Page 9 of Tinsel & Chrome

“Peanut butter cookies and chocolate chip cookies,” she replied.

He chuckled. “You’re planning on spoiling them rotten, aren’t you?” he teased.

“Maybe, but after what they’ve been through they deserve it,” she countered.

“Yeah, they do,” he agreed. “What can I do to help?”

“You can mix this batter while I get the current batch out of the oven,” she replied, handing him a bowl.

“You got it.” He stirred the batter until she got the pan out of the oven and set the cookies on the cooling rack. Then he handed it back to her.

An hour and a half and six dozen cookies later and she was done. They had a quick breakfast and then they were off to meet Lilian at the hospital.

Chaos held Indi’s hand as he drove. They had booster seats installed in the backseat for the kids, and a bag with some clothes for them to change into.

“This is a big step, Kitten. You ready?” he asked.

“I’ve been ready,” she replied. “I’m sorry they lost their mama, but I’m so glad they’re going to be ours.”

“That makes two of us.” He squeezed her hand lightly.

“I know you wanted a big family, like the one you grew up in. Maybe after Darby and Lorcan are settled in, we can discuss adding at least one more.”

“Only if that’s what you want too, Kitten. I’m not going to pressure you.”

“I know, Hotstuff.” She brought their hands to her lips and kissed the back of his hand.

He parked as close to the main doors as he could, got out, and helped Indi out. He placed his hand at the small of her back and escorted her inside.

“Good morning,” Lilian said when they entered the lobby. “Ready to take the little ones home?”

“Good morning, Lilian. Yeah, we are,” Indi responded.

“This one has been up since five making sure everything was ready for them... and making a ton of cookies,” Chaos interjected. “Oof,” he joked when Indi smacked his stomach.

“I’m sure Darby and Lorcan will enjoy the fruits of your labor,” Lilian said with a laugh. “Come on,” she added and they took the elevator up to the pediatric ward.

“Good morning,” Lilian said cheerily to the nurses. “Has the doctor been around to discharge the kids yet?”

“He was just here. He said to let him know when you arrived,” the nurse replied. “I’ll alert him.”

“Thank you.” They made their way down the hall and stepped into the room.

––––––––

Indi

––––––––

“Indi! Chaos!” the kids squealed when they entered the room.

“Hello sweet ones. Are you ready to get out of here and see your new rooms?” Indi asked.

“Yes!” Lorcan said with exuberance.

“Uh huh,” Darby added, a little quieter.

“Well, while we wait for the doctor, why don’t we get you dressed?” Indi questioned. She held up the bag that had several options for them to choose from. “We didn’t know what you would like, so we brought more than one outfit,” she added as she took items out of the bag to set on the beds.