533 We Have A Winner

(Winona)

"To be fair," River says, "we didn't know why we were coming. Gus just said to meet some cool people."

"And hang out with some kids," Kit adds. "Mission accomplished."

I stiffen and I'm not sure whether to yell at Gus or just accept defeat.

"They're great!" Bobby exclaimed, looking up from the Switch. "Kit knows all the cool games. He's way better than you, Dad." "Thanks, son," Jayden mutters dryly.

"And River's an artist!" Abbey adds, holding up the sketch-a surprisingly detailed picture of Abbey wearing a glittery crown.

"It's beautiful!" I say, surprised.

"Thanks," River answers. "Your kids are pretty inspiring."

"They've been telling us all about their adventures in Europe," Kit looks genuinely amazed. "They've seen more of the world than we have. We love to travel. But funds are an issue. We find private gigs more profitable than formal teaching jobs. And less... regimented." "With all due respect, you might not be ready for the chaos these four cause."

River nods. "I come from a big family. Seven siblings. And Kit here has five. We thrive on chaos."

"Big families," Gus said with a wink. "Perfect for this one."

I'm not going to be swayed that easily. "Plus, Jayden and I have very busy lifestyles. It would need to be live-in the vast majority of the time... We can't have anyone who is going to jet across the world in twelve-months time."

"We don't have any other ties right now. Live in would be preferable," Kit adds.

at times?" River adds. "We get to travel and you get

a whole lot of

his hip. "Come on,

Jayden says with mock seriousness. "You

"What's he talking about?

The kids all giggle.

have a moment like that with

to admit, they feel like a fit," he

small smile. "Alright.

I can't help but think Gus might've actually nailed it. "So you're

And we both have experience with kids. I used to run a summer

They're weird in the best way. And they're brutally honest, which keeps you humble. We can email

email address down and hand it to River.

cat. Abbey loves crafting, being adventurous, cooking and Sarah? Well... Sarah's Sarah. She wants a pony but

I'm all over gaming. You name it-Minecraft, Fortnite, Mario Kart-I'm your guy. I've trained in cyber-safety too, especially concerning kids. As for landscaping and

grins. "Crafting? Perfect.

a million

loves storytelling. It really helps kids identify what's going

for dealing with

foster kids. She worked with me and my kids. Bobby and Sarah in particular. We've adopted them." River's eyes

Anne puts her pen and pad on

glance. That's the thumbs-up from

nannying?" I

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