Then he went into Kyle’s room. His son was at the computer, staring at the screen. “How’s it going?”
“Good. I’m trying to outline my ideas. I should have done this sooner, but once I’m finished, I’ll be ready to have that brainstorming session with Harper.”
“You want to take a little time off or would you rather work?”
Kyle grimaced. “I’m sorry. I’d rather work. I’m so close to having this done. Unless you really needed me?”
Mitch shook his head. He understood. “No, don’t worry about it. I’ll be out for a few hours, but it’s no big deal.”
“Okay.” Kyle turned back to the computer.
Mitch returned to his office, checked email one more time, made sure his work was saved, then stuck his phone in his pocket and went to the kitchen.
Joyce was finishing up the sandwiches. Ham and cheddar along with some roast beef and Swiss, by the look of it. She had fruit, chips, and cookies on the counter, too. “What kind of drinks do you want?”
“Just a few bottles of water should be fine. There’s still some sodas and other stuff in the fridge.”
“Are you—”
The doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it.” He went down the steps. He opened the door to find Harper and Jack. They were dressed in shorts and T-shirts, just like he was. “Did you get out unseen?”
Harper nodded. “We turned Willa into a weapon of mass distraction.”
“A what?”
Jack laughed. “She cranked up the tunes and started dancing around the pool in her swimsuit while wearing a giant inflatable flamingo.”
Mitch chuckled as he let them in. “That I’d like to see. For once, I hope they actually did get some pictures. Good for her.”
“So what’s the plan?” Harper asked.
“You know what, man,” Jack said. “I don’t even care. I’m just stoked to be doing something out of the house. Not that I wasn’t enjoying the knitting, but I’ll get back to work on that later.”
Mitch narrowed his eyes. “You knit?”
“Yeah, man. I’m going to make something for your granddaughter, too.”
“Hey, you want to meet her?”
“I’d love that,” Jack said. “Babies are the best.”
“Yes, they are. Come on in. Joyce is finishing up our sandwiches.”
Harper gave him a look. “Sandwiches?”
Mitch just said, “You’ll see.” And led them upstairs.
He took them in to see Ruthie, who Jack cooed and ahhed over, then Mitch introduced Jack to Bunny. A few minutes later, Mitch collected the cooler from Joyce.
She gave him a nod. “Have a nice time, whatever you’re doing.”
“Thanks.” He hoisted the strap of the soft-sided cooler bag over his shoulder. “All right, you two, follow me.”
He took Jack and Harper back downstairs and into one of the garages. He opened the main door, flooding the garage with light. “Grab a seat.” He put the cooler in the wire basket on the back of the golf cart, then climbed behind the wheel.
Harper was up front, Jack was in the back, sunglasses on, hat pulled down low. Harper watched Mitch closely. “Where are we going?”
