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“Cole builds trucks!” he says. “He’s a lumberjack. He can build anything.”
“Well,” I say sheepishly. “Not anything.”
“We made a truck at his workshop,” Zander says, ignoring me entirely. “One big enough for me to fit in.”
“I’ll make breakfast. Would you like to eat with us, Tabatha?” Zoe smiles and crosses to the kitchen. “Zander will probably be talking for a while.”
The moment she touches the fridge handle I know what she’s doing.
Smart girl.
Colorful platters of cut fruit, veggies, and rows of juices line most of the shelves. Zoe had even labeled and organized the dairy and deli meats with cute pictures so Zander would know which drawer held which when he wanted a snack.
Tabatha looks impressed at the display, before peering down at Zander. “Well it wouldn’t be a proper tea party without food, would it?”
“That’s right!” Zander shouts. We’re still working on his inside voice.
Grabbing her hand he leads her to the kitchen table. All the while, he’s telling her how excited he is to have his own room and how we painted it forest green which is his favorite color. He talks about his new cousins he played with yesterday, how he got to be my best man at the wedding, and so on.
As Tabatha listens intently and accepts a mug of tea from Zoe, I know we’re going to be just fine.
***
After the case worker leaves, Zoe looks more relaxed than I’ve ever seen her. So relaxed that she jumps straight into my arms and wraps her arms around my neck. In front of Zander.
I could get used to this and maybe Zander should too. A healthy amount of affection between parents is normal.
“That went well. I think that went well. Do you think that went well?” Zoe babbles as she slides her jittery fingers into my hair, giddily tugging at the strands too hard. Not that I mind. I’m just glad her nervous energy is out of pure happiness this time. “There’s no way she saw anything wrong. We’re good now, right? I think we’re good. Do you think we’re good?”
“Yeah Zoe. I think we’re good. I think everything’s perfect.” I smile back at her and Zander and realize that I’ve never felt more perfect in my life. We’re meant to be together. A family. And it’s only a matter of time before Zoe realizes it too.
I hold Zoe tighter and when Zander sees us hugging he happily joins in too. My heart is bursting with how full of affection it is as he squeezes my legs with all his might.
“Hey,” I tuck a loose curl behind Zoe’s ear. “Buckee and everyone really liked you guys yesterday. How would you feel about spending the day at Forester Ranch to celebrate? Zoe, you and I can scan the property for the perfect place to set up your stand. And Cali’s still visiting Bucks with the girls so Zander will have company while we discuss the menu. We can pick up the toy truck along the way too. The paint should be fully dried by now.”
Zander bounces up and down. “Can we, Z? Pleeaasseeeeee.”
Zoe smiles at his excitement. “Yeah, I think that’d be perfect.”
