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“Oh wow. There are!”
Tyler giggles, and I can tell he’ll be just as outgoing as Maddie when he’s older. “I have more.” He runs off, and I can hear his feet pounding against the carpet.
“You’ve opened a can of worms now,” Liam warns me, sitting down next to me. “So how long are you here for?”
“Only a day. My flight leaves tomorrow afternoon.”
“Not long enough, but I’m so glad you’re here, man. I’ve missed you,” he admits.
“Yeah, me too. I’ve missed kicking your ass in the gym, too,” I taunt, which causes him to snort.
“You wish! But I’m glad I re-joined. Just going before work three times a week has helped me gain some muscle. Need to lose this baby weight.” He chuckles, patting his six-pack.
“Proud of you,” I say, just as Maddie walks in holding Tobias.
“You wanna hold him?” she asks, stepping closer.
I can’t remember the last time I held a baby. Maddie doesn’t really give me a choice, though, before she’s putting him in my arms. I cradle him as he stirs lightly and can’t help smiling at the little guy. He has his entire life ahead of him, and I put a little wish up in the universe that the world is kinder to him than it was to me. With parents like his, though, I have no doubt he’ll get the love and support he needs to thrive in life.
I watch Tobias with a grin, and when I look up, Maddie and Liam are smiling at us.
“Yep, now it’s your turn to have a few mini-yous,” she declares. “Make me an auntie.”
“Don’t get any ideas, Mads. It takes two people to make babies,” I say softly. “Not to mention, it helps if you’re dating or married.”
“Don’t tell her that. She’ll be setting you up on blind dates in Lawton Ridge. The power of the internet,” Liam says.
“Now that’s an idea!” Maddie beams. “Need to get you on a dating app, STAT.”
I roll my eyes, trying to ignore her, but it’s so damn hard when she’s steadily talking shit.
Tyler comes back with a bag full of trucks and smacks them down on my leg.
“Gotta be careful around your brother, sweetie. Don’t get too close.” Maddie walks over and places his toys on the couch next to me instead.
After a few more minutes, Maddie takes Tobias, and Tyler zeros in on me. He climbs on the sofa and takes out each truck, stacking them on my legs until I’m covered. It’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen, and it makes me wish we lived closer. I plan to visit more, though, especially since Maddie and Liam are determined to pop out kids every couple of years.
I’m so damn thankful Serena suggested I surprise them with a visit. For the rest of the afternoon, we hang out and catch up. I play with Tyler and keep him occupied so Maddie and Liam can tend to the baby.
When dinnertime comes around, I volunteer to cook. Maddie demands I make Cajun chicken pasta, so I do. Once we’re done eating and Tyler’s tucked into bed, Liam grabs a couple of beers, and we sit out on the patio until after the sun goes down. We talk about old times, and I realize even more how much I’ve missed his company. I go to bed with a smile on my face, which is a stark difference from only twenty-four hours ago.
The next morning, I wake up and make breakfast—biscuits, country gravy, sausage, and eggs. Maddie’s in love with it all and demands I stay, which sounds just like my sister.
After Liam and I clean the kitchen, I realize it’s almost time for me to go to the airport. Just mentioning I need to go has Maddie emotional. Once I’m packed, I give her a hug goodbye, and she squeezes me tight.
“You better come back and visit us!”
“I will,” I promise.
“And bring Gemma with you,” she adds when we break apart.
“Sure. I’ll make sure her fiancé comes too. It’ll be a big ole threesome,” I mock.
“We better get on the road,” Liam interrupts.
I give Tyler a high five, then Liam and I leave. There’s no traffic, so we arrive at the airport earlier than expected.
As I grab my bag from the back seat, Liam speaks up, “Our house is always open to you, Tyler. Don’t be a stranger.”
