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“Rudy? That’s a great name, buddy.”
I moved to sit in my own chair, but the doorbell suddenly rang. Frowning, I straightened and glanced toward Henry.
“Eat your breakfast,” I instructed before slipping out of the kitchen to answer the front door.
I heard the little boy climb out of his chair, and I shook my head with a sigh. His listening skills left plenty to be desired sometimes. Reaching the front door, I opened it and was surprised to find Jason standing on my front step.
“Hey!” I declared with a confused frown. “What are you doing here so early? I thought we were meeting at ten?”
He nodded with a cheeky grin. “I know, but I thought I’d stop over and see the little man before he went to school.”
“Uncle Jason!” Henry squealed, suddenly pushing past me to jump into Jason’s open arms.
“Hey, kiddo.” Jason chuckled, scooping the boy off his feet. “How you doing?”
“I’m good,” Henry answered, wrapping his arms around Jason’s neck and giving him a squeeze. “Do want some eggs? Mama made eggs.”
“I’d love some,” Jason said, shooting me a wink. “As long as it’s okay with your mom.”
Sighing, I rolled my eyes and stepped aside to let Jason in the house. “Come on, there’s plenty.”
Jason stepped inside and leaned down to plant a kiss on my cheek before strolling toward the kitchen with Henry in his arms.
I followed behind, smiling softly as Jason and Henry chatted with each other like they were best friends, which they were.
Since the day Henry was born, Jason had been the most important male figure in his life.
He was constantly there for Henry, despite his busy schedule and demanding career. Jason had been present for every birthday and major milestone. Every tee-ball game and karate match. Apart from me, there was no one else that Henry trusted or adored more than his uncle.
Reaching the kitchen, Jason put Henry back in his chair and went to make himself up a plate of food off the stove. He sat down next to Henry, and I sat as well. They continued to chat animatedly as they dug into their breakfast. I sat back and simply enjoyed the easy-going conversation between my son and brother, feeling content and happy.
After several minutes, Jason turned his attention to me.
“Hey, so I wanted to talk to you about something,” he said in a hesitant voice, putting me on instant alert.
I began shaking my head, knowing exactly what he was going to say. “No, Jason. We’ve talked about this plenty of times, and my answer is still the same.”
He gave me an exasperated look. “Come on, Sam, be reasonable. I want to help you out, and I have the means to do so. Just let me.”
I sighed. “I don’t want your money, Jason. I appreciate the offer, like always, but I don’t need it.”
“There’s no shame in accepting help,” he insisted. “I know you’re more than capable of taking care of yourself and Henry, but you don’t have to do it alone. I know there are things around this house that need fixed up that you can’t afford right now, and I know things are tight.”
“Jason, please,” I firmly said, reaching over to lay my hand on his. “I don’t need you to rescue me. We’re doing just fine.”
He sighed. “I know you are, Sam, but you could be doing even better.”
I pinched his hand, and he hissed out a breath, jerking it back and shaking it.
“Ow!” he exclaimed. “I’m only trying to help!”
“I know.” I grinned. “And I love you for it, but you already do more than enough for me and Henry. I just need you to continue being there for my baby boy, and that’ll be more than enough.”
Jason looked like he wanted to argue the point further, but he wisely kept his mouth shut. I nodded in approval and shot him a grin before continuing to eat my meal.
When they were done, I began clearing the table and said, “Jason, can you help Henry get ready for school? I’ll get things cleaned up here.”
Nodding, Jason helped Henry down from his chair and took his hand to lead him back upstairs.
