Providence smiled. “Dakota added running to his workout routine and he’s dragging me along with him.”
“If I’ve gotta suffer, so do you, honey,” Dakota said before turning his attention to Brit. “Good to see you, Brit. How’s the case going?”
“It’s been a challenge,” she replied.
“Come on in,” Dakota said. “You guys want something to drink?”
Rebel set Graham down. The second his small feet hit the floor, he scurried into the family room.
“Your home is beautiful,” Brit said as they entered the spacious kitchen.
Bright white walls popped against espresso brown cabinets and neutral flooring. Their adorable daughter was doing homework at the kitchen table.
“Stay for dinner,” Providence said.
“Rebel just wanted to drop something off,” Brit replied.
“Hi, Uncle Joaquin.” Sammy skipped over, gave him a hug.
“Sammy, this is my friend Britain,” Rebel said.
“Good to meet you, Sammy,” Brit said.
Sammy grinned at her. “We have matching hair!”
“Yours is beautiful,” Brit said to the child. “It’s so long.”
“Mommy says I need two inches cut off.” She fisted her hands on her hips. “I want zero inches. I want my hair to reach the floor!”
The adults laughed.
“If it gets any longer, I’m going to turn you upside down and sweep the floor with you, punkin,” Dakota said.
She giggled.
“Mine’s getting too long,” Brit said. “Maybe we can get our hair cut together.”
“That sounds fun, huh, Sammy?” Providence asked. “After, we can take Brit to our favorite restaurant for lunch.”
“Okay.” Sammy returned to the table to do her homework.
“We’ve got plenty for dinner,” Providence said. “Please stay.”
“We’re headed to my Mom’s,” Rebel replied.
Dakota and Providence exchanged glances.
“About that paperwork,” Rebel said, “I’m swingin’ by next week to fill it out.”
“That’s the second time I’ve heard about this paperwork,” Brit said.
“You’ll need to fill it out too,” Providence said.
“Is it related to the case?—”
“It’s about disclosing your relationship to HR,” Providence said matter-of-factly.
Brit stilled, her gaze darting from Providence to Rebel, then to Dakota and back to Rebel. “Did you?—”
