“Surprise, surprise, huh?” I tease.
“Chicken strips are good protein.” Evan holds up his arm to flex. “That’s how he’ll grow big and strong.”
Nolan copies Evan’s movements. “See, Mom. I got muscles too!”
I laugh at them both and go back to figuring out what I’m going to order.
After our orders are placed and our drinks arrive, Evan stands. “Come on, little man. You owe me a game.”
Nolan is quick to his feet, and the two head to the cornhole boards closest to us.
I sip on my iced tea as I watch them celebrate each other’s throws and tease each other when they miss horribly. Nolan has the biggest smile on his face, and surprisingly, so does Evan.
Our food arrives, so I yell over to them, “Come get it while it’s hot!”
Nolan throws one more bag, but Evan snatches it before it can land anywhere.
“We have to eat, and then we’ll continue.”
Nolan doesn’t complain one bit as he races back to the table and chows down on his food. After they’re done with their food, they play three more rounds of cornhole while I relax and watch them interact with one another. Evan is so good with him, genuine with everything he does. You can tell he’s enjoying himself, too, like he’s a big kid at heart.
When I notice the time, I hate to ruin their fun, but I know Evan’s got to go, so I stand and head their way.
“Hey, bud. I hate to break up the fun, but Evan’s got a plane to catch,” I say, rubbing his head.
Evan checks his watch. “Oh, yeah. I’ve got to get going. Let me get the tab.” He reaches for his wallet in his back pocket.
I wave him off. “I took care of it.”
“Christy, I would have paid.”
I place my hand on his arm. “I know. It’s fine. You guys were playing. You can get it next time.”
“Thank you,” he says with a warm smile.
I nod, then motion for Nolan to follow us out.
Once we’re walking across the large grass area back to his truck, he reaches for my hand to hold. “Is this okay?” he asks.
I nod. “Yeah, I like that.”
Nolan notices and holds my other hand. “I like to hold Mommy’s hand too!”
Evan holds up his other palm to Nolan. “High five for holding Mommy’s hand!”
Nolan jumps up to high-five him, making me laugh.
We make our way to the truck, then head back to our house.
“Okay, Nolan. You owe me a rematch when I get back,” Evan says, turning to see him in the back seat.
“I’ll be here, waiting.” Nolan unbuckles his seat belt and opens the door, sliding out of the truck with his booster seat in his hand. “See you then!”
I move to open my door, but Evan stops me.
“I want to walk you to the door, but it will be torture if I can’t kiss you goodbye properly.”
I lean over and kiss him anyway. “Thanks for today.”
