Chapter 48: Santos

I drop the last of the boxes in the kitchen. At least, I think it's the last of the boxes. There may be more hidden somewhere, but at this point, I'm not asking.

Putting my hands on my hips to help regulate my breathing, I look around the room. When Mari said this place was perfect for her and the kids, she wasn't kidding. Just standing here, I can imagine her chopping vegetables on the black and white granite island while looking on as the kids play in the den area.

The kids race into the room and jump up and down around me. "Can we play outside, Daddy? Can we, please? Can we go swing?"

"Okay, okay, you can go outside," I laugh and try to get to the back door through the gaggle and arms and legs surrounding me. "But be careful with the swings. Don't go too high and watch out that your brother doesn't stand in front of you while you're swinging."

The chorus of "Yays" sound as I open the door, and just as quickly as they ran in, they all run out.

"You think they'll be okay out there?"