“All right, Mr. Navy SEAL,” Liam snarked. “You two can talk about soldier stuff the next time we get together.”
“Not a soldier,” Marco grumbled.
Liam kissed him on the cheek. “I know. I’m just teasing you. But we do have to go.”
“Don’t forget to call Tommy,” Marco said as they headed out the door.
After they left, Zach helped me clear up the trash and put my office back to normal. “Thanks for the help,” I said when we were finished.
“No problem,” he replied.
“So, what are you doing on your day off?” I asked.
Zach smiled crookedly. “I’m watching Cody for a few hours. Allie had to get a second job because the daycare doesn’t pay enough, and she couldn’t get a sitter for tomorrow.”
I wanted to protest because that meant Zach wasn’t getting any time off this week, but I kept my mouth shut. This was family, and he was always going to take care of his family. “I could stop by if you want some company. I wouldn’t mind getting my toddler fix.”
Zach looked surprised. “Sure, if you want. I don’t know how exciting it will be.”
“You have a keyboard,” I said. “We can have a sing-along.”
He laughed. “All right. That sounds like fun.”
“Excellent. I’ll bring snacks.”
He rolled his eyes. “Not too many. Allie will have my hide if Cody gets all pumped up on sugar.”
I sighed dramatically. “All right. I’ll be good.”
His lips twitched as he fought a smile. “I’ll hold you to that.” He went to leave but then turned around. He bit his lip nervously. “About Easter Sunday. Allie and I usually do something together because we don’t really spend time with our parents if we can avoid it. They haven’t cared about holidays in years anyway. This year, Allie is spending Easter with her friend, Marissa, who has a daughter Cody’s age. I was wondering if you’d like to do something. I was thinking of coming here for dinner. Would you like to join me?”
Zach’s earnest expression and the light blush on his cheeks just about killed me. How could anyone say no to that face? “I’d love to.”
His smile lit up his face. “Great. That’s great.” He gestured with his thumb toward the door. “I have to get to the bar. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Yep. I’ll be there.” I closed my eyes and sighed. I really had to squash that little spark of hope that lit up, or I was going to get my heart broken.
CHAPTERELEVEN
ZACH
Cody was bouncing around my apartment while I played his favorite song from the movieEncanto.My almost-four-year-old nephew was excited because I’d told him my friend was coming over and we were going to sing songs together. I’d told Miguel to just let himself in when he got here because it was likely I wouldn’t hear him if he knocked.
We were going into the third repeat when I heard a familiar voice join us. Cody stopped in his tracks and stared at Miguel, who was still standing by the door. He was carrying a bag, which probably contained the snacks he’d threatened to bring.
“Hey, Cody,” Miguel said.
I went over to my nephew and put my hand on his shoulder. “Cody, this is my friend. Do you remember the name I told you?”
Cody scrunched up his cute little nose in concentration. Then he opened his eyes wide and said, “Miguel!”
“That’s right,” Miguel said with a smile. He leaned down and whispered, “I thought I heard the name Bruno. Are we supposed to talk about him?”
“Yes!” Cody said with a mischievous giggle.
Miguel put his hands on his hips and gasped in fake outrage. “No!” He pointed at me. “Tell him, Zach.”
That was my cue. I rushed back to my keyboard and started playing. Miguel put his bag down and held out his hand. Cody hesitated for just a moment, then took it and dragged Miguel into the living room to dance. We sang more songs fromEncanto,as well asMoana, Coco, The Little Mermaid, andFrozen.
