The Replacement Wife by Tiffany L. Warren Page B

are.”
    Estelle made a satisfied little noise before stepping around her son and continuing to the kitchen.
    â€œQuentin,” Estelle called when Quentin was at the bottom of the staircase.
    â€œYes?”
    â€œYou’re welcome.”
    Quentin laughed out loud. Estelle never waited for thanks. She commanded it.
    â€œOkay, Mother. Okay. You were right! The kids needed a nanny.”
    Estelle gave Quentin a knowing smile as if she knew about the butterflies. She couldn’t possibly. Could she? Quentin put one hand on his stomach in an effort to calm them and rushed away from his mother.
    He was a grown man. He didn’t need a nanny or insects in his stomach.

CHAPTER 15
    M ontana happily cleaned up the kitchen after making breakfast with the children. The Chambers family had a maid, of course, but Montana was taught to always clean up after herself. Her values hadn’t changed when she’d moved into a mansion.
    Singing always helped her work go by more quickly, so she practiced the song they were going to sing at church on Sunday. It was an old Andrae Crouch song called “We Are Not Ashamed.” Montana simply loved the song, and she felt so honored when the choir director asked her to lead it, along with one of the brothers.
    When she got to the chorus part, Montana belted, “We are not ashamed!” at the top of her lungs. Then she caught herself and lowered her voice. She remembered Quentin wasn’t all that fond of church, and that probably included gospel music. He was gone on his errands, but maybe one of the staff would tell him. Things were going well with Ms. Levy, and Montana wanted to keep it that way.
    â€œMs. Montana?”
    Montana jumped at the sound of Morgan’s voice. “Yes, honey? Do you need something?”
    She shook her head, and then Madison tipped into the kitchen too. Morgan said, “Please don’t stop singing. Our parents used to sing that song all the time.”
    â€œThey did? Mr. Chambers can sing too? I knew he could play, but I didn’t know he could sing.”
    â€œHe doesn’t sing anymore,” Madison said. “No one sings anymore in our house.”
    â€œWell, I sing! Only I do it in my room with the door closed,” Morgan said.
    Montana’s heart ached for these children. It was like they were all trapped in cages waiting for the jailer to arrive with the key and set them free.
    â€œSinging should be heard,” Montana said. “I’m going to sit down, and I want you to give me a concert.”
    Morgan covered her mouth with her hand and giggled. “What should I sing?”
    â€œWhatever you want!”
    Morgan cleared her throat, closed her eyes, and launched into a beautiful rendition of “Killing Me Softly.” It was a take on Lauryn Hill’s version, and Morgan’s voice was perfect for it. Then, on the chorus, Madison came in on the harmony parts. Their voices blended seamlessly.
    When they were done, Montana gave them a round of applause. Danielle had joined them in the kitchen, and she was clapping too.
    â€œYou girls sound incredible! Why aren’t you in the youth choir at church?”
    â€œDaddy won’t let us,” Danielle said. “I can sing too.”
    Montana gave the youngest girl a hug. “You can?”
    â€œBut Deirdre sings the best,” Madison said. “Her voice is ridiculous. One time she sang at a talent show at school. We went, but no one told Daddy.”
    â€œGo and get Deirdre. I want to hear her sing too,” Montana said.
    Danielle scurried out of the kitchen to get her sister. Montana beamed at the twins.
    â€œI can’t believe you guys have been keeping all this good singing to yourself!”
    Deirdre limped into the kitchen behind Danielle. She looked annoyed.
    â€œWhat?” Deirdre asked.
    â€œYour sisters tell me you are an awesome singer! I want to hear it!”
    Deirdre rolled her eyes at her sisters.