She ran over to the front door and plopped down beside where her shoes were. I stood and went to grab my keys from the kitchen counter. Looking at the clock on the stove, I saw that it was almost noon. I knew we’d be passing the mechanic shop to go to the burger spot Ellie loved, so I pulled out my phone to call Alayah.
“Hello?”
“Hey. What time are you taking lunch?” I asked.
“Um…in a few.”
“How long do you have?”
“An hour. Why?”
“I’m on uncle duty today. Some little person isn’t letting me get any work done, and now she’s hungry. We’re about to go get some food. You wanna ride with us?”
She was silent for a moment too long, which made me pull the phone from my ear to see if she was still on the line.
“Layah.”
“I’m here.”
“You coming?”
“Is your sister okay with this—me being around her child?”
I didn’t even think about that, but I knew Bridget would be fine.
“She won’t mind.”
“Have you asked her?”
“Would you like me to call her?”
“I’d feel better if you did.”
“Hold on.” I clicked over and dialed Bridget’s number.
“Killian, you better not be calling to complain about the child you spoiled,” she answered.
I chuckled. “First of all, I didn’t spoil her.”
“Keep telling yourself that. What do you want?”
“Ellie and I are going out for lunch. I invited Alayah—”
Bridget laughed. “Killian, don’t be using my baby as your wingwoman. You can’t pull her on your own, little brother?”
“You get on my nerves.”
“But you love me. It’s fine. You can take her. Maybe Ellie will give her a little love. I know you said she’s been missing her little sisters.”
“She has. And you know Ellie loves to make a new friend.”
“That she does. Have fun. I’m sure I’ll hear all about it when I pick her up.”
“I’m sure you will. Love you, sis.”
“Love you, too.”
I clicked back over to Alayah. “Hello?”
