Page 43 of Guarding Colton’s Witness

“Hope you two are still hungry,” Emily said.

The waitress arrived with a loaded-down tray. She set the chocolate cake and the pudding on the table, along with a slice of coconut cream pie, cherry pie, and a slice of German chocolate cake.

“That’s five desserts,” Ryan said. “I thought we decided on four.”

Emily grinned. “We couldn’t decide between the two pies, so we got both.”

He didn’t know how but between the four of them, they managed to eat it all.

“Why don’t you let Sam come home with me tonight?” Emily said.

Matti glanced at him and raised her brows.

“Up to you,” Ryan said. He was all for having an adult evening with Matti.

She chewed on her bottom lip. “Do you think it’s safe?”

Chapter 19

Matti was beginning to appreciate what being a full-time parent meant, and it was great, but she did miss her private time. Having a night off from being a mommy sounded like heaven, and it would be wonderful to have some alone time with Ryan. But she was worried about Sam’s safety if he was out of her sight.

“Tell you what,” her mother said. “I’ll call Jon and offer to make him dinner. Your father loves my cooking. And to further put you at ease, I’ll see if Cal or Wyatt are free to come over.”

“That would make me feel more comfortable.”

“Give me a few minutes.” She fished her phone from her purse and then stepped away.

While she was gone, the waitress dropped the bill on the table, and Ryan pulled out his wallet.

“I’ll get that,” Matti said.

“You will not. Today is my treat.”

“Thank you, then.” By the time he finished paying, her mother returned.

“All set,” she said. “All three are coming over for dinner. I need to stop at the grocery store, so go ahead and take Sam with you. Wyatt said he’ll pick him up around four.”

“You want to spend the night with Emily?” Matti asked Sam.

“Can I take my books and fire truck?”

“One book and your fire truck.”

“Yes.”

“Do you like spaghetti?” Emily said.

Sam’s brows furrowed. “I don’t know.”

“Well, you’re going to love my spaghetti.”

When they arrived home, Sam ran straight to his bedroom, and when Matti walked in, he had his new books spread out on the floor.

“I can’t decide which one to take with me.” His gaze darted to each one.

“Make it a surprise,” Ryan said from the doorway. “Close your eyes while Matti mixes them up, then point. Whichever one you point to is the one you’ll take.”

“Oh, fun.” Matti clapped her hands. “Close your eyes.” When he did, she mixed the books up. “Now point.”