I fought back a shy smile and answered Alex. “David had to work, but he sends his love and pumpkin pie,” I said. “How’re you feeling since your appendectomy?”
“Huh?”
“Your surgery, sweetie,” Jessa said.
He shrugged. “Fine.”
“I was more freaked out than he was,” Jessa said. “He had these awful cramps, so I took him right to the hospital. Good thing, too, because they said his appendix almost burst.”
“That sounds terrifying,” I said and took a sip of wine.
She nodded. “Thank God for Uncle David. I was a mess. He told me he ran out on an important date with you, so thanks for letting us steal him for a night.”
“Ofcourse,” I said. “Gosh. I’m just glad Alex is okay.”
I did a double take when Alex narrowed his eyes at me. I was getting the feeling he didn’t like me, but I always got that impression with kids. I remembered I’d told Lucy that once, and she’d assured me it was my imagination.
When Alex disappeared to playHalo, Jessa gave me a sly smile. “So,” she said, drawing out the word. “David says he’s hoping to start work on your guys’ new house in the next couple weeks.”
I set down my wineglass. “Wait, really? I didn’t know that.”
“Oh, shit. I hope he wasn’t trying to surprise you.” She laughed. “Whatever. You must be excited. Going to get in there and knock down some walls?”
After the way he and I had argued about him buying the house, I doubted he meant to surprise me. I nodded but bit my bottom lip.
Weeks? That soon?But why was I surprised? David moved at lightning speed when it came to me.
Jessa arched an eyebrow as she removed candied yams from the oven. “You seem nervous about that.”
I shifted in my seat, wondering when I’d become such an open book. Or maybe reading minds was a Dylan family trait. “Those smell amazing,” I said. “Where’d you get the recipe?”
“My mom. I’ll give it to you,” she said. “And nice try. In case you haven’t figured it out, nobody in this family will let you change the subject.”
I laughed into my Merlot. “That much is obvious.” I sighed. “I’m excited about the house, I just didn’t expect it so soon. It’s a lot of money and a big commitment.”
“Well, David’s over the moon about it. I don’t think he cares how much he spends.” She slipped off her oven mitts and waved one around the kitchen. “He tried to fix up this place for me, but I told him not to bother. Alex would destroy it anyway.”
I smiled as Alex yelled something from the other room.
“Ignore him, he’s gaming,” she explained, rolling her eyes.
“They’re close, aren’t they?” I asked. “David and Alex.”
“Thankfully, yes. Alex’s dad has a new family now, so they don’t see each other much.” She picked up her wine and glanced toward the door Alex had gone through. “Al looks up to David, even though I wish he was around more. He works a lot.”
I nodded. “David’s very passionate.”
She snorted. “He’s working on fucking Thanksgiving. But aside from that, he’s great with Alex. He’s completely devoted when he cares about something.”
“I’ve, um, noticed,” I said.
“Don’t let his work schedule deter you, though.”
“From what?” I asked.
“Once he slows down—and he’s already starting to since he met you—he’ll be agreatfather,” she said and waggled her eyebrows.
“Oh.”
