Remi’s voice drifts through the house, full of mischief. I step into chaos. The couches and coffee table have been shoved aside, and a mattress lies in front of the TV with pillows and blankets scattered all about.
“Is that my mattress?” I ask, scanning the room.
Halle pokes her head out from the kitchen, smiling. “It made sense for Madi’s leg.”
I glance at the mattress, then at the couches. Huh, she’s not wrong. I should have thought of that sooner. Hell, if this keeps her comfortable, I’ll drag the whole damn bed into the living room myself.
Madison comes down the hallway on her crutches, messy bun undone, strands of her hair brushing her face. She’s wearing my gray sweats, rolled up a ridiculous number of times to stay on her hips. She smiles at me, eyes lingering.
“Hey, handsome,” she says, her voice teasing.
It’s also been a week since we went all in. I told her I loved her, she said it back, and ever since, I’ve been callingher my girlfriend every chance I get. I want the whole damn world to know.
“Hey, girlfriend.” I stride to her, heart hammering as I drop a kiss to her lips. “Are those my sweats?” I tease, though the sight of her like this—in my clothes—makes it hard to focus on anything but her.
She shrugs, patting my shoulder, and walks away, leaning heavily on her crutches, as I stand there, staring after her like an idiot.
“Pweese.” Remi’s voice snaps me out of my haze.
I blink, then turn, handing Halle the bag of snacks and wine, lifting a brow in question.
“He wants to pick the movie,” she whispers, a smile tugging at her lips.
Ace bounds over, barking at my feet, and I crouch down, scratching behind his ears.
“You can’t always have it your way, mister,” Sarah says.
I move closer, lowering myself onto the mattress in front of Remi. He’s perched on Sarah’s lap on the couch, hugging the remote to his chest.
“What’s happening here?” I ask.
“Uncle Hunt!” Remi squeals.
He launches himself at me without warning, and we tumble backward onto the mattress. My laugh bursts out of me as I land flat on my back, Remi sprawled across my chest. I ruffle his hair, his giggles filling the room.
“Dogpile on Hunter!” Connor shouts.
He lands on top of us with a thud. Remi shrieks with laughter. Ace barrels in, barking, and suddenly his tongue is everywhere, licking my ears.
“Ace, no.” I squirm, arms flailing, trying to fend him off.
The house erupts with noise. Loud, uncontrollable laughter bouncing off the walls. Connor finally pulls back,hauling Remi with him, and I push myself upright, cheeks burning, stomach tight from laughing. I glance around at the chaos, my gaze landing on Madison, and I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face. This noise, this life. It’s exactly what I dreamed of.
Everyone drifts back into what they were doing. I catch Sarah’s eye, and she mouthshelp me as she glances at Remi.
“Hey, Rem-Rem,” I say, snatching the remote. “How about we let Madi pick the movie tonight?”
“But… but… I loveShrek!” he protests, little fists clenched.
I mock gasp, leaning closer. “No way! You know, that might actually be one of her favorites. I think you should still let her choose, but you could always suggest your favorite to her.”
He looks to Sarah for backup, and she shakes her head at the two of us, hands thrown up in surrender. Remi takes that as his permission and bounces toward Madi, grinning.
“That’s still him getting his way,” Sarah mutters.
“Hey, I’m just the cool uncle,” I say, flashing a grin.
She hurls a pillow at me, and I duck, laughing as it sails past my head.
