I blush as Hudson laughs harder. He crouches down to her level and whispers, “Who put you up to it?”
“Mommy bet fifty that you and Piper were kissing. Grandpa has twenty on Piper kneeing you in the balls. And Ms. Misty said no money. She says she knows Piper’s heart, and that you’re a gentleman, so you guys are in here just talking.”
“So Misty wins?” Hudson asks, shooting me a look.
I bite my bottom lip to hold in my laughter.
“Yeah.” Kimmy nods.
Hudson narrows his eyes. “What’d they promise you for being the spy?”
Kimberly blushes and twirls her fingers together. “Grandma said you’d build a Christmas fort for Frankie and me to sleep in tonight.”
This time, I burst out laughing.
Hudson looks at me again, a smile stretched across his face. He tugs twice on the end of Kimmy’s braid. “You got it, Kimmy. Piper and I would love to build a Christmas fort, watch movies, and have a sleepover with you guys tonight.”
My mouth drops open.
Kim squeals and rushes back into the dining room. “Ms. Misty won!” she announces. Another peal of laughter rings out.
Hudson looks at me and crosses his arms over his chest. “What do you say? Home Alone at eleven p.m.?”
I snort, recalling all the holiday seasons Hudson and I watched Kevin McCallister do his thing. “Only if we start with The Grinch.”
Hudson snorts and dips his head. “Come on, we better get back in there before they bribe Frankie with something.”
I laugh as I reenter the dining room.
Our parents’ eyes, along with Stacy’s and Joe’s, look at me expectantly. I give nothing away. Instead, I take my seat, pick up my dinner roll, and take a giant bite.
At the other end of the table, Dad snickers softly.
We build the fort to rival all forts.
Utilizing his degree in architecture, Hudson uses sheets, dining chairs, and a plethora of couch cushions to make a fort that has two access points, a secret tunnel, and a movie theater.
“This is the best,” Kimmy whispers to her brother as they rest their backs against the pillows.
Little fairy lights twinkle along the inside of the fort.
“Uncle Hud is the best,” Frankie agrees.
“I’ve got popcorn!” Hudson announces as he bounds down the stairs.
His niece and nephew squeal and make way for him to enter the fort. Hudson passes me a huge bowl of popcorn and plunks the other down in between Kimberly and Frankie. Then, he ties back the flaps of the fort so we can all view the television.
As we get cozy, Frankie presses play, and The Grinch begins on the screen.
The kids giggle as they shovel handfuls of popcorn into their mouths.
“Mom and Dad are going to let us stay up late,” Kimmy tells Hudson knowingly.
“Because of you,” Frankie tacks on, his eyes gleaming. “Since you’re babysitting us.”
“What time did they set for your bedtime?” Hudson asks.
“Eight thirty,” Kimberly answers honestly.
