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My breath escapes in a whoosh as a bucket of cold water is poured over my back. Jay-Jay is the next victim.
Scooping Ella in her arms, Claire runs, both of them laughing hysterically.
When we stand, she nods smugly with Ella on her hip, clapping her delight at our reactions.
“I have backup this time. Bet you didn’t think of that every time you ganged up on me.”
I run my finger over my jaw, trying to hide the smirk.
Her face drops.
“No, Jake. I have the baby.”
“You can’t use our daughter as your shield.”
When she doesn’t like my response, she turns to Jay-Jay. “Come on, buddy. Have pity on me.”
He lifts his shoulder. “Can’t do it, Claire. Sorry. I do love you, though, just so you know.”
I watch her melt a little.
Their relationship is one thing I’m most proud of in my life. They connected from the beginning, but Claire nourished it until it bloomed. Throughout the years, she gave him space when he needed it, and had the maternal instinct strong enough to know when he didn’t. She never wanted to replace Jess in his life, but she’s the most amazing mother figure and friend.
He trusts and loves her, and I see how much she adores him every time she looks at him.
I’m the luckiest man alive.
Claire is ready to burst into laughter. I can almost see the nerves in her eyes and the twitch of her lips.
Me and Jay-Jay share a look.
He tips his chin. “I’ve got your back, Dad.”
And I’ll always have yours, son.
Sometimes, I still look down when he speaks to me, expecting to see the boy with glasses and shaggy hair.
But at sixteen, he’s almost my height, and football has broadened his shoulders.
I don’t want to go back in time, but sometimes I wish I could slow it.
He’s my right-hand man…In everything. Including getting his stepmother into the water, whether she likes it or not.
High-fiving, we take off in a sprint.
She’s predictable and freezes on the spot.
When we reach her, we’re too quick. Jay-Jay grabs his little sister as I bend and wrap my arms around Claire’s knees.
“You two are the worst,” she shouts, pounding her fists against my back.
I slap my palm down on her ass. “Baby, you should know better by now.”
She’s about to reply, but we’re both under water before she opens her mouth.
Sputtering, she jumps up, panting and feigning rage.
“Asshole,” she chokes. “You’re too old to be carrying me around like that.”
