Page 51

“You’re going to be six,” I muse. “What would you like to do for your birthday?”

We celebrate birthdays in this household. Ever since he was born and Emil surprised me by driving in, we’ve made it a point to do something fun. Rachelle and Liliana bring Ari and Adelina to us since it’s their birthday too and it’s a big celebration.

“Remember we need to make sure it’s something your cousins will like too.”

“Do Ari and Ade like big trees?” Zayn asks, amused.

“I don’t know,” I giggle. “What are you thinking?”

He pulls out his tablet to show me, and we spend dinner looking at beautiful redwood trees and eating. July is cooler in Northern California, but I’m still concerned I may be a downer during a hike. I’ll need to do some research.

“Mommy,” Zayn hisses.

“Yes, baby.”

“It’s Arran. He’s looking at you.”

My eyes fly up and meet Arran’s gaze, his lips moving into a half smile as he gets his takeout. Ever since Magnus got his chest piece done, word of mouth has trickled through and Arran’s been getting more attention.

I asked Emil about the emblem I keep seeing on the leather jackets and vests, and he frowned and told me it belongs to a motorcycle club. He said I should be careful when I visit the tattoo shop.

I’ve been avoiding it instead because of the worry I saw in Emil’s eyes. He and Julia have moved for the summer to their home, and the rest of my family will be following as soon as school is out. We have a couple of weeks left until then.

When Arran waves, I do too, and Zayn calls him over to us.

“When are you going out with my mom again?” he asks.

“Zayn,” I gasp, eyes wide. “Dude, you can’t ask that.”

Why is my kid pimping me out? He was so against me going out without him, but I think he noticed the way I floated on air after that first date. Arran and I had to reschedule our breakfast, and then it felt as if we continually had conflicts.

Now we’re back to him carrying my things when he has a quick second and stolen touches as he leaves. I would do anything for another forehead kiss, and I’m not sure what that says about me.

“I think he should,” Arran grunts, leaning over us. “I’ve been too busy, and I need to fix that. I’m clearing my Thursday night. Can you fit me in?”

His intense eyes have me thinking very dirty thoughts and I flush as I think about that.

“Grandpa Emil can take me to school,” Zayn says, already opening the messenger app we have for family. The kid has figured out how to voice to text and that’s how he communicates with them. God, he’s so damn smart.

Once he can spell, read, and write, there will be no stopping him.

“Why don’t you ask your mom if she wants to go out with me,” Arran chuckles. “She could be washing her hair.”

“She did that already,” Zayn mutters, glancing up. Making a face, he turns toward me and grabs my hand. I love the way he does this to make sure I’m listening to him. “Mommy, are you mad at Arran?”

“No,” I say, lips twitching in amusement.

“Are you busy on Thursday night?”

“No.” My smile is widening as Arran’s shoulders shake with silent laughter. Ugh, he’s enjoying this way too much.

“Ask,” Zayn demands of Arran.

“Will you go out with me on Thursday?”

“What are you doing?” Zayn asks. “On this date.”

“How does a picnic and an art project sound?” Arran asks.