.
Before Adam could respond, two things happened. Mark came in to clear the luncheon trays, and Chris entered the room, a young man with him. Adam smiled, it was Cody Rhodes. Chris greeted his fiance with a kiss, then greeted his poppa. Mark cleared and left in total silence. Cody watched in a bit of awe, that someone so large could move without a sound. That was the kind of Butler Cody aspired to be.
"Poppa, this is Cody Rhodes. Cody, Duke Eric McMahon. We will let you two talk." Chris made the introduction. He then took Adam by the hand and led him out of the morning room.
"Come on love, we need to move your things so Cody can move in. I am sure poppa will hire him. He was excited to come, and serve in a Ducal house. Prudence was pleased as well. Oh and she said to be sure and give you her love and congratulations on our engagement and wedding." Chris spoke as they went up to Adam's room.
"I hope it works out for Cody. Tell Lady Prudence I said thank you. Your poppa is going to check to see if Saint Peter's is available for our wedding. I actually called him… Eric. That is still going to take me a while to get used to." Adam spoke with a laugh as they entered the room.
Chris pulled Adam in for a kiss. "Good boy. It will get easier over time, love. I hope the church is available. Well, let's get you moved downstairs."
Adam didn't have much to move. They did it in two trips. "Wow, I didn't realize how many different liveries you have. Well, unless you want to keep them, they could be altered for Cody. But, I understand if you don't." Chris stated as he looked at one of the formal jackets. It was black with long tails and solid brass buttons. It was beautiful.
Adam smiled. "That's fine, Chris. These don't really belong to me. Your father paid for them. I was always careful never to tear or soil them. They are like new. The girls can alter them for Cody. Save your father some money. Um… oh… well… never mind." Adam sat on a chair in his new room with a sigh.
Chris went over and knelt at Adam's feet, and lifted Adam's chin. "What's wrong? Oh… wait… you need clothes? It's alright. I will take you shopping, right now. Adam, it is alright. I know you don't… it's my pleasure." He understood. Adam really had nothing of his own. Even his shoes didn't actually belong to him.
Adam felt the tear fall down his cheek. "I… got caught up. I… shouldn't have said yes to marrying you. I… didn't… think." He covered his face with his hands. He felt terrible, it had all been too fast.
Chris pulled Adam into his arms. "Hush, darling. It is alright. It's just clothes. We all need new ones at certain times. It is part of my taking care of you. My money will be your money. If the situation was reversed, wouldn't you take care of me?" Chris spoke softly. He gently wiped away Adam's tears with his handkerchief.
Adam looked at the man he loved. "I… would take care of you… but… this is real, not a what if… I… Chris, it won't work. I am servant… you are a Lord, son of a Duke. I'm… Adam… son of a Cook." More tears rained from his hazel eyes.
"Don't Adam. Please don't shatter my heart. I love you. Darling, it is just clothes. Are you going to tear my heart into shreds over a few clothes?"
Adam sniffed with a little laugh. "When you put it that way… it does sound silly. The last thing I wanted is to be an expense to you. I do have a little money saved." He sniffed again. He had five pounds tucked into one of his socks.
Chris smiled and wiped Adam's tears again. "It is silly. Tell you what, if it makes you feel better, you can spend your money, and I will help with anything over. Please, darling? I am not going to lose you over clothes." He still spoke softly but he was firm.
Adam nodded. "Alright. Five pounds would buy a nice suit. It took me a long time to save it. I am sorry, Chris. You're going to have to be very patient with me. All this is so new. I would never do anything to hurt you." He gave Chris a tear stained smile.
Chris gave Adam a gentle kiss. "I know, love. We will go to Harrods. How bout tomorrow?"
Adam's eyes opened wide. "Harrods? Oh, I have never been there. Is this real? Me, shopping at Harrods?" Adam became anxious again. Like he would suddenly wake up and find it was a dream.
Chris stood. "It is very real. Now, go wash your face. I will always be here to help you…" He paused when a light knock sounded on the door.
Adam opened the door. Mark smiled at him. "Please come down when you can. You're needed for a bit." He gave Adam a sly wink, then turned and left.
Adam turned to Chris. "Sounds like Cody got hired. I'll take these down to him." Adam gathered up the hangers with his livery.
"Alright, love. I will go talk to poppa. See you later." Chris gave Adam a kiss.
When Adam got down to the kitchen, he smiled. Mark introduced Cody to Judy, Beth, Becky, Paige and Jason.
