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“Well, you gotta come over. Ethan would love that.”
“What about you? Would you love that?”
“I’m much more interested in the puppy’s mama.”
She smiled. “See you tomorrow.”
“Thanks for not being angry with me, Jack.”
“You did the right thing.”
“Sweet dreams,” he said before the line went dead.
If you’re in them, they’ll be sweet.
16
COINCIDENCES
Prescott
Late morning, Prescott tossed the blue bouncy ball to Ethan in the front yard. He caught it, then dropped it, and kicked it. Within seconds, they were playing a simple game of soccer, with Prescott making sure that Ethan got a lot of contact with the ball.
“You’re fast,” Prescott said.
When they finished playing, Prescott asked if Ethan played any sports.
“I can’t know,” Ethan replied.
Seconds later, Prescott pulled up a video of toddlers playing soccer. “Have you ever played soccer like this?”
“Nuh-uh,” Ethan replied. “Can I do that?”
“After lunch, I’ll check into soccer clubs for you.”
“Do you play too?”
“It’s just for kids.”
“Do you leave?”
Prescott knelt. “No. I stay and watch you play.”
Ethan stared at him for an extra second, then said, “Okay, that looks fun.”
They went inside, and Ethan ran into the family room to play. Within minutes, Prescott made two turkey and cheese sandwiches, then he sliced up an apple and cut a carrot into narrow slices.
They ate together on the back porch. “Can I play in the water?” Ethan asked as he eyed the covered swimming pool.
“Only with me,” Prescott explained.
“Why?”
“For safety,” he replied.
“Why?”
“You ask a lot of questions, you know that?”
