“Somewhere in between? I need a babysitter.”
There’s a beat of silence, then a low laugh. “And I bet I know who the child is.”
I roll my eyes even though he can’t see it. “It is for one evening and she’s the funniest kid ever. Are you and Brynn busy tonight?”
“No plans,”he says. “What’s up?”
“I want to take Kate out. Not just Gordy's. Something different. Evie gets excited about hanging out with you two. I thought I could bring her by around five thirty?”
“Yeah, bring her over,” Knox says. “We’ll make a night of it. I’ll put on one of those dinosaur shows she likes and Brynn will break out the crayons. She’ll be thrilled.”
“Thanks, man.”
He just chuckles. “Five thirty. And Cam?”
“Yeah?”
“Have fun.”
I hang up and try not to think too hard about the fact that I’m nervous. I’ve done the apps, I’ve planned dates and dinners and weekend trips. But none of that felt like this.
I park my truck in Kate’s driveway, the sun is starting to mellow, the kind of bright that turns golden around the edges. Her car is here, Evie’s scooter is tipped over on the lawn. The sight loosens something in my chest every single time I see it.
Before I can knock, it swings open and Evie launches herself out like she has been spring-loaded, Matilda tucked under her good arm.
“Coach Wells.” She stops in front of me, looking up. “What are you doing here?”
I laugh. “Hello to you too. I have a surprise.”
Her eyes go wide. “A surprise surprise or a boring surprise?”
“Definitely notboring.”
Kate appears behind her, one hand on the doorframe. She’s wearing cutoff shorts and a soft T-shirt, her hair thrown up in a clip, the curve of her mouth cautious but curious. “What are you up to, Cameron Wells?”
“Are you free for a few hours?”
She lifts a brow. “That depends. What do you have planned?”
“Something fun. Evie gets one fun evening and we get another.”
Evie practically vibrates. “What’s my part?”
“You—” I tell her, “if your mom says it’s okay—are going to Knox and Brynn’s. They’re super excited. There will be crayons and a dinosaur show.”
She gasps like I just told her she won the lottery. “With Uncle Knox and Aunt Brynn?”
“Yes, ma’am. I already checked with them,” I add. “They’re waiting for you now.”
Kate’s expression shifts from suspicion to surprise. “You arranged that?”
“Of course I did.” I shrug. “We’ll have an evening together. Both of you get something fun.”
Evie is already halfway to the hallway. “I have to get my shoes. And my crayons. And my pajamas. And my tiger socks.”
“You are not moving in!” Kate calls after her, but she is smiling now. She looks at me. “You’re full of surprises today.”
“I know I am. I wanted to do something fun with you.” I lower my voice. “You might want to put your swimsuit on under your clothes.”
