“And how Miso loves Logan—”
Everyone turns to Miso, who is gnawing on her favorite Logan-shaped chew toy.
“—that’sbiteylove.”
Logan tips his head toward Miso, who glares at him from her corner with the half-destroyed toy clamped in her teeth. “That tracks.”
Meadow turns to me, eyes bright. “And then there’sheart love,like Logan loves Lulu!”
Every sound in the room dies, and I freeze mid-sip.
“Oh, sweetheart, you don’t have to—”
“It’sheartlove.” She barrels on, utterly undeterred. “Because Logan looks at Lulu like the heart-eyes emoji man!”
Tamara presses her lips together. Jake chokes, and Zoe grabs Chase’s arm, seconds away from dissolving. Traitor.
“Jesus Christ, Meadow” Charlie whispers into her hands.
Eli’s the only one not laughing. He sets the spatula down with slow precision and turns, expression deceptively calm. “Heartlove, huh?”
Logan’s mouth opens, then closes, then opens again.
“Yep!” Meadow chirps, completely oblivious. “I can tell! He gave her special heart-eyes smiles at Halloween.Andhe always gives her his hoodie! So he makesheart loveto her all the time.”
Charlie lets out a strangled noise. “I said sharing isnice—”
“See?” Meadow insists. “LOVE!”
Logan’s face has gone pink, eyes turning to Jake. “She’s six! How does she remember a whole damn syllabus on love?!”
Eli’s stare slides from Meadow to Logan. “Better question—why’s she includingyou,Miller?”
“Who wants more mimosas?” Zoe blurts, and starts pouring before anyone answers.
“It’s okay!” Meadow reaches out her hand toward Logan to assure him. “Mama said love makes you do weird things like share blankets and make pancakes and stare at people when they’re not looking!”
My heart stops as Eli’s head snaps toward Logan. “Youstareat her?”
Logan looks like he’s rethinking every decision that led him to this moment. “I—uh, no—don’t not—”
Eli’s voice spikes. “What the hell doesdon’t notmean?!”
“Elijah,” Tamara warns, but he’s already turning red.
“Because it sounds a helluva lot like you’re—”
“—invested in a good neighborly relationship,” Logan cuts in quickly, palms up like he’s warding off a bear. “Relax, man.”
“What do you mean,relationship?” Eli sputters. “You live across the damn street, not in her bed—”
“He doesn’t! Definitely doesn’t!” Zoe coughs loudly, almost choking on her mimosa. “That’s—uh—insane,rightLulu?”
“Right,” I say sweetly, kicking Logan under the table. “Completely insane.”
“Meadow’s also six.” Reid adds dryly. “She thinks Miso and Dusty are married.”
Tamara nods. “Exactly. Kid logic. Heart eyes, dog weddings—it’s all the same.”