"Glad you're here, Cody. Welcome to the family. Here, these are for you. No need to buy new ones. Girls, you can alter them for him. I will show you how things are here." Adam spoke with happiness. Cody would be a good fit.
"Hello, Adam. It is good to see you again. Thank you for these. No point in their Graces buying new ones, these are perfect. I guess I am in your old room?" Cody was as happy as Adam. He wanted to move to London. He already felt so welcome.
Adam laughed. "Yes. I could have left those in the wardrobe. Well come on, I'll show you around." Adam took Cody by the arm. "I'm taking him up to his room. We will be back shortly." He led Cody upstairs. He spoke a mile a minute about things he did in the McMahon house.
Judy laughed. "He is going to fit right in. Jason, girls help me. It's nearly time for upstairs tea." She went to the kitchen and set to work.
Up in Adam's old room, Cody looked around. "This is nice, Adam. I'm going to be happy here. Sounds like things are done pretty much the same as at Lady Prudence's. Do you go to the shops or does Paige?" Cody asked as he hung his now livery back in the wardrobe.
Adam nodded. "Yes, I do. I will take you and show you around. Introduce you. Will you miss the orphanage?"
"I will miss my friends, but I can go visit on my off day. Adam… I am really happy for you and Lord Chris. I think it is really good that… well… good. You know what I mean." Cody flushed a bit.
Adam smiled. "Thank you, Cody. I still feel like I am dreaming. Chris is so wonderful. Can I ask? Boys or girls?" He arched his brow.
Cody chuckled. "Girls. I find them fun. I just haven't had much experience. I really want to learn to be a good Butler. So, we'd better get back down to the kitchen. Your mother is lovely." He headed for the door.
Adam grinned. "She's the best. You can always go to her if you need to talk. Mark is great too. They are going to be married soon. I will tell you about it one day." He spoke as the went back down the stairs.
"How nice. Do you serve tea? And you also valet for Lords Roman and Seth?" Cody asked as they went down the basement stairs.
"Yes, to both. Mark takes the lead at tea. Oh… do I… I don't know what to do." Adam looked from Cody to Mark. He had that in-between feeling again.
Mark put a hand on Adam's shoulder. "I will show him what to do. It will be alright, son." He gave Adam a smile of confidence.
Jason came out of the kitchen. "Don't worry, Addy. I'll show Cody what to do. I won't be silly, I promise. Cody, regular coat, no gloves." He took over with a smile to his brother.
"Thank you, Jason. Cody, you will be in good hands. However, watch out for him." Adam teased his brother and winked at Cody.
Adam watched as Cody picked up the tray of tea sandwiches and cakes. He followed Mark, who carried the tea tray. Jason went up with the tray of cups, small plates silverware, and napkins. He knew things would be alright.
Judy smiled. "It will be fine, son. Cody will fit in. What is bothering you so?" She led Adam to the table. They sat down as the girls stayed in the kitchen, and prepared the downstairs tea.
Adam told his mother about his conversation with Chris, about shopping for clothes. "… so, I agreed. I know it will be alright, it's just… so many changes, so fast. I also have that in-between feeling again. I am glad Cody is here, I am. I thought it would be… next week. I don't know what to do with myself. I had luncheon with Duke Eric, now tea down here…" He was halted and a bit shocked when Chris came down the stairs.
"Love, come to tea. I am sorry, I got to talking with Seth and forgot the time. Poppa chided me for not bringing you to tea." Chris took Adam by the hand.
Judy chuckled softly. "See son, I told you."
Chris kissed Judy on the cheek. "Don't worry, ma'am. I will take care of him, I promise."
"I believe you. Son you behave." Judy gave a wink to Chris as he took Adam upstairs.
In the morning room, Adam was warmly greeted by Eric, Seth, Stephanie and Dean, who had just come home from his work. Adam also noticed, Jason had left. He smiled at Mark, who winked at him.
"Sit here, son." Eric patted the spot next to him on the sofa as he spoke to Adam.
Adam sat next to Eric, with a smile. "That you… sir… Eric." He took the cup of tea, the Duke had poured for him. Adam also helped himself to a tea sandwich, as Chris held the platter out to him.
Eric gave Adam a pat on the arm. "As I said, it will get easier. Now would you rather have supper with us, or with your family? I want you to be comfortable, and to settle in at your pace. Right, son?" Eric turned his gaze to Chris.
