Yeah… guess I wasn’t exactly subtle.
“Hey! How are you guys?” I stand and hug her.
“We’re good. Off to our weekend getaway.” Ethan beams.
“Lexy, where is Marvel?” Mia walks over, and I pull her into a hug.
“He’s upstairs. I’m sure Uncle Dex will let you play with him soon.” I kiss her cheek and step back.
“You won’t be there?” Mia looks up at me, eyes wide.
“Oh, I need to work until nine, but I’ll come up and tuck you in.”
Her face lights up.
“I asked Gabe to make us some burgers, fries, and milkshakes,” Dex says as he comes to stand beside me.
“Thank you, man.” Ethan pulls him into a quick hug, then turns to me. “And thank you for doing this, Lexy.”
“Oh, no problem at all. I already have everything planned. I can’t wait for our sleepover.” I smile at Mia.
Summer hugs me, then Mia and Dex. “You be a good girl, pumpkin, okay? And you can call me anytime using Uncle Dex’s phone.”
“I know, Mommy.” Mia smiles. “Have fun.” She waves.
Summer kisses her again before Ethan takes her into his arms. “Love you, princess.”
Mia kisses his cheek. “Love you too, Daddy.”
He hands her back to Dex, and we all wave them off as they head out.
“Can I see Marvel now?” Mia asks.
We both laugh.
“Of course,” Dex says. “Let’s get you upstairs.”
He tickles her, making her giggle, and I watch them disappear inside.
Something lingers in my chest as they go.
Warm.
Quiet.
But not simple.
???
Dexter
I wake up to music and laughter, the sound drifting through the apartment before I’m even fully awake. By the time I step out of the shower and make my way downstairs, I already know what I’m walking into, and I’m not wrong.
Lexy and Mia are in the kitchen, singing along to “Come and Get Your Love.”
Mia is standing on a chair with a wooden spoon in her hand, belting out the lyrics like she owns the place, while Lexy moves around the stove, flipping pancakes and swaying her hips to the beat. They’re both wearing matching French braids, and Lexy’s in pink shorts and a loose white tee covered in Snoopy characters, looking like something straight out of a morning I didn’t know I’d been living without.
“Uncle Dex! Come! Sing!”
