“Mr.…” Calvin turns to me. “What’s your last name again?”
“Griffin.”
“Mr. Griffin here wants to take us to Carousel Gardens. I haven’t been there before, but I know it has rides and stuff.”
“Calling me Seth or Mr. Seth is fine. But Cal is right, there will be rides. Emily likes to go to Storyland, which is more age-appropriate for her. Then there are the botanical gardens, too.”
“Sounds good.”
Braeden plucks the cat from Calvin’s shoulder, hugs it, and brings it upstairs with him.
“Want some coffee or something?”
“I’m fine. I need to head back to my kids since I left them at home alone.”
“Oh, younaughtydaddy.”
I pinch my nose, feigning exasperation to hide my need to laugh. “God, you didnotjust say that.”
“It’s a hill I’ll die on.”
“Jesus! Always the joker.Bye! See you in a few.”
I leave his house with his deep laugh filling my ears.
The day is perfect, except for the humidity. Still, it’s not too hot, and the sky is clear. There’s a gentle breeze that blows through the Spanish moss swaying in the live oaks, looking like tulle from a ballerina’s dress.
I’ve got Emily in her stroller since I can buckle her in and keep her from running off.
“You should have invested in a leash, I’m telling you,” Calvin snarks.
I give him a deadpanned look, making him grin like a fool. “I’m not going to acknowledge that with a response.”
“Just did. Gotcha.”
“Jesus, I regret inviting you already.”
“You love it.”
I huff a laugh and shake my head. I’ve known Calvin long enough to grow familiar with his brand of humor, dry with a hint of dad jokes. No, not a hint. It’s heavy with dry dad jokes. They’re pretty bad. So I’m not offended like I was before I got to know him. “You’re utterly ridiculous.”
Braeden is walking next to Calvin, practically clinging to him. It’s sad to see that Braeden needs so much reassurance, but I’m glad he’s got someone he can hang on to. I’m also happy that he’s out here with us.
“What should we do first? The carousel?” I ask the kids.
“Cawosel!” Emily yells. “Whion!”
“The lion it is.”
While Harrison isn’t as bold as Emily, my heart shatters into a million pieces in a good way when he takes Braeden’s arm and leads him toward the ride, and Braeden lets him with Sawyer close behind them.
“Ah, love to see a friendship blossom,” Calvin says.
“Definitely.”
“You’ve got a good kid there, Tiger. Although your little hellcat is questionable.”
“Thanks, Joker.”
