Chapter 39

Anthem, Anniston, Annika, Daly, and Darrion played virtual reality, aiming blasters at nonexistent targets.

“I think they like it,” Raylay observed.

“I appreciate it,” she said.

She felt a firm squeeze on her shoulder. For a second, they watched the five nine-year-olds deep in a digital world.

“It’s not a toy,” Raylay remarked. “It’s preparation for what’s to come.”

With that, he gave a slight bow to Relda.

“I’m off,” he said.

Relda placed her hand on her huge stomach. She was bigger than she was with the twins. That much she was sure of. Her stomach hardened under her palm.

“Can you take the girls?” she asked. “The quints are coming. I can tell.”

Raylay chewed on his lip, and nodded. He went to the high chairs and clapped his hands at Ozla and Klea. They reached for him, and he scooped them up.

“Alright, girls,” he called over them. “Your mom is about to have the babies.”