“Yep.”
Becca was laughing at something Jenna said. He watched them from the kitchen before they disappeared into the front room.
“We talking marriage and babies or what?”
Mitch bobbled the dish he held, covered in soapy water. “Ah, we haven’t gotten to that conversation yet. Your mom was a little hard to pin down just with the boyfriend/girlfriend stuff. I don’t want to scare her off.”
“Oh, good call. But you want kids at some point, right?”
“I guess.” Yes. With Becca, he wanted it all. “Family, friends, kids. Sure.”
“Right. Then trust me when I say Mom’s going to get weird on you a few more times before you nail down a date for the wedding.” Simon kept his voice low and kept looking over his shoulder. “I’m on team Mitch. I got your back.”
“Thanks.”
“But you mess with my mom, I’ll end you.” The look Simon shot Mitch told him the boy meant business.
“You’re a good son, Simon. Your mom is the best. You keep looking out for her okay? At least, until she’ll let me take over.”
Simon relaxed and held out a hand. “It’s a deal.”
They shook.
A sly look entered the boy’s eyes. “When do I start calling you Daddy?”
“As soon as I call you my little ball of boy joy” Mitch said drily.
Simon thought that hilarious and wouldn’t stop laughing.
“What’s going on in here?” Becca asked. At Simon’s questioning look, she said, “Jenna went home. She’ll text you later.”
“Cool. I was just teasing the old man about something I heard at school.” Simon shot Mitch a grin. To his mom, he said, “And don’t forget. Thirty-five is coming, Mom. Tick-tock.”
She pointed to the door. “Get upstairs and play your video games or something. Go!”
Simon left, laughing, and Mitch swore he heard the boy hummingHere Comes the Bride.
Becca flushed but maintained eye contact. “Package deal,” she reminded him.
Mitch held open his arms. “Hold me. I’ve been traumatized.”
She laughed and hugged him.
And the hummed wedding march going up the stairs grew louder.
