Page 56 of Backup Plan

She shrugs. “That’s been my experience.”

“Well, like you said before, I’m not like the others.”

She shakes her head in wonder. “You sure aren’t. And I like it. A lot.”

I hide my smile behind my coffee cup, a little afraid to admit how her words make me feel.

We spend the week at my place. Dolores is an absolute angel as she leaves soup, medicine, and a variety of hydrating drinks on my doorstep so we don’t have to leave. When we need some fresh air, we head out to the balcony. The boys in particular love standing on the balcony as the wind whips by them, and it’s amusing to watch Penny out there with them.

“Not too close to the edge!”

“Sammy, the railing isn’t a toy!”

“Benji, get down!”

They’re perfectly safe up here, but seeing her in her element with them is nothing short of totally heartwarming.

All four of us are fever-free by Thursday, but Pen decides to keep the boys home Friday for good measure.

We spend the weekend watching both Lego movies on repeat along with The Lego Batman Movie, and she’s right…they’re an absolute treat.

We build Lego sets. We have build battles. We play Mario Kart. We bond in ways I never, ever expected to bond with someone else’s children.

And Penny…

Penny.

She’s making me not want to leave. That’s not something I ever thought I’d say, but spending all day every day with someone and her kids for five days bonds you in a way few other things can. We’ve seen each other at our best, and now at some of our worst points, and it’s only making me like her more.

She’s an incredible mom. I didn’t have the best role model in that regard growing up, but I love seeing her in her element.

Like doesn’t seem strong enough of a word to really describe how I feel, but it isn’t love. Not yet. It’s too soon. But it feels like I could get there, and sometimes when I catch her eye across the room or when she shoots me a secret smile, I think that maybe she could get there, too.

We miss Ivy’s college graduation on Thursday since we’re all still contagious. I feel terrible, but I FaceTime her to congratulate her, and I spot Madden, Kennedy, Dex, and Ainsley there with her, so it’s not like she’s celebrating alone.

When Sunday rolls around, I’m reluctant to pack and get on the plane to stay in San Diego for the next six nights.

“We’ll be fine,” Penny assures me when she comes up to my room to help me pack after she gets the boys started on another round of Mario Kart.

“I know you will,” I say softly, and I walk across the room and pull her into my arms. “It’s been nice spending the week with you.”

Her eyes search mine. “I never thought staying home with the boys for an entire week would feel nice, but…it was. They really love you, Liam.”

I chuckle. “They’re great. Benji invited me to his end-of-the-year kindergarten promotion.”

Her face warms as a smile spreads across it. “See? He doesn’t just invite anyone.”

I chuckle. “They just like me for my climbing wall and game consoles.”

“Don’t forget the loft beds. Oh, and the snacks.”

“Right. Those too.”

“In all honesty, Liam, you’re great with them. You get down on the floor and play with them. You aren’t afraid to get silly with them. You’re giving them happy memories at a time that hasn’t been very happy, and I can’t thank you enough,” she says quietly. She presses her lips to mine.

I sigh into her kiss, and it comes out a little strangled.

She pulls back. “You okay?”