Page 27 of Take My Kiss
Her phony, sugary sweet tone is fooling no one.
When I deepen my glare, she rolls her eyes. “I’ll be good, okay? Now, can I come in? I wanna play with them.”
Remy rushes to my side, forcing the door wider.
“Thanks, Remy!” She pushes her way past me, and I reluctantly close the door behind her, almost regretting letting her in.
“It’s gonna be so cool gainin’ a niece and nephew when y’all get married.”
“What’s that, sweetie?” Mom asks, shuffling into the living room where I left the kids to play. Remy’s on the floor, guarding them with his life.
I shoot Bellamy a glare that only a big brother could, that says,“Repeat those words and find yourself buried in my backyard.”
She must get the hint, faking a genuine smile. “Nothin’, Ma. I brought everythin’ you asked for.”
I reintroduce my mom and Bellamy to the kids, and for the next couple hours, the five of us take turns choosing what to play. We build a LEGO house, play Barbies and dress them up in various outfits, start a puzzle, and play a few of the board games. By lunchtime, the floor’s a complete disaster.
But I don’t mind one bit.
When the kids get hungry, I make corndogs and French fries. After they eat, I tuck Lily in for her afternoon nap. She doesn’t let me leave until I read her three stories. Finally, her eyes close.
“You’re good with them,” Mom says when I find her in the kitchen loading the dishwasher.
I grab my water and chug half of it down.”They’re easy kids.”
“Or you’re just a natural.”
Shrugging, I put my bottle back in the fridge. “I told Sam I’d take him fishin’ in the canoe tomorrow, so we’re gonna be up early to get a headstart. I’m a bit nervous ’bout it though.”
“As long as you don’t lose him and he has fun, consider it a win.” Mom grins warmly. “And if you catch a good amount, bring some over to me.”
I chuckle at her casual tone. “Sure thing, Ma.”
Even if we only catch one, I’m looking forward to showing him how to gut and cook it.
“Colt?”
Turning toward the voice, I find Gabby with all her supplies.
“How’d it go?” I ask. “She doin’ okay?”
“She’s takin’ a hot shower to wash off the rest of the seaweed and should be out shortly. Make sure she drinks plenty of water for the next twenty-four hours.”
“Will do.” Grabbing my wallet, I pull out five hundred-dollar bills for her tip. “Thank you again for comin’ on short notice.”
“It was my pleasure,” she says wholeheartedly, pocketing the money. “She’s very sweet. Quiet, but nice.”
My mom walks her to the door, and I check on Bellamy and Sam on the couch.
“Is my mommy comin’ back soon?”
“I’m gonna check on her and find out.”
I turn to Bellamy and lower my voice. “You okay with him for a few minutes?”
She glances down at the coloring books and crayons spread across the coffee table. “I think we’ll manage.”
“Smart-ass,” I mumble.
