When Mac and Tanner walk up to us laughing, I finally relax.
“What’s wrong?” Mac whispers as I step into his arms for a hug.
“Creepy guy. I’m better with you. Let’s not separate anymore,” I tell him.
He nods. “I’ve got you.”
Those three words mean the world to me. More than he could even know.
The ride back from the fair is one filled with Emily’s adorable chatter. I love listening to her go on and on about whatever is in her head.
Tanner isn’t as chatty, but he has a smile on his face as he listens to his sister too.
Our GellyBall bonding went well. Not only did he come out and admit that he told his friends I was his dad, but he was over the moon when I told him I would be happy to go to the event with him. I told him he could tell them whatever he wanted, that I would be what he needed.
He didn’t say the words, but I think he wishes I were really his dad. As soon as Jane agrees, I’ll be adopting them for real. Well, after I take care of the situation that is currently preventing it.
“Mac, will you go trick-or-treating with us? Mommy says we can go this year,” Emily asks.
I look over to Jane. “If it’s okay with you.”
She reaches over, grabbing my hand with hers. “I would feel better with you there.”
I smile, but in the back of my head, I wonder about the creepy guy she mentioned earlier. I haven’t had a chance to ask more questions, and Fox hasn’t been able to pull up any footage from the barn of it.
“Of course. What are you going as?” I ask Emily.
“I’m going to be Moana, and Tanner’s going to be Darth something.” She frowns.
“Darth Vader?” I ask, trying not to laugh.
“Yeah, that.” She nods.
“Is Mommy dressing up?”
She shrugs. “I don’t know, but you should. So will you go with me?”
I laugh. “Absolutely. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Her eyes beam. “Really? You want to go with us?”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“You spoil her,” Jane whispers.
I kiss the back of her hand. “I have some years to make up for.”
When we finally pull up in my driveway, I help Emily out before following Tanner and Jane into their house.
“Go get ready for bed,” she tells them.
As they rush off, she grabs my cut and pulls me closer to her.
“Will you wait until I have them in bed?” she asks.
“Without question,” I say as I press a kiss to her temple.
Her eyes fall closed before she steps back. Then she disappears down the hall. I make myself comfortable on the couch, waiting for her to come back. It’s about an hour before she finally sits on the couch next to me, rubbing her feet.
