Chapter 3Ward stepped out of the shower, grabbing the towel and ran to the phone. “Hello?”
“Ward?”
“Mom?”
“Listen, Benji said he had to be home earlier today.”
“I know, Mom.” Ward dried his hair with one hand, ignoring the water puddles he created in running to the bonus room, as he stood holding the landline to his ear. “I’ll be heading out in an hour to get him.”
“No, need. We’re exiting. I tried to reach you earlier. We thought we’d bring Benji to you for a change.”
Ward gasped unexpectedly. “Which exit?”
“Honey,” Leesa laughed. “Your exit, of course. We’ll be at your house in a few minutes. We’re dropping off your gift and Benji’s gift, but you can’t open them until Christmas. I’m just sorry I couldn’t be present when Benji opened his gift.”
“I forgot, Mom,” Ward said, “that yo
