“Do they like playing in the rain?”He remembered doing it as a kid, getting so muddy.
“I don’t know…”
He smiled at Ian.“Let them play, Chou.”They weren’t going to melt away.“Deal us another hand.”
“I—Okay…” Ian dealt the cards, and the rain started, the kids squealing and laughing out there.
He smiled.“That’s a good sound, eh?”
“It is.They’re so happy.”
They were.Ian was doing a great job raising them.
Ian just needed help and another dad to help out.He just hoped Ian would let him be that dad once he was healed up and actually could help.
ChapterSix
“I’m heading out, Ian.Everything is done.”
He smiled at Alex, the cleaner JP had hired and nodded.“You rock.The house looks amazing.”
The door opened and Alison waved from the porch next door.“Hey, you!I was missing your face.”
“Thanks.I miss you.I’ve been crazy busy.”
“I bet.Looking after your ex?That’s definitely crazy.”
“I feel so bad for him, but he’s starting to come out in the backyard, in the living room.”And JP was…gorgeous.
“Are you going to introduce me sometime?”
“Of course.Do you want to meet him now?The kids are having a tea party with him.”
“Oh, that has to be adorable.Even if we hate him.”She gave him a wink and crossed the lawn to come to him.
“Yeah.I just—I don’t know.Come on, I’ll introduce you.”
He opened the door and called out.“Kiddos, Aunt Ally is here to see you.”
They came running, Tori flinging herself at Allison, trusting Ally would catch her.Peter was more cautious, walking to her and raising his arms to be lifted.
“Hey, babies.I’ve missed you.Have you been having fun?”
“We’ve been watching movies with Dad.”Tori said.“And playing in the mud!”
“Playing in the mud?How fun!I love making mud pies.”
“Shut up,” he muttered.
She gave him an unrepentant grin.“How about you, Peter, have you had fun?”
Petey nodded but didn’t give any specifics.
“Are you playing with Dad?”Ian asked him.
Peter nodded again.“Tea party.”
“And are you watching movies?”he prompted again.
