“Because that’s exactly what happened.”
Her eyes had never found me faster, and her mouth popped open. “Wh-what?”
I grinned and swooped in to hug her. “Dad and I are back together. We’re working things out.”
Nate came up next to me and kissed the top of Hallie’s head. “We will explain everything once the young ones are asleep and we’ve located your big brother. Is he home?”
“Um, yeah. He’s upstairs.” Hallie inched back and peered up at me. “You’re not joking, are you?”
I smirked. “We would be absolute shit parents if we joked about that, baby.”
She let out a nervous laugh, and her eyes turned glassy.
My sweet girl. I squeezed her to me again, while Nathan smiled to himself and headed inside with Paws.
“Just remember that Dad’s a head doctor,” I murmured. “He’s gonna wanna talk about this as much as he did when we separated.”
She giggled tearfully and hugged me back. “I guess I’ll live.”
I pressed my lips to the top of her head.
I was just about to ask what she’d had for dinner when I heard a car pull up, so I looked over and saw Tam’s mom’s minivan. Mikey was home.
“We’re gonna talk to Mikey and Lily too,” I told Hallie. “Just a little something that will explain why Dad and I are gonna be in a better mood going forward. We’ll talk to you and Dylan first, though.”
“Okay.” She nodded, unable to shake the smile.
I knew the feeling.
“Hi, Dad! I’m home!” Mikey jumped out and waved to me. Boy looked sleepy—but in high spirits.
“I’m gonna check on Paws,” Hallie said and went inside.
I trailed back to the driveway.
“Sorry we’re a little late—again,” Kelly said with a tired grin. “It was near impossible to get the boys to turn off the computers.”
I chuckled, knowing full well how that was. “I don’t think we’ve ever dropped Tam off on time either. But I take it they’vehad a fun evening?” I held out an arm as Mikey hurried toward me. “Hey, buddy. Were you Minecraftin’ or Robloxin’ today?”
“We played Minecraft,” he yawned, handing over his backpack.
All right, then.
“They barely wanted to come down for dinner,” Kelly chuckled.
“It was yummy,” Mikey said firmly. “We had chicken and fried rice.”
“That sounds great.” I combed my fingers through his hair. He needed a haircut soon-ish. “Next game night at our place, then?”
He nodded quickly and yawned again.
“They were talking about next weekend, but I said I’d discuss it with you and Nathan first,” Kelly supplied.
“I’ll check the calendar on the fridge,” I replied. “Let’s get you ready for bed, sweetheart. Did you thank Mrs. Lee for everythin’?”
“Oh, he always does,” Kelly said. “He’s such a polite boy.”
I smiled.
