Chapter Twenty-Seven

It was nearing dusk when Jane and Ryan returned to the Beta House. They settled down in the living room in front of the television, sitting side by side, Ryan’s arm around her shoulders. Grant came crawling into the room, sat down on the carpet and started babbling to them.

Ryan chuckled as Grant crawled towards them again and pulled himself up using Ryan’s leg as a brace. Ryan removed his arm from her shoulder and picked Grant up. He settled the baby on his lap and Grant seemed to settle down.

Jane flicked between the channels and they finally settled on an animation when Grant started clapping his little hands together. “I guess he wants to watch this one.”

Jane smiled at Ryan’s words, impressed that he was so good with her little brother. An hour went by when Jane noticed Mae in the doorway. She had a sweet smile on her face and Jane sat upright. Grant was now on his stomach, sleeping on Ryan’s chest.

Both of Ryan’s arms were around Grant protectively even in his sleep. Jane couldn