Page 89 of Over Time Advantage

Thanks to Kamryn’s tactics, Luke and Harper are now boyfriend and girlfriend. Brandon was upset, but Harper told him he’s too late. I’m not sure whether to be upset or impressed by Kam, but my daughter now has two cute boys eating out of the palm of her hand.

I smile at her naivety. “Sort of. I like him a lot. Enough that I think I’d like for you to meet him to see if you like him too.”

Her face falls a bit, making my heart drop. “When am I meeting him?” she asks.

“Soon. I’ll be away with the Beavers next week. Maybe after that?” I offer hopefully.

Her shoulders relax. “Phew, it’s not tonight.”

“No, sweetie, I wanted you to think about it and ask any questions you might have.”

She shrugs. “Okay, good. I don’t have time for a nappitizer today.”

“What’s a nappitizer? Is that an Aunt Kam word?”

She nods. “Yes. It’s a nap on the couch before you go out to dinner. Aunt Kam says it’s a good idea to do so that you don’t get tired when you go out. I don’t want to be tired when I meet your boyfriend.”

I twist my lips. “Hmm, I think I like that word. I wouldn’t mind a nappitizer before I go out. Do you have any questions, sweetie?”

“About what?”

“About my boyfriend.”

“Oh. Umm…is he cute?”

I smile as I nod enthusiastically. “Yes. Very cute.”

“Is he nice to you? Sally Banders at school has a boyfriend, but he’s mean to her and makes her cry. I don’t like that. Does your boyfriend make you cry?”

I shake my head. “No. Not once. Ever.” Hmm, that’s a really special thought. It’s been over four months and he’s never once made me sad. “He’s extremely nice to me. He wouldn’t be my boyfriend if he wasn’t nice to me.”

She smiles goofily with a face full of chocolate. “Okay. Good.”

“Any more questions?”

“Nope.”

I open Tanner’s door. “Bailey? You home?”

“In here,” she announces from the kitchen area.

I walk in and see her standing at the stove mixing something while Kam is sitting at the kitchen island. Bailey smiles at Harper. “Hey, sweet girl.”

“Hey, Bails.” Harper looks at the stove. “What’s for dinner?”

“Steak au Poivre with a red wine pan sauce.”

“Yummy. What veggie?”

“Asparagus Caesar with pecorino.”

Harper gasps in excitement. “Can I grate the pecorino?”

Bailey winks at her. “That’s why I saved it for you. If you take your shower now, I’ll let you do it.”

“Thanks, Bails. You’re the best.” Harper gives me a quick hug. “Bye, Mommy. Love you.”

“Love you too,” I express to deaf ears as she races upstairs to shower.