She was in her full art professor get-up—bright purple cat’s eye glasses that matched her dyed hair, black sweater andleggings with rings and bangles. She looked beautiful. “You’re the cowboy?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’m Ellis McIntyre. Pleased to meet you.”
“So polite. I do love that in a cowboy.” She reached in and hugged him as if she had the total right to. “I’m Jett, and this is my husband Aiden.”
Allie shook her head.“No,you’re Granny, and that’s Pop-Pop.”
Dad grinned at her. “Yes, dear. But you know how Daddy’s name is Ichabod? Well, my name is Aiden, but you can call me Pop-Pop.”
Her eyes widened. “Oh, like this is Bell.”
“Bell?” Mom asked.
It was Michael who answered this time before Ichabod could even open his mouth. “Yeah, that’s Dad’s boyfriend, and the kids call him Bell. We call him Ellis.”
“Ah.” His dad chuckled. “Well, it’s nice to meet you, Ellis. Chrissy, do you remember Pop-Pop? I missed you. We brought some cupcakes in Glenwood to bring to you.” He winked at Ichabod, who fought not to roll his eyes.
Sugar ahoy.
Mom nodded and smiled. “Yes, and I have to get cooking. I’m going to make dressing!”
Ichabod found Mom the blandest of smiles. “Mom, it’s too late. It’s already made. In fact it’s in the fridge waiting to be cooked tomorrow.” He wasn’t going to bitch at them for being who they were, but on the other hand, he also wasn’t going to let it slip by that if they weren’t able to keep their plans with him, he had to make sure his children weren’t disappointed.
“Well, then, I can make you some to freeze for leftovers.” She breezed past him, holding Allie’s hand.
Ellis raised an eyebrow at him, and he gave the slightest shake of his head.
“Michael, come help me unload the car since you put your boots on,” Dad said.
“Sure, Pop-Pop, I can do that.” Michael headed out and Zane disappeared back into his bedroom.
Ichabod was not going to apologize and he wasn’t going to feel bad for protecting his children. Mom was going to have to cope. Or not. It was totally up to her.
Ellis kissed Chrissy’s cheek, then set her down. “Go on back and watchBlue’s Clues, honey.” It was always on, so that was a safe thing to tell her, Ichabod knew. She toddled off, and Ellis came to put a hand behind his neck. “You okay?”
“Good, glad you’re here.” Ichabod leaned, soaking Ellis up. “It’s hard— Families are hard, right?”
“Hell, yes. I have all these moving parts in mine. Halves and steps and… and I really get along with my dad. That’s it.” Ellis kissed the top of his head.
“I love Mom. I just have a different style.” He was a lot more regimented, and she didn’t understand it.
“Sure. And I can tell you’re cautious. My mom is— Well, yours looks like a doll by comparison.” Ellis winked at him. “I’ll go check on Chrissy.”
“I’ll go check on Mom.” Because he didn’t have another choice.
“Okay, honey. Holler if you need me.” Ellis winked, and he wanted to call the man a coward, but he knew better. He was giving Ichabod a chance to make nice with Mom before dinner tomorrow.
“Hey, Mom. You find everything you need? The pepper’s in the cabinet to your left.”
“Thanks, hon. So what recipe didyouuse?”
He wanted to sigh, but he reminded himself that Allie was sitting right there.
“Yours. I’ve watched you make it for years.” He didn’t roll his eyes. Not.
“Oh, well, good.” She chuckled. “I’m sorry we worried you. We found the most amazing little artsy B&B when the roads got bad.”
“That’s all right. I know how much you like discovering new places.”
