Family.
The word hits me like a punch to the chest.
It’s the one thing I’ve always wanted.
“Josh is right,” I say softly. “It doesn’t make sense. I’m just worried about Marbles, though. Isn’t your mother allergic?”
“I can keep him in the other room,” Josh offers, ever the helper.
Maria hesitates, looking at me. “Are you sure, Tuck?”
I shrug, taking in the concern in her eyes. “Yeah. No problem.”
“Okay. I’ll check with Mom,” she says, a small smile tugging at her lips.
We all dig into our delicious food and just as we’re finishing, the doorbell rings. “That must be Tanner and Stella,” Maria says, standing to clear the table.
I set my utensils on my plate. “Let me help.”
“Nope, you guys go. I’m going to quickly clean up and hit the books.”
Josh runs to the door, and opens it. The first words out of Stella’s mouth. “Where’s Marbles?”
“Come on. He’s sleeping.”
They come into the kitchen followed by Tanner, who is dressed as a pirate. “You coming out?” he asks me.
I hold my arms out. “Last minute costume.” My gaze goes to Stella. “Don’t you look cute.”
She gives me the side eye. “Cute? I’m a lion, Uncle Tuck.”
“Fierce,” I correct. “I meant you look fierce.”
She gives me a once over. “Why aren’t you dressed up?” She has a sly look on her face, and leans into me when her father turns to talk to Josh. “I thought you might go dressed as a wart.”
Oh my God.
“They didn’t have a wart costume in my size,” I shoot back. “I thought I’d go as a hockey player.”
“Real original,” she snorts.
I hold my hands out. “My calluses are almost gone.” Thanks to Maria, who has been using her lotion on me.
She leans in for a closer inspection and crinkles up her nose. “Not gone yet.”
“Hey, I’m getting there.”
She huffs. “Uncle Tuck, when are you going to get married?”
Why is my damn love life so important to this little girl?
“Hello Stella,” Maria says, coming to my rescue. “I love your costume.”
“Thanks,” she says and smooths her hand over her fur collar. Then her eyes go big, like she just had an epiphany and my heart nearly stops. Because, I have a feeling—even though she’s only five—she’s connecting the dots.
“Uncle Tuck,” she begins like she just solved world hunger. “Why don’t you marry Aunt Maria?”
Holy fucking God.
