Page 198 of Contentious

“First time in two decades we’ve hung out with the parents just because,” Carson said.

“I’m sure it’ll be fine,” Spencer said. “If nothing else, your mom will have cooked up a feast.”

“That’s true,” Carson said. “I’m starving.”

“When are you not starving, Carson?” Ty asked.

“Almost never.”

“Did he tell you about the time he ate the worm in the backyard?” Spencer asked.

As Carson and Cresley moaned, Ty said, “That’s sick! I want to eat a worm.”

“No!” they said together.

“If Carson did it, I want to do it, too.”

“Loose lips sink ships, Gramps,” Carson said as he helped Spence out of the SUV.

“That’s my saying, and you’re not allowed to use it without my permission.”

Since they could hear voices coming from the backyard, they went through the fence gate with Carson escorting Spencer while Cresley carried a bag with bathing suits and towels and a bowl of fruit salad.

Ty ran ahead of them and went straight for Theo and Mila, who squealed with excitement when they saw him coming. The three of them were delighted by his mother’s dog, Snowball, who ran through their legs in wild circles, making the kids laugh as they tried to catch her.

Kate came to hug them and welcomed them to her home. Her blonde hair had been captured into a bun that poked through the open top of her straw hat.

“This is beautiful,” Cresley said, taking in the gardens that Carson had told her Kate tended to herself as a way of decompressing from the workweek.

“Thank you. It’s so nice to have you here, and good to see you up and around, Carson.”

“Good to be upright. Thanks for having us, Mom.”

“Oh, honey,” she said tearfully, “it’s entirely my pleasure. That fruit salad is gorgeous, Cresley. Thank you for bringing it.”

“Of course. Ty, wait for me before you swim.”

“I’m okay, Mom.”

“Wait or else, mister.”

“Fine.”

“You have to come meet Hadley Jane,” Kate said. “She’s the most beautiful baby I’ve ever seen.”

“Wow, that’s hurtful,” Carson said.

“Everyone knows that grandchildren are cuter than children,” Spencer said. “Duh.”

“Spence.” Kate hugged her former father-in-law. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Thanks for having me.”

Kate hooked her hand through his arm. “Come meet your great-granddaughter.”

“Ty, come see the baby before we swim,” Cresley said.

He made a face to express his displeasure but still came with them to a shady corner of the patio, where Griffin held a truly gorgeous baby girl while a pretty woman sat next to them, keeping watch. They’d postponed the earlier plan for everyone to meet Hadley because McKenna had had an asthma attack that had left her drained.