"Of course, poppa. Adam love, he is right. You do what makes you feel comfortable, until you are more used to things. If you want to eat with your family, could I join you? I would love to get to know them more. It is entirely up to you, love." Chris spoke with a smile, then sipped his tea.
Adam bit his lip as he thought. "I would like to dine with my family, but if you come down to eat with us, you have to be just Chris. We both have to adjust, me to your world, you to mine. Fair?"
"Absolutely fair. I will just be Chris. I will do what ever makes you happy, my darling." Chris gave Adam a soft kiss on the cheek.
Eric spoke up. "I went to Saint Peter's. I booked the church for July twenty ninth. We have the church from ten till one. That is plenty of time. I also booked the organist and the choir. So now we can make plans." He gave the engaged couple a bright smile.
Adam beamed. "Thank you for doing that. I… it is real. We are going to be married."
Stephanie laughed. "Of course it is real. We were there when Chris proposed. Congratulations again. Adam, if you need help, just ask. Natalya and I are the best at fashion advice." She took a bite of cake.
Dean scoffed. "Only if you want beads and feathers everywhere. I am the best at fashion." He adjusted the tie he wore with a smirk.
Seth rolled his eyes. "Adam, as I am the only one, for now, who has married into the family, take my advice. Come to me with any questions." He gave Adam a wink and a grin.
"No wait a minute. Love, I am the one you are going to marry. You only need to pay attention to me…" He gave Dean, Seth and Stephanie a silly smile, he only teased. Chris spoke again, after a bite of food and sip of tea.
"I am taking Adam to Harrods tomorrow. I would ask you to come along Stephanie, but they wouldn't like you being in the gentleman's dressing area." Chris gave his sister a look. It spoke than his words.
Stephanie understood. Adam wouldn't be comfortable with her there. "That's right, Chris. Natalya and I have our own shopping trip planned for tomorrow."
Eric let out a gasp. "Oh dear, I forgot. I have to go to Harrods too. I have to order liveries for Rhodes." He was in a bit of a panic.
"No, you can relax… Eric. Cody will fit into mine with a few alterations. No point in just letting mine hang useless in the back of the wardrobe. I was very careful, no rips or stains." Adam spoke to Eric in a more relaxed tone. It was getting a bit easier.
Eric let out a sigh of relief. "That is wonderful, dear boy. I never thought of that. Chris, get shoes and boots for him tomorrow, Adam can get his size. A man has to have his own shoes and boots. No amount of alterations would work. Adam… I know it isn't easy for you. You buy what you want and need. You would do it for Chris if the situation were reversed, wouldn't you? Let Chris spoil you a bit, like you will for him, by taking care of him after a hard day." He gave Adam a pointed look. Chris had told him, in private, how bad Adam felt.
Adam looked from Eric to Chris. He gave a laugh. "You, my dear, have guilt written all over your face. Someone had a talk. It is alright. It is just another change to get used to. I know I need new clothes. I want to make the family proud. I don't want to look like I am on the doss. Yes, I will spoil Chris, when I can. I will always make sure he is well cared for. So, Harrods it is. Yes, I will get Cody's shoe size. Thank you though, for caring so much. It does make it easier." He leaned on Chris' shoulder.
"I am glad, Adam. Vince and I both know this is a huge change in your life. We will all make mistakes. But, we will be a family, nothing is stronger than family. That includes yours, just as I am sure your dear mother and Mister Calaway will take Chris into your family. Adam, Vincent and I are very proud and honored to have you in the McMahon family." Eric leaned over and gave Adam a fatherly hug.
"It also means you will be uncle to our babies and you can spend all the time you want with them." Seth added with a smile. He always wished he and could be friends, now they could.
Adam held on to Chris' arm. "Thank you for that… Eric… I am just as proud to become a McMahon. Yes, ma and Mark will look after Chris like a son. Oh Seth, that will be wonderful. I love those little mites. I've decided to eat with my family to help welcome Cody. I'll set another place for you, my love." Adam had found his hubris again, it raised his morale.
When tea was finished, everyone retired to their rooms, except Eric. He had work to do at his writing desk in the morning room. He never heard a sound as Cody and Mark removed the tea things.
Chris followed Adam up to his new room. When the door was shut, Chris pulled Adam in for a searing kiss. Adam moaned softly when Chris' lips moved to kiss around his ears. He knew it was naughty, but at that moment, Adam simply didn't care.
