“The key is to keep them busy, my friend… Keep them so busy they crash early and sleep hard as a rock.”
Enzo’s chuckle is infectious. “That only works when you’re with them for short bursts. Sam and I are already busy enough as it is. You have the benefit of sending them home once you’ve tired them out. Cranky kids are no fun. Ever. Trust me.”
“Being a grandparent is the best!” I muse. “Just wait and see….”
“Oh, my wait won’t be long, my friend. We just got word Maddie and her husband are expecting their first this Thanksgiving.”
“Congratulations, Papa! That’s exciting!”
“We’re in for one hell of a treat this holiday season.”
“That you are. Enjoy every moment of it.”
“Papa, I’m thirsty,” Josh interrupts from the living room.
Before I can respond, Enzo interjects, “Listen, I’ll let you go. We’ll catch up when I return. The kids have been asking to visit the coast this summer. Maybe we can meet up.”
“Anytime, Harps,” I offer, reaching into the cupboard for some cups. “Just let me know when you’re coming, and I’ll fire up the grill.”
“Roger that, and thanks again. Riggs will be in touch.”
“I’m sure he will. Say hello to Sam for me, and enjoy your trip.”
“Will do,” Harper says before disconnecting the line.
“Who’s ready for dinner?” I holler to the room. “Josh, I’ve got milk or apple juice. What will it be?”
“Juice,” both boys say in unison, and they jump up from their projects on the floor.
Just as we’re dished up, there’s a knock at the door.
Instantly, I wonder if it’s Faye, but before I can move, it swings open.
Disappointment rushes in when I register that she wouldn’t be comfortable enough to just walk in. But then I hear a loud, masculine voice call out, “Man, this place smells amazing,” and my heart picks up a beat.
Maybe there’s hope to spending time with her this evening after all.
Jax’s booming voice fills the room as he walks into sight. “Did I make it just in time for dinner?”
“Daddy!” the boys shout excitedly, as they dash across the room to greet him. Both boys throw themselves at him with a force that could knock over a grown man if they’re not prepared. In a well-practiced move, he bends in one fluid motion and scoops the two of them into his arms, where he hugs them tight. “God, I’ve missed you.”
As soon as they squirm, he sets them down, and they rush back to their plates.
“Have you eaten? There’s plenty to go around.”
Jax rubs at his stomach. “I haven’t. Mmmm… I wasn’t hungry until I walked in.”
Before sitting down, he grabs himself a plate from the cupboard and a glass of milk.
“How was your trip?” I ask once he’s settled.
“Honestly…” he draws out, then hesitates. He cocks his head to the side and scratches at his chin. “Somehow, a total disaster of a trip turned into the most unexpected blessing we could’ve hoped for.”
“What do you mean?” I ask, curiosity piqued.
“At first, the guys and I were pissed that we were stuck in LA due to the storm. We were told this would be a quick trip, and our families would hardly know we were missing. But the unexpected storm forced a production delay, as you well know.”
I nod, wondering where he’s going with this. Sloane never mentioned anything positive happening, other than the shoot finishing. Though, from Jax’s animated expression and the way he’s fighting back a grin, something tells me whatever his news is, it’s big.
