It took me forever to wrassle him into a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. And I abandoned the idea of shoes after he accidentally flung one at my face. I’d just hold him.
We pulled up to the restaurant and I turned around to look at Jacob.
He’d somehow managed to take off his shirt even though he was securely in his car seat.
“How did you take that off?” I asked.
He pressed his lips together.
Jacob never lied to me. But he liked to withhold the truth. “Sweet boy, you have to wear clothes when we leave the house.”
“No.”
I laughed. “Well it is your birthday.”
He smiled at me.
That smile melted my heart. I climbed out of the car and pulled him out of his car seat. At least he was still wearing his shorts. Luckily Alice didn’t have one of those “No shirt, no shoes, no service,” signs. Because Jacob was not following the rules.
I carried him into the restaurant.
Alice smiled when she saw us.
“He was very impatient for his birthday festivities to start,” I said.
“I bet.” Alice booped him on the nose. “You’re getting so big. How old are you now?”
Jacob lifted up one finger.
“One?”
He nodded and then ducked his head under my arm. Jacob had stranger danger. Even for people he’d met countless times. And I loved that about him. He was shy and thoughtful and careful. Just like he needed to be. Maybe he wouldn’t have to be one day. But right now I was relieved that he was careful.
“Is there any way I could steal George away a little early?”
“If you brought some of those mini scones I think I can arrange that.”
“Done. They’re in the car.” It was a silly barter. She knew I was bringing them.
Miller emerged from the back. He’d probably heard us talking.
“Daddy!” Jacob reached out for him.
“Champ, where is your shirt? And your shoes?” He lifted Jacob out of my arms.
“No,” Jacob said.
Miller laughed and balanced him on his hip. “We’ve talked about this. You have to wear clothes in public.”
“No.”
He laughed. “You’re lucky it’s your birthday.”
Jacob smiled and held up his finger.
“You’re one? How did you get so old?” Miller tickled his side.
Jacob went into a fit of laughter.
