I kept my tone even, despite the nerves of stepping up in a way I knew he needed. “No one speaks to your mother like that.”
His little brows furrowed and he crossed his arms once more. “But she promised.”
“Son, I love you. You and your sister’s happiness and safety are my top priority.” I knew I needed to say more but some things needed to wait until after I spoke to Maggie. “But if you ever speak to your mother like that again, you’ll find yourself missing out on more than just go-carting.”
The words were true in every sense. The words were said by a man who was confident he would be around to make good on that promise.
“Am I understood?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Now go and apologize to your mother and I will call your aunt and see if Ethan can spend the day with us.”
CHAPTER 21
MAGGIE
I stoodin the small living room, waiting. How many times before had I waited in the same spot? The walls had seen a few coats of paint since I was a teenager and Tess, my foster mom, had the carpet replaced with laminate flooring the year I got married. Still, there were plenty of rugs to give the room that cozy feel.
As I stood there, I took several deep breaths. The air, still thick with Hayden’s temper tantrum, slowly cleared as I listened to the murmur of Theo’s voice from the kitchen. Harry stood near the fireplace, silent and watchful. His nod assured me that he approved of the conversation happening in the other room.
Tess appeared from the hallway and offered me a quick, concerned hug. “Morning, Sweetheart.” She turned to her husband and the two of them did that silent conversation I’d seen them do so many times over the years. My mom turned back to me. “I’ll get Jaycee up and start packing their things.”
“Thanks, Mom.” All of us toggled between calling her mom and Tess. Mostly because we knew our moms before they were killed. Harry was easier. He was the only dad we knew.
I turned my focus back to the kitchen in time to watch Hayden walking out, lip nearly on the floor. “Sorry Mama. I don’t hate you.”
“I know you don’t, little man.” I pulled him into my arms and held him tight. “But words have power. Sometimes more power than our fists.”
He rested his head against my torso. “I’m sorry I hurt your feelings.”
With that I kissed the top of his head and looked over at the man who was determined to be my partner in everything. In one conversation, he had gone from a fun uncle who would build model earthquakes and have unicorn tea parties, to a man who understood what it meant to be a dad. A real one, who was there even through the tough times. Something told me hisLittle Pop-Tartwould never receive a lecture like that though.
“Ethan.” Theo looked over at my nephew. “I just spoke to your mom, she’s happy for you to spend the day with us if you want.”
Ethan’s turquoise eyes lit up. “Can we spend it at the pool?”
“Whatever you guys want as long as there is always an adult around.” When both boys smiled and pumped the air, Theo narrowed his eyes. “And Zoe and Connor are not adults.”
Both boys' shoulders sagged in comical unison.
“Unca Feo? Mama?” My little girl’s soft voice came from the hallway entrance. “I thought it was the weekend.”
Theo walked directly over to her and picked her up. “Morning Pop-Tart, did you sleep well?”
“Not enough.” She frowned and rested her head on his shoulder.
Yeah, I would pay money to see how a stern lecture from him to her would go. I wasn’t sure who would feel worse.
Theo placed his hand on her back. “You can sleep in the car on the way home.”
It didn’t take us long to herd all three children out the door. As I picked up the kids’ overnight bags, I caught Harry’s eye. He stood at the archway to the kitchen, arms crossed over his chest, watching Theo carrying a sleepy Jaycee while he led the boys out.
He never said a word, he didn’t need to. Instead, he offered me another single nod. Approval or permission I wasn’t sure. But I knew he wouldn’t be giving Theo and me a hard time in the future.
I smiled at the man who was the only father I knew and followed the boys out to the driveway. The sight of the car had both boys stopping.
“Whoa.” Ethan’s voice was full of awe while Hayden just stared with his mouth open. “My mom’s driven one of those before. It’s armored right, Uncle Theo? My dad says it has extra protection.”
