He’s a good-looking kid with black hair and green eyes, brighter than mine, with skin as pale as Braeden’s. He’s also a great kid who’s really helped get Braeden out of his shell. Once he did, Braeden truly flourished.
“You look handsome, Chance,” I tell him while I pull out my phone. “Let me get some pictures.”
“Ugh, really?” Braeden says.
“Yes, really. You both look great, and I’m not squandering this moment to capture some memories. You know it’s part of the deal between kids and parents. Pictures are part of the contract, and it’s non-negotiable.”
“Fine…”
Chance pulls out two boutonnieres he brought, pinning one to the lapel of Braeden’s black tux, and Braeden pins one to Chance’s white tux.
After about a hundred pictures and a lot of eye rolling, they left for prom.
Seth wraps an arm around me again as we watch the boys drive off. “Ready for some poker and distractions?” he asks me.
“Very ready.”
When we go back into the house, Seth calls out to the kids. “Hare, we’re leaving now. You got this?”
“Yeah, Dad. It’s not like I haven’t babysat before.”
“Your phone is charged?”
“Yes, Dad.”
“Our numbers are still on your phone?”
“Dad! I’ve got it!”
Emily comes up to us and tries to shove us out the door. “Go! God!”
“Bye,” Sawyer yells and waves at us.
“Let’s go before they kick us out permanently,” I quip. “I’m ready to kick y’all’s asses tonight in poker.”
“You’re way too good at it,” Seth huffs. “We’ve been talking about kicking you off the team.”
I feign shock. “You have not! You’re so mean! I’m absolutely appalled.”
“Drama queen. You know we wouldn’t do that to you.”
“I should think not. I’m way too much fun.”
“Remind me why I married you again?”
I wrap my arms around him and pull himagainst me. “Because you adore me, and I make you laugh every day.”
“You mean you make my eyes roll every day.”
I boop his nose. “That, too.”
“Gross!” Emily yells. “Go now!”
“I guess that’s our cue,” I tell Seth, grabbing his hand and tugging him out the door.
When we reach outside, I pull him against me, dip him, and give him a deep kiss.
“What was that for?” he asks, smiling and slightly dazed after I let him up.
