The dog looked up at him, back at the tomatoes, and up again.
“I wouldn’t. Dad is pretty easygoing. But mess with one tomato plant and he’ll never let you hear the end of it.”
Just then, his father started reaming Nadia for a garden offense she’d committed back in high school.
“See what I’m saying?”
Reggie swore the dog sighed before turning and walking back inside.
He followed with a smile, wondering what Emily would think when he shared that nugget with her.
Chapter Four
Emily watched her mom walk slowly into their apartment with Uncle Benny half carrying her. Mommy had hurt her arm, and she said each step felt like the arm was breaking all over again, so Uncle Benny helped her walk while Uncle Doug carried her bag.
It looked kind of funny, because Uncle Benny was so much bigger than Uncle Doug and Mag-Mom. If he fell, he’d probably smush everyone. Then Emily would have to get Brownie to help carry them all. Or maybe Reggie.
She really needed to talk to him again. She just had to get Uncle Doug’s phone.
She smiled, remembering how funny Frank had looked when Reggie had sent his picture earlier. He’d put a hat on Frank and some doggie sunglasses while Frank shared a breakfast with Reggie and his family.
Emily wondered when they could visit Reggie and if her mom would finally make her that brother she wanted. For a long time, Emily had liked being the center of attention. Her dad and mom had divorced a few years ago. Emily hadn’t understood much, but not a lot had changed except she got a new place to live and found more family. Uncle Doug and Uncle Benny were the best uncles she’d ever had.
She saw her dad a little, just like before, so that felt normal. But her mom seemed happier, and now when Emilydidsee her dad, he always had a smile for her and time to play.
But Sherry kept talking about her baby brother. And she said all kids should live with two parents. Either a mom and a dad, two dads, or two moms. But there had to be two in there somewhere. Personally, Emily wasn’t convinced. Her mom liked to say Emily had four parents, with her mom, her dad, and her uncles. But that didn’t help Emily get any closer to a new baby brother, so Sherry had to be right.
Except now Emily kind of, almost, had a dog. And she had a new friend in Reggie, who was babysitting that dog. Frank might just be better than a turtle. But better than a brother?
She glanced at Brownie, who growled back at her, still waiting on a new set of nunchucks since he’d accidentally crushed the last set.When are we getting our magical puppy?he asked in bear talk.I made him armor, but I need him to fit it properly. How will we fight the evil king if I can’t ride into battle?
Emily sighed. “I don’t know, Brownie.” Shereallyneeded to talk to Reggie.
Mag-Mom settled onto the couch, and Uncle Doug put a pillow under her arm.
“Thanks, Doug. That’s better.” Mag-Mom sighed.
“How’s the head?”
“Pounding.”
Emily frowned. “Is your head going to explode? Won’t that make a mess?” Mag-Mom didn’t like messes. An exploding head might be a problem. Emily didn’t think anything but a magic wand and wizardry could put a head back together.I mean, it works when I cast spells for Mrs. Potato Head.
“Um, no. My head is okay. Just a little sore.”
Uncle Benny chuckled. “You want to see a head explode, you should see when I make your Uncle Doug my famous lasagna.” In a low whisper, he confided, “I use extra pots and pans so his face turns real red before his head pops clean off. But it grows back, so he’s okay after.”
Emily stared, wide-eyed. “Awesome.”
“I know.”
“Benny,” Uncle Doug warned. Then he pointed a finger at Emily. “And you. Go get that thing you made.” He nodded toward the hallway.
Emily hurried to her room and returned with a homemadeGet Bettercard. She handed it to her mom, who though tired, still looked prettier than any princess Emily had ever seen. “For you, Mag-Mom.” At a look from Doug, she corrected, “I mean, Mommy.”
Her mom grinned and read the card, decorated with not only macaroni pasta but with glitter, fuzzy eyeballs, and patches of brown felt—Brownie’s idea. “I love it!” Mag-Mom put one arm around Emily and hugged her.
Emily sighed. Mommy had the best hugs. The secret, protective magic inside Queen Mag-Mom swelled around Emily like a giant bubble. Emily couldn’t see it, but she knew it was there.
