“Downstairs! There’s candy downstairs!”

    Cole’s shout rang out just as he bounded up the steps. When he’de inside earlier, he’d noticed several tes of candy on the table. At the time, he’d assumed they were for the guests and hadn’t thought much of it. But now, seeing the chaos, it was obvious–these treats were meant for the swarm of kids.

    The two boys standing on the fringe, untouched by the excited children, perked up at Cole’s words and bolted for the stairs. Momentster, they returned, each carrying two heaping trays loaded with sweets.

    “Candy! Right here,e and get it!”

    The scene erupted into gleeful chaos. Laughter bounced off the walls, and the adults on the first floor craned their necks to watch the spectacle unfolding above, unable to hold back their own smiles.

    “You have to hand it to Queenie–she’s usually so quiet, but she sure knows how toe up with a n. Look at this bunch,pletely flustered,” someone remarked from below.

    “They’re all young and full of energy. Just want to have some fun,”

    another chimed in.

    The older generation gathered at the foot of the stairs, grinning and enjoying themotion.

    Once the children had finally been settled–each clutching their share of the spoils–Justin decided it was time to get some answers. But the two boys in front of him were sharp as tacks, feigning ignorance and refusing to say a word.

    Justin couldn’t help but chuckle in frustration. He reached out and tapped ione /iof them lightly on the forehead.

    “Cole, these little rascals are your girlfriend’s brothers. You take a shot,” Justin said, stepping aside.

    10:30

    Cole sighed, already feeling a headacheing on as he faced York and Ivan. There was no way around it–the Laines had more rooms than they knew what to do with. If they had to search each one, especially with this crowd ready to y defense, it would take at least twenty minutes.

    “Let’s make a deal. What’ll it take for you to tell me?” Cole crouched down to their level, speaking to them not as children, but as equals.

    These two were nothing like the others; they were quick–witted and far too clever for mere bribes of candy.

    No doubt they’d been recruited for exactly this reason–to make things difficult for him.

    “Thetest limited edition gaming console and the newest art supply kit,” York dered, sticking out his hand, his face alight with smug

    satisfaction.

    He was under strict orders from Alessia–whatever he wanted, he could

    ask for.

    “Deal!” Cole let out a relieved breath. After all, they were still just kids. Their demands were easy enough to meet.

    “And…” York began.

    Cole’s heart skipped a beat. Of course it wouldn’t be that simple. “What

    else?”

    “On Sundays, iyou /ican’t go on dates with our sister. We get to spend the day with her too! You can’t hog her all week!” Ivan piped up, his voice small but full of protest.

    Cole’s face fell as he nced helplessly at Justin.

    “Negotiations have failed,” he said tly.

    “Oh,e on! Don’t give up, man. For the sake of your happiness, can’t you give up just one day? Out of seven, they only want one! Just say yes,” Justin pleaded.

    “Justin, you are a real pal,” Cole muttered through gritted teeth.

    10:30

    Staring at the two little devils in front of him, Cole could practically see their horns and mischievous grins.

    “One Sunday a month. That’s my offer.”

    “Every other Sunday,” York countered, arching an eyebrow.

    Cole’s agreement caught in his throat, but with Justin’s desperate urging, he finally nodded.

    With their terms met, the boys high–fived each other in triumph.

    “So… now can you tell us where your sister and her friends are hiding?” Cole pressed.

    “Fifth floor.”

    “Third room on the left.”

    The answers came one after the other, their eyes twinkling with mischief.

    Cole ruffled their hair in thanks, and the group wasted no time, racing upstairs to the fifth floor.

    This time, the door was locked–but at least the boys hadn’t lied. The bride was definitely inside.

    “Alright, guys, this is it–the final challenge! I’m counting on you!” Cole called out.

    “We’re ready!” came the chorus.

    “Not so fast!” Penny’s voice rang out from behind the door.

    “Come on,dies, cut us some ck! Look, the groom and bride are meant for each other–let’s not mess up the timing with all these games,” Justin said as he knocked on the door.

    Cole understood the hint. He quickly pulled out three envelopes he’d prepared in advance and slid them, one after another, through the gap under the door.

    b3/3 /b

    10:30