56 - Peter

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After Megan called to tell him they delayed her discharge, he asked Kristi if she would keep the kids while he finished his surprise.

"Who would believe that four kids are easier than two, but it's true."

He was serious about his offer to sit with Megan, but he realized it was just as well he didn't. He reminded himself that it was not like with the twins. They weren't married anymore. The delay gave him a chance to get more work done.

He spent the morning sanding and meticulously cleaning up the mess he made. His mother had taught him how to clean and the room was definitely cleaner when he was finished than when he started. Cleaning couldn't have been easy for her the past month or so.

Kristy had already fed the kids when he broke for lunch. She offered him grilled cheese, and he accepted.

"So you saw the baby."

"Yes. She's cute."

"Megan looks great doesn't she?"

He shook his head. "Kristi, what answer are you looking for and would you believe me, if I don't answer the way you want me to?"

"I don't know what you mean." She smiled.

"Well if I say, I didn't notice, you wouldn't believe me."

"Did you notice?"

"I noticed that she looked happy and completely in awe of her baby. Thanks for lunch. If you don't mind having them longer, I'd like to put a coat of paint on."

"Go. Go, but I know the truth."

"What truth?"

"My secret." She motioned locking up her lips and throwing away the key.

He thought about what she meant while he cut the edge by the ceiling with the paintbrush. It was a job that required a steady hand and concentration. Later as he rolled the paint onto the wall, he decided that Kristi had figured out that he loved Megan - not that it was a huge secret. He felt like everyone knew except for Megan.

He and Megan had painted most of the house. A lot of their work was less than perfect, but when he painted the twins' room at his place John gave him some pointers and his skill improved. When he finished the wall, it was the best one in the house. He moved the bookcase in place leaving it about an inch from the still wet wall. He also centered it as it had been oddly off centered all those years hiding the hole. He felt good, because it had been a task he had promised to do when he was still her husband.

He received a text from her explaining that they were waiting on one last test and she should be ready within the hour. He was done with his project and had changed his clothes. The infant car seat was in his car and her house looked nice for her homecoming.

The twins were excited on the way to the hospital. They rushed into their mother's room and threw themselves at her.

"Have they sprung you yet?"

"I just finished signing everything."

"Is she alright?" He put the empty infant carrier down by the bassinet.

"Yes, for now. I need to take her to the pediatrician on Sunday to double check."

"We need to get your car back to you. I haven't asked anyone."

"We can swing by now."

"Do you feel up to driving?"

"I'm perfectly fine."

In the car, he asked, "Where do you want them tonight?"

"Oh, I don't know. I've missed them and they'll be gone this weekend."

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