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“Cut the crap, Paige. What’s this about a party for Theo today?”
“Oh good. I’m glad you called. I’ll be picking up Theo at eleven. See you then!”
“Paige! Do not hang up!”
She hangs up.
I take my coffee to the bathroom and shower and get ready. I guess we have a birthday party to go to. I don’t tell her this, but I know Theo’s birthday is August thirtieth. I just wanted to give her crap when she asked me.
* * *
The doorbell rings at eleven, and I open it to see a smiling Paige, Kase, and Caleb. The boys hug me.
“Preston! Are you excited about the party?” Kase asks, petting Theo, who licks his cheek in response.
“I just found out about it,” I say with a smile as I narrow my eyes at Paige over their shoulders.
“We have a piñata!” Kase adds, clapping his hands.
“My mom made cupcakes for us and a dog food cake for all the dogs!” Caleb says proudly.
Theo bounds out the door and jumps all around Paige, excited to see her like the little traitor he is.
“You didn’t even know when his birthday was,” she hisses at me with her eyes narrowed as the boys run off to put Theo in the van.
“He’s adog.” I shrug. “Mydog, Paige.”
She shakes her head and looks at me, disappointed. “What kind of dog dad are you?” She turns and heads toward her van, her bright floral dress swaying as she walks.
“You didn’t even invite me,” I clip back.
“Well, now you know about it, so little good that did,” she says. She opens the side door, and both boys climb into their seats, then Theo jumps in the front seat like that’s his usual spot. It probably is, as much as he rides around with her. Sometimes it’s hard to remember he’s mine and not hers.
She starts up her van as I head to my Jeep. “Think About Me” from Fleetwood Mac blasts through the speakers as she rumbles out of my driveway and down the street, smoky fumes pouring out her tailpipe as her van sputters along.
Jesus. She’s a mess.
I get to the inn and discover a tent has been set up. Evan and Pete, Sasha’s husband and resident handyman, are grilling something that smells amazing. Beth sits next to them with one of the babies in her arms. I notice Evan’s wearing one of those baby slings, so I’m guessing the other baby is attached to him. A little playpen has been set up for Pancake, and he’s playing with a little ball with one of the guests.
“You need a hand?” I ask.
“No. Thanks, though. Just enjoy the party for your... dog.” He laughs. “Why is he having a party?”
“I just found out about it,” I say as I pull up a chair next to Beth.
“Well, we needed this. Fresh air, cake, celebration.” Beth leans in. “Preston, will you hold Benny while I run to the bathroom?”
“Um, I don’t know...” I start to say as Beth gently positions my arms into a makeshift cradle and lays the baby down. He stirs and makes a little squeak. Is he okay?
I look to Evan, who nods and smiles. “He’s fine.”
“He’s so little. I’ve never held a baby this little.” I notice his little white onesie has a #1 on it. “What does the number mean?” I ask.
“He was born first, his sister second,” he explains. “A gift from a guest.” He shrugs as he fills a plate with brats without disturbing the sleeping baby tucked into her sling around him.
“Look at you already multi-tasking like a pro.”
“He’s got this dad gig down,” Logan says. He steps up next to Evan, then takes the tongs from him and scoots him out of the way. “Take a load off, man. I got this.”
