Page 63 of Loving Kai

“Either take Kai or carry in the groceries.”

He headed for the door. “Groceries.”

When he came back in with three bags of groceries, Kai was in his high chair, and Allie was slicing a banana. She handed a plastic bowl to Abe. “Give these to him. Keep an eye on him. He likes to stuff his mouth. I don’t want him to choke.”

Abe took the bowl from her and picked up the remaining half of the banana on the counter. Then he set the bowl in front of Kai and sat next to him. “He must eat more than just fruit.”

“He does.” She began unloading the groceries. “I got him lots of goodies.”

“Did you get me some goodies, too?”

She glanced at him. “Did you eat lunch?”

“Um…some almonds and a beer.” Allie raised her eyebrow at the two empty beer bottles on the table, and Abe smiled. “Right. Two beers.” He held up the banana. “And this.”

“I hope you eat better at home, honey.”

“I do.”

“I’ll make you a sandwich to hold you over until dinner.”

“You’re spoiling me, Mom. I may never want to leave.”

“You and Kai are welcome to stay as long as you’d like. But I think you might start missing home before too long. I talked to Lucia today. She’s going to help you baby proof your house tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?”

“Do you have other plans?”

Abe glanced at Kai. “No. No plans.”

Kai finished his bananas and picked up the bowl. He put it to his face and began licking it.

Abe took it from him. “Yeah, kid, that’s gross.”

Kai looked at him, then banged his hands on the tray.

“Does he get any more?”

“Not until dinner. What do you want on your sandwich?”

“I’m fine. I can wait until dinner.”

“Okay. Why don’t you take Kai out and show him the animals?”

“Yes, ma’am.” He stood and lifted Kai from the highchair. “Do you want to go see Mabel and her babies?” He headed for the door, then stopped and turned back to Allie. “Maggie is coming over later. I need to…fill her in.”

“Oh, okay. Maggie is like family. She should be told.”

“I figured you knew about… never mind.”

“Knew about what?”

“That Maggie and I…that we decided to date.”

“Goodness. When did that happen?”

“Um, recently.” He looked at Kai. “But now. Now everything has changed.”