Page 83 of Loving Kai

She went out the door, and he waited until she was in the truck before closing it. He rubbed the back of his neck, then went to the couch and dropped onto it with a sigh. “It was a hell of a day.” He smiled. “Papa hug. The woman is crazy.”

Chapter twenty

“I hear you’re quite popular.”

Kai picked up a handful of pebbles out of the water and threw them. They landed a foot in front of him with multiple splashes, making him giggle and clap.

“Okay, that’s one way to do it. Remember how I skipped a rock for you last week?” Abe watched Kai throw another handful of pebbles. “I guess it’s a little too early for that lesson.” He picked up a flat stone and sent it skidding across the clear water.

Kai wasn’t impressed. He was sitting in five inches of water a foot from the river bank, and he looked up at Abe and slapped the water next to him.

“You want me to sit down and get as wet as you? I’m not so sure about that. I think I’ll stay dry.” The water was cold on his ankles, and the thought of sitting in it wasn’t too appealing. Kai didn’t seem to mind at all, though.

“Papa sit.”

“Um…no.” Kai scowled, and Abe pointed at him. “I’ve learned to ignore the scowl, buddy.” The shady spot they were in was moving with the sun, and he’d need to move Kai soon to keep him in it.

“Apple.”

“We’ve had enough apples. Besides, you ate them all with your crackers and cheese.”

Kai picked up more pebbles and threw them.

When a large German Shepard came running out of the brush and barked at them, Abe picked up Kai and moved a few feet further into the water. “Go on now.”

The dog stopped barking and wagged its tail.

“Yeah, I don’t buy that. Get out of here.”

Kai kicked his feet. “Dog.”

“Yeah, buddy, that’s a big dog.”

“Big dog.”

A young couple came up behind the dog, and the man grabbed the dog’s collar. “Sorry. He’s harmless.”

“You should probably keep a leash on him.”

The woman smiled. “He usually stays close. He likes kids. He probably heard your son.”

“Hmm.”

The man pulled a leash from his pocket and snapped it onto the dog’s collar. “Have a good day.”

Abe nodded, and the couple walked off. He looked at Kai. “I wonder if I’ll ever get used to freaking out anytime some danger or perceived danger shows up.”

“Big dog.” Kai struggled to get down. “Down.”

Abe carried him to the shore and set him down. “I think it’s time to call it a day, kid. You missed your nap today.”

Kai headed for the water, and Abe picked him up again. “Time to go home.” Kai scowled, and his lower lip quivered. “The lip thing doesn’t work on me anymore either.” Abe picked up the towel, which sent Kai into a full-blown meltdown. “I’m not giving in. I know you’re just tired.” He dried off the squirming child, then picked up the backpack, which had become part of his outfit, and headed for the car. By the time they reached the car, Kai’s tears had subsided, and except for an occasional dramatic whimper, he was quiet.

Before they hit the main road and headed home, Kai was asleep. When they arrived home, Abe took advantage of the sleeping child and removed the car seat, setting it on the workbench in the garage. He was nearly finished with Maggie’s car. If Kai slept for a couple of hours, he might get it put back together.

Kai woke up just shy of two hours later. He was grumpier than usual, but Abe attributed it to the day at the river. Once inside, Kai returned to his normal self, though he seemed more subdued than usual. He played quietly while Abe made dinner, then didn’t seem to have much of an appetite.

“I think I wore you out today, buddy. I’m sorry. Next time, we won’t stay so long.” Kai picked up a fistful of apple pieces and dropped them on the floor. “Okay. Yeah, we’re not doing that.” He cleared the tray, picked up the food from the floor, then took Kai out of his high chair. “You go play while I clean up the kitchen. Then we’ll take a nice long bath and go to bed early tonight.”