Her disbelief hits tenfold, almost like she’s resisting the urge to let her jaw drop. “You go to birthday parties?”
“Occasionally,” I muse, lips pulling faintly. “To drop off gifts, at least.”
Elena stares at me like I’ve managed to grow a couple more heads in the last ten seconds, and maybe I should be somewhat offended that she assumed something like this is beneath me, but more than anything, her stunned look is amusing.
“The more you know,” she murmurs before getting out herself, following me.
As we move, I catch her scanning the streets automatically. Good.
The front door opens before I even have the chance to knock, and Patch is there, wearing a pleased grin. “It’s about time.”
“Nice to see you too,” I say, lacking any real heat as I hand him the box. “Hope you’re taking advantage of your day off.”
“A day full of shouting kids coasting on a perpetual sugar high? Wouldn’t trade it for anything,” he returns, and even if his tone is a joking one, I know he means it. He takes the gift, somehow making it look much smaller in his grasp, and his smile softens slightly. “You didn’t have to.”
“Of course I did,” I reply, well aware I wouldn’t have missed the opportunity. “I can’t have Parker think I’m losing my touch.”
“Fair enough. You’ve backed yourself into a corner by spoiling him from day one,” he returns, glancing to Elena. He gives her a respectful nod. “Elena.”
Elena has seen Patch a handful of times between meetings, and even now, she still has the slight look in her eyes like she can’t believe just how massive a man Patch is. Apparently, he’s always been that way—built like a tank. Which makes him perfect for the job.
Regardless, she nods in return, as smooth as ever. “Patch. I didn’t think you were the type to throw birthday parties.”
His grin widens a touch, and he absently runs a hand over his buzzed hair that looks more like a shadow across his head. “A few years ago, I thought the same. Kids change people.”
“Apparently.”
Then, he steps aside and gestures with his free hand. “Come in. The birthday brat would like to see you.”
Without hesitation, we enter, immediately greeted by the smell of icing sugar and coffee. A moment later, the patio door across the space slides open, and Parker runs in, barreling over with a wide grin.
His hair is dark, just like his dad’s, and his eyes are the same crystal blue, just full of more wonder. He’s sportinga few new bandages across his knees and arms, evidence of a childhood well spent outside.
“Uncle Vic!” Parker calls, panting as he stands in front of me, smiling without a single care in the world.
The name makes me wince internally, reminding me of the fact that he doesn’t know my real one, but I don’t correct him. It’s better this way.
“Hey buddy,” I say with a smile of my own, crouching low enough as he launches himself at me. I haul him up, lifting him with ease. “You get a year older on me, and suddenly you’re twice the size?”
Parker chuckles to himself. “Dad says I’m gonna be taller than you soon.”
Patch snorts, but his warm smile stays. “He turns six and develops a new imagination.”
“If you get taller than me, then I’ll be impressed. But if you end up taller than your dad, then he might be out of a job.”
At that, he laughs, eyes gleaming with unbridled joy that’s always contagious.
Amused by his easy attitude, I set him down carefully and ruffle his soft hair. “You behaving?”
“Mostly,” he says proudly, chin lifted, revealing a yellow-green bruise under his jaw. He’s always been a bit of a daredevil, always making his dad worry.
“Another tall tale,” Patch mutters with a slight shake of his head.
This only makes Parker laugh again, and we join in before heading further inside to get a look at the party unfolding.
Elena follows a bit stiffly, offering the kids smiles when they look at her, but when they return to their games, she seems almost startled.
As Parker joins the others, running around and playing in the backyard, we talk for a few minutes. It’s nothing heavy, just party logistics, school, and whatever else comes to mind. Even if Patch looks exhausted from keeping up with everything, there’s a warmth in his expression, and an undeniable fondness.
