Page 73 of You Fall First

“Absolutely not.” Her lips curve up. “But who knows? Dutton might get over me after a day or two and tell me to go home.”

“Get over you?” I stuff my hands in my pockets. “Have you even met my nephew?”

“Touché.”

As she drives away, I let out a long sigh.

“Dutton’s definitely not gonna get over you,” I say into the dark.

Truth is, I might not either.

Two hours later, I’m on the couch with Dutton curled up beside me. After a long FaceTime with Paige, during which he told his mother all about the plan for Jo to stay here until she arrives, Dutton finally crashed in the middle of Bluey.

I let the rest of the episode run before switching over to a documentary on ancient Mesopotamia.

That ought to knock me out, too.

I’m exhausted, to be honest, and tempted to sleep out here with Dutton. Waking the kid up to move him into his bed seems like playing with fire right now. So when my phone vibrates on the coffee table, I wince. I really don’t want to disturb Dutton, but I also need to check who’s texting.

What if Paige’s doctors decided to change her release date? Or there’s a delay with the moving van?

At this time of night? Unlikely, man.

More realistically, Jo’s having second thoughts about staying here. Or maybe Paige decided she doesn’t love the idea either for some reason. Either of those options could be bad.

Holding my breath, I channel my nonexistent ninja skills to slide an arm free and snatch my phone. For better or worse, it’s not Jo or Paige.

Unknown

Hey, Noah. It’s Brock.

Unknown

Landry’s fiancé, Brock.

Me

You’re the only Brock I know. So yeah. Kinda figured. What’s up?

Unknown

Landry and I think you and Dutton should come to the rehearsal dinner tomorrow. And also to the wedding on Saturday, unless you already have plans.

Me

You and Landry just happened to be talking about this tonight? Coincidentally?

Unknown

Not a chance. Sisters talk. And it sounds like your nephew’s having some Jo withdrawals. A little bit of separation anxiety because he’s missing his mom?

Me

Jo withdrawal sounds about right. But that’s not your problem, man.

Unknown

Yeah, and we’d love to have you anyway. Kendal’s kids will be there. Tim’s great at entertaining the under-five crowd. Real talk: Having more people around who aren’t blood-related to a Michaels works in my favor. A solidarity thing. Don’t tell Jo or Landry I said that.