Chapter 168

When Madeleine got home, Chris and Terrell were busy playing with mud in the living room. She blinked, a bit surprised — seriously? Chris playing with Terrell? "Mom!" Chris beamed and ran over. Terrell, on the other hand, ducked his head and shuffled closer to the couch, clearly embarrassed. A while ago, he couldn't stand Chris or his mom, and he'd called them all sorts of mean stuff. Kids know when they've messed up too. "What's Terrell doing here…" Madeleine whispered. Chris leaned in and whispered back, "Mom, Terrell's dad didn't want him, so Daddy brought him over to hang out." Madeleine froze for a second — Callen really ditched his own kid? She gave Chris's hair a gentle ruffle and walked with him over to Terrell, crouching beside him with a soft smile. "You two have fun. I'll head into the kitchen and make something tasty. Terrell, anything you feel like eating?" Terrell stared at her like she was from another planet. How come other people's moms were so nice? "Can I have some s