"Robots are definitely cooler than dinosaurs," Matthew announces, continuing a conversation I apparently missed the beginning of. "Because robots can have lasers AND jetpacks. Dinosaurs just have teeth."
"Counterpoint," Noah says, pointing his spatula for emphasis. "T. rex. Lots of teeth."
Matthew considers this seriously. "Okay, but what if the robot was shaped like a T. rex and also had lasers?"
"Now you're thinking like an engineer. I love it."
Zoe doesn't look up from her phone, but I see the corner of her mouth twitch. She's listening, even if she's pretending not to.
I take a long sip of coffee and let the warmth spread through me as I watch them.
Noah catches my eye over Matthew's head and grins, and I know he's reading every thought crossing my face. He always can.
"What?" I ask, feigning innocence.
"Nothing." His grin widens. "You just look happy."
"I am happy," I say simply.
Noah turns to Zoe, who's now scrolling through what appears to be her class schedule on her phone. "Hey, Zo. Want to ride toschool with me this morning? First day for both of us. Could be fun."
Zoe's head snaps up so fast I'm surprised she doesn't give herself whiplash.
Her expression shifts from neutral to horrified in a heartbeat. She stares at Noah like he's just suggested they show up to school in matching outfits.
"Absolutely not," she says flatly. "I am not advertising to the entire school that the new English teacher is my stepdad. I will literally die of embarrassment."
I can't help it. I laugh. The sound bursts out of me, bright and surprised, and I have to set my coffee mug down before I spill it.
Noah tries to look wounded, pressing one hand to his chest in mock offense.
"Embarrassed of me?"
Zoe rolls her eyes so hard I worry they might actually get stuck.
"You don't get it. Middle school is a jungle. I can't show any weaknesses."
Then she turns to me, her expression shifting to pleading. "Mom.Pleasetell me you're driving us."
I hold up my hands in surrender, still smiling. "I've got it. Don't worry."
Zoe exhales in visible relief. "Thank you."
Matthew, oblivious to the teenage drama unfolding around him, grins up at Noah with pure, uncomplicated affection.
"I think it's cool you're gonna be a teacher when I get to middle school, Noah. I won't be embarrassed if you drive me, I promise."
Noah's face splits into a wide grin. "Thanks, buddy. That means a lot."
Matthew beams.
"Alright, troops," I say, clapping my hands together. "Finish up. We leave in ten minutes."
Zoe and Matthew grumble in unison but obey, shoveling eggs into their mouths with the single-minded focus of children who know better than to test me on school-morning deadlines.
They thunder upstairs to grab their backpacks, their footsteps shaking the ceiling overhead.
The kitchen goes quiet.
