Page 100 of Falling Together

We let the dinner go and ate cereal in bed. It was just what she needed. And I’ll give this woman anything.

“Will Max like gnocchi?” I ask.

“It’s like pasta.” She laughs. “He’s four and will eat anything.”

“Good.”

A knock sounds from the door, and Georgia goes to answer it.

“There’s my favorite guy,” she says.

“Aunt Georgia!” Max wraps his arms around her as Joey and Sam follow him inside.

“You are seriously the best for watching him tonight,” Joey says.

“It’ll be good practice for us,” Georgia says.

“Grant.” I extend my hand to Joey’s boyfriend.

“Sam. Nice to meet you.”

“You too.”

“Thanks for giving us the night off,” he says. “Max is really excited.”

“I am too.” I smile. “It’s been a while since I’ve been around kids his age.”

Sam spots Luke, who’s eyeing us. “It’s been a while since I’ve been around teenagers, so if you need a night off, we can always watch him. Prepare us for what’s coming.”

“Hey,” Luke interjects. “I don’t need a babysitter.”

“I know.” I laugh.

Sam passes me a backpack. “Max packed everything he wanted to bring tonight, and I threw in pajamas and a change of clothes in case he makes a mess.”

“Thanks.”

“We won’t be too late,” Joey says. “But if Max gets tired, we brought some books if you want to put him to bed.”

“Who are you?” Max asks Luke, moving around the couch.

“I’m Luke. You’re Max. Remember I helped you make your s’mores at the ranch a few weeks ago?”

“They were yummy.” Max smiles at him. “Are you going to play with me tonight?”

“Uhh, I can. What do you want to play?”

“Tag?” Max asks.

“Sure.” Luke stands and takes Max into the backyard.

“Well, it looks like they’ll be friends,” Georgia says.

Joey kisses her cheek. “Thanks for tonight, babe. Text me if you need anything. You’ve got this.”

“I know. Have fun.”

We wave them off and close the door. Happy laughter filters in from the backyard. Going to the window in the kitchen, I see the two of them chasing after one another.