He pointed at James. "That's my brother-my little brother-in-law."

Everyone just stared in silence.

Ava blinked, a little lost. "Brother-in-law?" she mouthed quietly.

Then Leo pulled Anya over. "And this is my girlfriend. The guy in the car? That's her actual brother."

The neighbor looked taken aback, and so did Anya.

Leo kept it light. "Don't get the wrong idea. We all live around here, so we're bound to bump into each other at the store. No need for weird rumors. Besides, my girlfriend's still in school, not even graduated yet. She's young-no kids or anything."

Anya nodded fast. "Yep, that's right."

The neighbor blushed, apologetic. "I'm so sorry for the misunderstanding."

Another shopper chimed in, embarrassed. "Whoops, that's on me. I shouldn't have said anything."

Leo and Anya could tell it was all harmless, so they just cleared things up and let it go.

one each to the three kids. "You kids are just too cute. Honestly, your whole

looked at the little Henry in his arms. "What do

the sausage, lips still sticky from

been working, she probably would have

too little to manage a "thank you," so Leo thanked her for them, then grabbed

even need to explain? Nobody here knows us

shrugged. "Maybe not,

met

guy in town, and you're good-looking. They'll remember you next time.

won't be raiding the fridge as

to the house. The little ones couldn't walk ten steps

home, Leo checked his phone, worry flickering across his

Mia was just coming off the stage. Molly rushed to her, fretting.

winced. "Of

a tank. I punched him and I swear I heard something crack in my hand." She shook her

threw an arm around her and sat her down. "Well, pain or not,

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