"I can't wait for our wedding night. You're so damn beautiful." Chris whispered in Adam's ear. His breath was hot and made Adam moan again.
Adam tried to pull away a bit. "Chris… no… I am a good boy." Thing was, he didn't push Chris away very hard.
Chris pulled back. "Sorry, love. You're just too irresistible. Now, I have to go out for a bit. I will come down to have supper with you. Adam please, tell them to treat me like I am one of them. I love you very much." He gave Adam a more proper kiss.
"I love you. Be careful going out. Don't worry, I promise, supper will be pleasant. Oh, we eat at six, before we… well.. you know. I am going to see the twins." Adam gave Chris a kiss in return.
Chris cocked his head at Adam. "Wait? You're not curious about me going out?" He thought Adam might be the clinging vine type, about him going out.
Adam looked at Chris. "Why? I trust you, Chris. If you have something to do, that is your business. I expect the same respect. I am not the clinging type… I hope that's not what you wanted." He became worried again. He was independent to a point. Adam wanted to stay that way.
Chris belly laughed. "Thank God you're not a clinging vine. I do not want that in a husband. Alright, I will be down for supper." He gave Adam a last kiss then left.
Adam shook his head. He took a moment to look around his new room.
The tall wardrobe, chest of drawers, four poster king sized bed and small desk were all of rich, dark walnut. Beth and Becky kept it all polished, so it looked like glass.
The floor was covered with a deep green carpet. The drapes and bed covers were of the same deep color. Adam liked that his room had a small balcony. He had just enough room to sit in a chair and have a cup of tea in the morning.
The room also had a fireplace, with a small sofa in front of it. There were shelves on the wall, that were empty now, but Adam wanted to fill them with books and knickknacks.
There was also a water closet, with a huge claw foot bathtub, toilet and pedestal sink. The floor was deep green and ivory squares of linoleum. There was a small rug by the bathtub so wet feet didn't slip.
Adam knew, later after they were married, the bedroom would make a lovely sitting room. The door to Chris' room was between the fire place and the chest of drawers. Adam still had to pinch himself. He was really going to marry Lord Christopher. Adam smiled and went to the nursery.
"Hi, Adam. Congratulations on your engagement. I am so happy for you." Nanny Renee spoke as she rocked baby Reginald in her arms. Beatrice was awake in her cradle.
Adam picked up baby Bea and held her close. "Thank you, Renee. I am so happy. It means I get to really be an uncle to these two. I also want my own babies eventually." He blushed a bit as he spoke.
Renee smiled. "It will keep me in a job. That Cody seems a nice young man." She moved Reggie to a more comfortable position as Renee rocked.
Adam rocked Bea in his arms. "Yes, he is…" He was halted when Seth came into the nursery.
"How are my darlings?" Seth asked. Renee stood and handed Reggie to his poppa.
Renee smiled. "Happy and ready for sleep, Milord." She fixed the covers in their cradles, ready for them to sleep. She, as a Nanny, loved that Roman and Seth were active, attentive parents.
"Thank you, Nanny. Adam and I will put them down. Go have your tea." Seth gave Renee a smile.
"Thank you, Milord. They have been fed and changed." Renee gave a curtsy, then went to the night nursery. She had a tea kettle that hung over the fire. She prepared a cup of tea, and enjoyed it quietly.
Seth and Adam sat and rocked the twins. Seth spoke. "Maybe they will have a cousin by this time next year. I can't tell you how pleased I am for you, Adam. I always wished we could just be friends. I will miss the way you pulled my hair into the ponytail like Shawn wears. But, I'd rather have you as a brother-in-law than a valet." He put Reggie to his shoulder.
"I will teach Cody how to do your hair. Are you sure Roman, Dean and Stephanie are supportive of our marriage?" Adam asked as his hubris fell to his feet again.
"Trade me, please. I like to hold each for a bit before they sleep…" Seth spoke. He and Adam traded children. Seth held his daughter and Adam cooed at Reggie.
"Now, to answer your question. Yes, you are fully supported by all of us. You have no idea how many nights Chris kept Roman up talking about you. The man is besotted with you. He would and will do anything for you, Adam. We just ask one thing; never hurt him. Chris has a fragile heart, and has waited a long time to have your love." Seth spoke honestly but firmly. He got up to put Bea in her cradle. She was already asleep.
Adam got up and put Reggie down in his cradle. "I had no idea about… what you said about Chris. I promise, I will never hurt him. I love him too much. But Seth, how will I get through all the changes?"