#Chapter 48 - Messages

Victor wakes with a start as the van pulls into the driveway, sucking in a deep breath. The boys, Alvin tucked in beside him and Ian stretched across his stomach, shift with the disturbance. “Are we home?” Ian asks, blearily blinking awake. “Yes, baby,” Evelyn says, peeling Ian off Victor and pulling him up into her arms. Ian yawns and tucks his head against Evelyn’s shoulder, seeming to fall asleep again immediately. “I’ll get number two,” Edgar says quietly as Victor stands up and stretches. Alvin doesn’t wake up at all, but continues to sleep, his jaw hanging open. Edgar laughs as he picks the little boy up. “Edgar,” Victor says, “will you show Evelyn the improvements to the cottage? Beta Franklin will show you the ropes and answer any questions you might have.” Victor ends his sentence on a yawn, but Edgar understands, tossing him a smile and a salute as he follows Evelyn down the three short steps. In the very back of the van, Amelia is packing up her travel bag with h