he was right.
“Your mum tells me you picked out our new house.” Remy handed Rain a plate with his favorite pizza.
“It has a pool. Mum is going to teach me how to swim.”
They had decided to excitedly talk about moving to California with all the state had to offer, like beaches and sunshine. They casually mentioned the other kids who Rain would have the chance to become friends with too. Isla thought if they let Rain get used to the idea instead of merely declaring they were moving he would better handle the situation. They had been correct.
“Now that is exciting. I need to call Sixx and have him put in the offer for us so someone doesn’t snatch it out from under us.” After Isla chose several homes in the area close to where the Pen was located, Sixx had vetted the properties then performed walkthroughs of each, and he did so with his camera showing Remy each property as he toured them. “The one you like has plenty of bedrooms. One for your mum and me. One for you. One for your little brother or sister.” Remy held his breath.
Rain nodded as he chewed. “That would be so cool. Amelia is getting a baby brother, but I’m getting a sister.”
“How do you know that?” Remy asked.
“Connor said so. He saw her in a vision.”
Remy was so happy at Rain’s acceptance of a sibling he didn’t chastise the boy for speaking around a mouthful of food. Isla’s eyes were filled with happy tears when she leaned over and hugged their son.
“What?” Rain asked his mum. “What was that for?”
“Can I not hug you because I love you?”
“I guess. When do I get my sister?” he asked, then took another bite of cheesy pepperoni goodness.
“In early September. We have plenty of time to get settled into our new home before she arrives.” Isla brushed her hand across Rain’s hair. “Would you like to help set up her room?”
“Yes. She’s going to need lots of stuffies. Babies need soft things, don’t you think?” Rain took a drink of his soda, then let out a burp. “Sorry, but that’s bubbly. Oh, can I name her? I think she should be Rain too. Is September in the summer?”
“At the end of it, yes.” Remy was pleased Rain was taking the news so well. “But do we really need two Rains? Won’t that get confusing?”
“No, Papa. I’m named after you, and that’s not confusing.”
“You’re right; it’s because we don’t call you Remington.” Isla had chosen Remington Rainier after Remy and his father. He wasn’t sure she would agree to their daughter being named Rainier as well.
“And we won’t call my sister Rain. We can call her Summer.” Rain shrugged like it was a done deal. When Remy raised his eyebrows at Isla, she nodded.
“Summer Rain. It is catchy. What do you think, Mum?” Remy asked, reaching for Isla’s hand.
Isla blinked back the tears, but they were happy ones. He could feel her joy through their bond. “I think it’s a lovely name. I also think you’re going to be the best big brother ever.”
“Can her bedroom be next to mine? If I’m going to look after her, I need to be close.”
Remy’s heart was full to bursting. “It sure can. Let’s finish eating so I can call Sixx. Then we can discuss what color you want your room painted.”
The house they’d chosen had just been completely remodeled, and the rooms all had fresh coats of paint in colors Isla adored. Still, they had agreed Rain could decorate his room however he liked. They wanted their son to be excited about moving, not dread it.
“Mum, when do we get to see Summer? Amelia has pictures and videos of Jonathan in Abbi’s tummy.”
“Well, she’s not very big. Right now, she’s about the size of a pepperoni slice. She’s going to need to grow a little before they can show us a picture.”
“Cool. Can I go with you when you see her? I need to be there.”
Isla smiled down at their son. “If that’s what you want.”
“It is. Summer needs me to protect her. That’s what big brothers do.” Rain was so matter of fact, and Remy wondered what was going through his son’s mind. Did he not think Remy would protect the baby? Oh gods! He blamed Remy for what Nash did.
“Well not all big brothers. Uncle Nash didn’t protect Mum. Or me. He was a bad big brother, right, Mum?”
“You’re right. Nash wasn’t a good