Page 98 of Loving Kai

“See that you do.”

Kai held his arms out to Abe. “Papa.”

Allie came in from the kitchen. “He’s had dinner and his bath.”

“Oh, thanks.” Bath time was Abe’s favorite time of the evening, but he wasn’t about to tell his mother that. She was trying to help, and he appreciated it.

“You should get him home and to bed.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

John looked at Allie. “Honey, let the boy have some say in how he raises his child.”

Allie gave Abe a look conveying that she hadn’t told John everything that happened last night.

Abe smiled at her. “I appreciate the help and the advice, Mom.”

She kissed Kai, then patted Abe on the arm. “You two have a good night.”

“We will.”

Abe picked up the backpack and headed for the door. “I’ll see you in the morning.” He got into the car and strapped Kai into the car seat. “Maggie is coming over for dinner. My dinner, not yours. But you can stay up a little while to hang with her.”

“Mama.”

“Maggie.”

Kai banged on the car seat. “Mama, Mama, Mama.”

“Whoa, buddy. We’re not there yet.”

On the way home, he swung by Milo’s house. His brother was waiting for him, wearing oven mitts and holding a casserole dish. He had a towel draped over his shoulder and walked up to the window. “It’s still hot. But if you’re not ready to eat, just pop it in the oven on warm.”

“Got it. Thanks, man.”

Milo opened the passenger door and put the towel down, then set the pan on top of it. “Enjoy.” He smiled. “You and Maggie, huh? Again? Still?”

“Kind of both, I guess.”

“Make it stick this time. You need someone like Maggie in your life.” He looked between the seats at Kai. “And there’s the Kaister. Hey, pal!” Kai giggled. “I might need to bring you to school for show-and-tell one of these days.”

“The Kaister and I need to get going.”

Milo backed out of the car. “Say hi to Maggie for me?”

“Will do. Thanks again.”

“Anytime. Cooking for one sucks.”

“I’m aware. See you.”

Milo closed the door then waved as Abe pulled away. “Your Uncle Milo can be very cool sometimes. Except for the Kaister thing. That’s a little lame.”

When he got home, Maggie was already there. She came to the car to greet them. “Do you want me to release the beast?”

“Yes, please. I need to grab dinner.”

“Dinner?”