I throw on a shirt, and I’m calm, needing no pep talk. This parenting thing isn’t so bad. I think I’m a natural or want to be for them. That’s a good thing too, because this is the whole point of me being back in Lake Spark. To help with my brother’s widow and his son.
And apparently to stay.
Maybe we’ve settledinto a routine. That’s what the past week has felt like. My nephew slides an entire bowl of yogurt off his highchair tray onto the floor, and I give him an unimpressed look which only makes him giggle.
Luckily, the babysitter knocks on the front door, and I’m quick to leave Bo in his happy mess to go answer the door for Dana, our babysitter.
“Morning, you’re in for a real treat today with Bo. He woke up full of mischief.”
She smiles brightly. “That’s okay. Makes it more fun.”
We make our way back to the kitchen, and I take note of the time on my watch. I was hoping to run a few errands and also knock on Holden’s door to see if there is anything I can do. Bo for sure keeps me busy, but in terms of professionalwork, it seems I have an itch to find something to occupy my time.
My eyes swipe up to Dana who is already making funny voices with Bo as she picks up the bowl.
“I can do that,” I offer.
“No worries. Is Summer around? I wanted to ask if I can take a day off next week since I have midterms.”
I wave it off. “It’s fine. I’m here.” The babysitter gives me a peculiar look, or hesitation. “Really, I can be in charge,” I assure her, and she has an unnerving smile. I guess she is used to only Summer as her boss, even though she’s already seen me a few times.
The thumping down the stairs informs me that Summer must be dressed and ready for her day. We used the snooze button a few too many times for other activities.
Walking down the hall, I meet her at the bottom of stairs.
“I’m so late.” She’s frantic as she ties her hair up.
“You’re fine. I know your boss,” I attempt to joke as I slide her coat off the hook by the front door.
Her eyes bug out, and she’s displeased. “How many times do I had to tell you that I hate that joke?”
I place my hand on her shoulder to ease her. “But seriously, slow down.”
She’s already buttoning her coat, ignoring my touch. “I just don’t want anyone to think that I’m distracted and dropping the ball. The sympathy card needs to be burned; I hate it.”
Leaning down, I swoop up her scarf that she dropped. I swing the fabric around her neck and pull her to me, giving her no choice but to catch a breath. “You’re fine. I may have only been back for a short time, but even I know that you still have time to grab a coffee to-go at Jolly Joe’s.”
Her stern look with her eyes narrowing is cute, but I’drather she throws that look at me when I have her on her knees later. For now, I yank her closer to give her a kiss. “May I kiss you good morning to calm you?”
Summer relaxes for a beat and hooks her arms around my neck. “That’s not what we’re doing. The whole ‘have a good day, dear. Don’t forget I’m making you lasagna for dinner, so be home on time, dear.’” She throws on a theatrical voice.
“Wait for me naked in bed by eight with your mouth ready, dear,” I mumble into her forehead as my lips are planted on her skin.
She pinches me for that remark, but she still lets me kiss her, and a deep one, too.
That is until a sound causes her to flinch right off me, and she straightens her coat. My eyes sideline, and I see Dana holding Bo.
“Uh, I was just… going to change Bo.” The poor college kid appears to be a deer in headlights. She wasn’t expecting to walk in on this.
“It’s… it’s fine. Nash was helping me with my scarf,” Summer explains, flustered and avoiding eye contact with anyone.
A stiff silence hits all of us.
“I will be home on time today since I know you’re preparing for your exams.” Summer is quick to kiss the top of Bo’s head before she bounces her eyes to study all of us. “Okay, bye.” She nearly bolts out the door.
I smile tightly to Dana. “I’m just going to…” I point outside. Dana nods once and doesn’t seem to judge and continues with Bo upstairs.
Turning on my heel, I’m quick to catch up with Summer outside where she drops her key fob by her car door and is completely agitated.
