Page 43 of Black and White, Twice the Might (Cadenbury Town #8)

W e arrive back home, and the downstairs is quiet. It’s quite late, as the temple battle took us hours.

“Want to take bets they’re upstairs playing games?” I ask Sly as we close the front door.

“They probably are,” he replies as we walk up the stairs. “I can’t believe our first time playing with the others, and we lost.”

I pat his arm. “There’s always next time,” I say with fake sympathy. “It was fun, though.”

“It really was,” Sly admits, begrudgingly.

We reach Enoch’s bedroom and hear loud voices coming from the den.

I laugh as I hear Xander cheering John on. “Left, Grandpops.”

“Hey, no cheating,” Enoch grumbles.

We stand by the door and watch them play.

“Yay, Grandpops,” Xander cheers, patting him on the arm.

Enoch throws his controller down. “Yeah, yeah, whatever.”

“Having fun?” I ask them generally.

Three sets of eyes turn to us.

“So much fun,” John replies. “But I’ve been sat on the floor too long.” He stands up, and his knees crack. “Much too long.”

“Sorry,” Enoch says.

John looks back and smiles at him. “Nothing to apologise for. It was fun.”

“We’ll make sure there are chairs or a sofa in there soon,” Sly tells him.

“Thanks, I’m really too old to sit cross-legged on the floor for that long.”

Xander scoffs. “You’re not old, Grandpops.”

John laughs and hugs Xander. “Thanks.”

“How about a coffee?” I offer, leading the way out of Enoch’s bedroom and down the stairs. The boys follow.

“Perfect, thanks. This house is amazing, and perfect for the four of you.”

“It really is, and it’s thanks to Enoch that we found it. He spotted it from the road.”

“Yep, it’s all down to me. I’m totally amazing.”

Xander playfully pushes Enoch into the wall. “You wish, dweeb.”

Enoch pretends to glare at his brother. “Did you find this house? Nope, loser.”

“Brat,” Xander shoots back angrily.

“Turd,” Enoch spits out.

I go to tell them to behave, as I can see a full-on argument breaking out.

“Okay, enough you two,” John gently chastises. “Everyone’s had a fun evening, don’t ruin it now.”

Enoch drops his head. “Sorry, Grandpops.”

“Yeah, sorry,” Xander says.

“I would just like to go on record and say that not all of us had a fun evening,” Sly points out.

I smile my husband’s way. “Well, I did.”

John laughs. “Did the light witches finally beat the grey and dark ones?”

“Oh yeah, and in spectacular fashion, involving rain, lightning, boulders, and us being awesome.”

“Next time,” Sly mutters.

I pat his arm. “Sure love.”

We have drinks, and a little while later, John leaves. We all wave as he drives off. I usher everyone inside and lock the front door. Sly walks off to the kitchen.

“Time for bed,” I tell my brothers, “And no staying up late playing games either.”

“We won’t,” Enoch says, breaking out in a yawn.

“Me either. Can I use your book ordering account? Some of my books were destroyed, and I want to read them again.”

“Use my account, Xander,” Sly says, walking back towards us from the kitchen. “You know my passwords.”

“Thanks. I won’t go mad; it’s only three books.”

Sly shrugs. “I’m not worried, I trust you.”

Xander gives him a blinding smile. “Thanks. I’m off to bed now, see you both in the morning.”

Enoch starts up the stairs. “Me too, night brothers.”

After a round of nights, the boys go up to their rooms.

“I’ve tidied the kitchen,” Sly tells me.

“Such a good housewife,” I tease. “We have some deliveries turning up tomorrow.”

We walk into one of the front rooms. “Two of the chairs for this room, and the new rug.”

Sly wraps his arms around me from behind, and I lean back against him and place my hands over his.

“I want to sort out my workshop tomorrow, can you listen out for the deliveries?”

Sly kisses the side of my head. “Yep, I have some work I need to do, so I’ll be able to hear the doorbell.”

“Thanks.” I turn around, not leaving Sly’s arms. “Are we going to the fireworks display or the non-fireworks event?”

“We can see what the boys want to do.”

“We can. I’m happy with either,” I lean forward and give him a gentle kiss. “Are you still upset about earlier?”

Sly gives a pitiful, playful nod.

“Want me to do that licky thing?” I whisper. “Would that help?”

“Yes, so yes,” he shoots out smiling, pulling out of my arms, grabbing my hand and pulling me quickly upstairs to our room.