“Sammy has a bunch of friends from kindergarten, but there’s probably going to be someone new who doesn’t know anyone,” Providence said.
“I’ll be nice to them. Do we have yoga tonight?”
“They canceled class because it’s the first week of school,” Providence replied.
Sammy’s expression fell.
“We can still do it, just the two of us.”
“Yay! I love you, Mom.”
“I love you, too, honey,” Providence said with a smile. “Mrs. Morris will meet you here with Graham this afternoon. Make it a great day.”
Sammy gave a little wave and set off toward the front doors where the principal and staff waited to welcome the students back from summer break.
Graham started fussing. “She’ll be back this afternoon, little one.” Providence pulled a rattle from the stroller and handed it to him.
The baby held out his arms for Dakota. “Dadda.”
Providence kissed her son before passing him over. “There’s my big guy.” Dakota kissed Graham’s chubby cheek again and again, and the baby started giggling.
Providence snapped a picture of them before taking one of Sammy, then she started videoing her.
As Sammy walked away, Dakota’s heart clenched. She was growing up so fast. All he could do was savor all the good moments and manage through the challenges of being a parent. But he had a great life partner who cherishedallthe moments, regardless of what they encountered. Providence would say, “We’ve got this because we’ve got each other.”
As Sammy vanished into the building, Providence swiped a tear.
Dakota caressed his wife’s back. “You okay?”
“She looks beautiful and she’ssoconfident.”
“That’s because she’s got a great mom who’s the best role model.”
“Thank you, baby, but I’m only half of this dynamic duo.”
Dakota chuffed out a laugh as he placed Graham in the stroller. “The crime-fighting duo of Luck and Luck, ALPHA’s kick-ass operatives.”
“That sounds like a T-shirt that willneverget made.” Providence smiled down at her son before they headed toward home. “I’m getting my third tattoo this week.”
“Another tiny heart?”
“Number three. One for each of my babies.”
“I can’t wait to admire it on your perfectly beautiful chest,” he replied.
“And I can’t wait to show it to you,” she said as she stroked his back. “I signed us up for the intermediate racing class at Summit Point. It starts in a couple of weeks.”
“That’ll be fun.” His phone rang. “It’s Maverick.”
“Carly must’ve gone into labor,” Providence said.
Dakota answered. “What’s the word?”
“We just got to the hospital,” Maverick said. “Sin and Evangeline have Ian and Whiskey, but they’ve got an event tonight at their children’s center—”
“We’ll take them. How’s Carly doing?”
“She’s great. I’m the nervous one. Oh, before I forget, I got your text about donating two homes a month to our charity. That’s crazy generous of you guys.”
