* * *
Jacob is on his feet as soon as I walk in, making a beeline for me.
“My man,” I say, bending down and holding out my fist. “Spud me.”
He laughs like I’m the funniest person on the planet, and I can’t help but agree.
“I swear every time I see him, he’s getting bigger.”
I pick him up and tilt him upside down. His laughter catches in his throat.
“Nathan, he’s just eaten. If he throws up, you’re cleaning it,” Meg says.
I quickly right him and put him back on his feet.
“Could have warned me, buddy.”
But he’s already running back to his toy kitchen, grabbing his cup and saucers.
The little guy loves a tea party, and I can’t seem to say no to him. What can I say? He’s on my level.
I sit in one of the tiny chairs, grateful it holds my weight, as he stuffs the plastic teacup up to my face.
“Thanks,” I say, taking it and holding out my pinky as I pretend to take a sip.
Meg stands in the doorway of the kitchen laughing, but I don’t care if he’s happy. I can’t help it if I’m his favourite.
“Lottie and Ethan are coming over too,” she says.
Which makes me think of Violet.
“So, are you going to give me a clue about the baby's gender?”
I nod. “Yeah, it’s a girl… or a boy.”
She tosses the tea towel at me, and I catch it before it has a chance to hit me in the face.
“Spoil sport.”
I poke out my tongue and then glance at Jacob, who immediately mimics me.
I hold my hand up. “High five,” I say, and his tiny hand slaps against my palm.
Meg groans. “Stop teaching him bad habits.”
I roll my eyes. “Oh, come on. I’ve not taught him anything bad.”
She raises an eyebrow.
“Okay, fine, but in my defence, I didn’t know he was there when I said sh—”
I cut myself off before finishing the word. However, Jacob doesn’t miss a beat.
“Shit, shit, shit,” he says.
I stubbed my toe. I thought he was watching his cartoon, but evidently not.
“Nathan,” Henry grumbles, slapping the back of my head. “Stop swearing around my son.”
