Page 11 of A Simple Life

“I like kids. What I don’t like are cheaters.”

“Then take up with my ex. And shame on you for assuming I was the one cheating.”

I glared, the words out before I could stop them. “It’s happened before,” I growled.

“I’m not that sort of woman.” She spun on her heel and stormed away. Her door slammed, and the gravel kicked up stones as she hit the gas, driving away in a cloud of dust.

I watched her go, feeling oddly unsettled. She was correct—I had jumped to conclusions when I heard the male tone of the call and then she said the word daughter. I never thought of any other possibility except I was being played again.

And now I was standing on the side of the road, unsure what to do next.

I sighed and headed to my truck.

It wasn’t something I had to worry about. She was only visiting, and the chances of a third encounter were slim.

Right?

Cody finished off his second plate of spaghetti, draining his glass of milk, and wiping his mouth. I couldn’t blame the kid. Laura made great spaghetti, and I had eaten three large plates myself.

Laura and Bob watched us, trying not to grin. They knew I was dying to give Cody his bike, and it was taking all I had in me to wait.

I sat back, casually laying my arm across the back of my chair.

“I got something in the truck I need help unloading, kid. You up to the task?”

He flexed his arms, no doubt thinking he looked tough and strong. “For sure.”

“Great. I’ll lift it, and you can help move it.”

“Sure, Uncle J.” He grinned, looking cheeky, and winked at me. “I won’t even charge ya.”

I laughed, and his parents rolled their eyes. We headed outside, Laura making sure that Cody stayed behind me. They stopped a short distance from the truck, and I reached over the cab, pushing away the tarp that covered the new bike. The rich blue gleamed in the evening sun, the light glancing off the chrome. With a grunt, I lifted it out, turning and setting it on the ground in front of Cody. For a moment, there was utter, stunned silence. He stared at the bike, his mouth open, unblinking. Shock was written all over his face. That gave way to disbelief, followed by pure, unabashed happiness. He looked at his mom, then his dad, then back at me.

“It’s mine?”

“Happy birthday, Cody.”

He was a blur as he rushed forward, flinging his arms around my waist and hugging me hard. I squeezed him back, the joy on his face all I needed. We spent the next ten minutes with him examining his new ride, pointing out every detail that thrilled him.

Which was a lot. I was surprised he took time to draw a breath.

Finally, I laughed. “Why don’t you take it for a spin?”

He climbed on, exclaiming over another detail. “Uncle J—the paint changes color!”

“Yeah, I thought you’d like that.”

“Uber cool,” he enthused. “And BMX is exactly what I wanted! You upgraded the tires too!”

I chuckled at his enthusiasm. “I made sure it had everything on your wish list, kid. Plus, the helmet and safety gear. I expect you to wear it all.”

He met my gaze, suddenly serious. “Thanks, Uncle J. You’re the best. And I love it.”

“Good. Take care of it.”

“I will.”

“Now, take it for a spin.”