The Thads exchanged a glance, at a loss for words.

Finally, Danny stepped in to smooth things over. “Let’s just let Hal stay, then. You know, they say sometimes spending more time with kids can bring good fortune to couples who’ve struggled to have their own. Maybe being around Hal will bring them luck–like the old saying, ‘hold a child, and you’ll soon have one of your own.’” Hearing this, Ivy felt another wave of pressure settle on her shoulders.

So it wasn’t just Mrs. Ludwig who was fixated on the idea of children–Mr. Ludwig was just as invested.

With the patriarch having spoken, the Thads had no choice but to drop the subject. They said their goodbyes and headed out.

Once they were in the car, Davina buckled her seatbelt, muttering under her breath, “What was Dad getting at? Are they seriously thinking of letting Hal stay with Jamison and Ivy?”

Thad gripped the steering wheel and sighed. “I’ve talked with Jamison about this. Maybe he’s just pretending, or maybe he really doesn’t want kids.”

Davina twisted around in her seat, surprised. “What do you mean, Jamison’s not sick? So he lied to Mom? Is it Ivy who doesn’t want kids? Or are they planning to stay child-free?”

“I honestly don’t know what’s going on in their heads,” Thad admitted, glancing over at his wife. “But Hal’s so fond of his uncle and aunt. If, in the future, they really don’t want their own kids, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to let Hal spend more time with them. Not adoption or anything–just that both families are his home. He can go wherever he likes. Would you be okay with that?”

Thad had been mulling this over for days.

His brother had completely given up his share of the family company, which left Thad feeling guilty–like he’d gotten all the benefits. He’d even considered dividing up some of his own shares to give to Jamison’s future child, as both a gesture of goodwill and to make up for the lopsided inheritance.

But if Jamison and Ivy never planned on having kids, that gesture would never come to fruition.

If they liked Hal, though, and Hal liked being with them, maybe letting him spend time with them–maybe even care for them as they aged–could be a different kind of compensation.

Davina was silent for a long while, then finally spoke softly, “If Hal’s happy with it, and Jamison and Ivy are too, I have no objections. We all live in the same city. Even if Hal spends more time with them, we can see him whenever we want. Like you said, it’s just like Hal has two homes–and two more people who love him.”

Thad was surprised. He turned to look at his wife. “Thank you, Davina.”

She gave a small smile. “Don’t thank me. You’ve always taken care of me and our family. It’s only right for us to look out for each other.”

Back at the Ludwig estate, Halley had no idea his parents were making plans for him behind his back. He was happily tugging Ivy’s hand, regaling her with stories.

Ivy had never been much for kids, but this little guy, with his chubby cheeks, quick wit, and a face that bore a striking resemblance to Jamison, was starting to win her over. Maybe, she thought, children weren’t so bad after all. Maybe they could even be… adorable.

Jamison came out of the shower to find his nephew monopolizing his wife’s attention, chattering away as if he owned the place. He scowled.

“Halley, you need to go get cleaned up. You smell like a locker room–you’re stinking up my whole bedroom!”

Halley lifted his arm and sniffed. “No way! I showered after soccer before dinner.”

“You still stink,” Jamison insisted, striding over to grab his nephew by the collar and shooing him toward the door. “Take him for a bath,” he called to the housekeeper, “and make sure he’s squeaky clean.”

The housekeeper nodded and swept Halley away.

Even as he was being carried off, Halley craned his neck to call back, “Uncle Jamie! Wait for me I haven’t finished my story yet!”

Jamison shut the door firmly behind him, pretending not to hear. He turned the lock.

Ivy stared at him in disbelief. “You’re really not letting him back in?”

Jamison shot her a look. “Were you actually planning to let him sleep here with us?”

“I…” Ivy hesitated. She’d never shared a bed with a child before and had no ideal what she was supposed to do. But she’d promised Halley, and now she was going back on her word. What if he ran straight to his parents to complain?

“Relax,” Jamison soothed, “there’s a guest room for him. He won’t be out on the street.” He walked over to the sofa, and before Ivy could react, he scooped her up into his arms.

“Hey! What are you doing?” Ivy squeaked, clutching at his pajama shirt and eyeing the door in a panic.

“Don’t worry,” Jamison grinned, carrying her toward the bed. “No one’s coming in.” He leaned in for a kiss, teasing, “What’s with all the fuss? Worried someone might overhear?”

“Jamison! You’re impossible!” Ivy protested, embarrassed, landing a light punch on his shoulder. “Put me down!”

He reached the edge of the bed and, obliging, set her down–only to stretch out beside her, tall frame enveloping hers.

“At last, I get to fall asleep with you in my arms…” he murmured, sighing contentedly as he drew her close.