runs a hand through his hair, exhausted You're the—uh—the applicant?

from the couch, not bothering to get up Yeah, she's the one. The owl came back like ten minutes ago.

leans against the stair bannister, arms crossed Before we start, you know what you're getting into, yeah? Three kids. All under three.

from the kitchen doorway, bouncing a fussy toddler on his hip Ember, love, let go of my shirt—to you She's teething.

appearing at the top of the staircase, a crying baby pressed to his chest, looking wrecked She here yet? Please tell me she's here.