“Wind, we need jalapeno poppers,” one of the guys hollers from the living room. “This game requires more bacon.”
“Do you always spoil these guys?” I slide a piece of pizza onto my plate.
“We take turns. Slade is grilling next week, but cooking is my therapy. It’s the only way I can put up with these assssss-dudes.”
Slade snorts behind me. “Maybe Sarah can make cookies.”
I slowly rotate to look at him, but he’s only shoving a piece of pizza in his mouth. Those green eyes avoid mine, and I feel the tension in my body fade.
“I love to bake, too,” Wind says, sprinkling cheese on another pizza.
I carry my plate to the table and sit across from Slade and Ollie. “You know, I can actually bake.”
“Mama makes the b-best cookies,” Ollie says, and I smile in satisfaction.
“Really. Is that because they look like—” I kick his leg under the table, and the man smiles.
He freaking smiles, and it’s so unexpected it chases all my nerves right out the door. I stare at him and the dimple I’ve now confirmed exists.
“Who’s making cookies? I need one.” Krissy steps into the kitchen, and I have to force my gaze away from Slade’s unforeseen playfulness.
She’s wearing a long-sleeved top, short skirt, tights, and riding boots. She’s beautiful, and I’m reminded of the days when I used to look cute.
“What, your boyfriend won’t splurge for dessert?” Carson asks, sliding by her to get to the snacks.
“He would. But I’ll never pass up a bonus cookie,” Krissy says, grabbing her coat from the hook by the back door.
“You look beautiful,” I say.
“Thanks.” She smiles, her bright lips setting off her short, dark bob. “Don’t wait up, party people.”
“Be careful, Kissy,” Ollie says, wiggling in his seat.
“Yeah, be careful,” Carson says, passing her on his way back to the living room.
There’s something in his tone, and her eyes track him all the way into the other room as she settles her purse across her body.
Huh.
She winks at Ollie. “I will, buddy. I’ll seeyou tomorrow. Ok?”
He nods, and she leaves.
The guys groan from the living room, and Wind joins them to watch the replay.
I pop a carrot in my mouth just as I hear Frankie’s cry.
I leave Ollie to tell Slade about his Hot Wheels collection. After changing Frankie’s diaper, I return to find my plate of food still waiting for me.
Wind cuts a piece of pizza for Frankie into extra-small pieces, and Grover joins us, anticipating the remnants.
When we’re finished, I spread a few toys on the floor and sit with her as Ollie bounces between the guys, talking about airplanes and football. Frankie sits in the middle of the floor, her bright eyes bouncing around the room, trying to decide how she feels about it all.
Me too, baby girl. Me too.
______
The silence is calming, but the space is unfamiliar. I kiss Ollie and run a hand over Frankie, then tiptoe down the stairs, peeking around the corner toward Slade’s room at the back of the house. All is dark and quiet.
