Total pages in book: 136
Estimated words: 131821 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 659(@200wpm)___ 527(@250wpm)___ 439(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 131821 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 659(@200wpm)___ 527(@250wpm)___ 439(@300wpm)
Yes, the moment Mason spotted Deaton’s new plush, he scowled and started digging through the kitchen drawers, coming back with a Sharpie in his hands. He signed right over the top of Nate’s name, passing it back to Deaton with a satisfied smile.
He said not a word before or after, and neither did I, but I was laughing on the inside.
“Silly man, huh, baby boy?” I whisper, pretending I don’t hear the ache in my own voice as I make quick work of getting him changed and into a pair of bottoms. “Okay. What do you say we go for a little walk and have lunch on the pier?”
Deaton squeaks as if he understands, and I lift him into the air, spinning as I carry him from the room.
Parker and Kenra are lounging on the couch when I walk out, both glancing back with a smile.
“You headed out?” my brother asks.
“Yeah, I’m going to take him on a walk and maybe down to the water before Ari comes for him later.”
“Is she keeping him at their place?”
I nod. “Yeah, for the early part of the evening, but they’re coming back here for bedtime.”
“You know we can keep him, Peep.” My brother looks to me.
“I know, but she’s been asking, so I thought I’d give you guys a break.”
Parker frowns, but not in an angry sort of way. “You never leave him with us, Payton. After bed, he’s out like a light, so it’s not even babysitting, and you’ve only done that twice in the past several months…and both were this week.” He watches me closely, clearly detecting I’m off my game now that he’s been home longer than his usual one- to two-day breaks. “You know we do want to hang out with him, right?”
I offer a small smile, nodding. “I know, and if she lets you, you can keep him up as long as his little eyes allow once she comes back with him.”
Kenra scoffs, and I share a smile with her. Fat chance Ari will share once she has him.
Grabbing some squashable baby food, a snack pack, and a water, I toss it all in the diaper bag. I fill Deaton’s sippy cup with half water, half pear juice and cross my fingers today is the day he figures out how to drink out of it instead of just using it as a teething toy, so then I grab a bottle just in case.
Parker has the stroller out and ready for me by the time I reach the door, and I buckle the little man inside.
We’re out the front door and strolling down the street in seconds.
The sun is warm against my skin, and I welcome the glow.
We walk for a half mile, and I hold my breath as we reach the stop sign at the end. Mason and the others’ beach house is just across from it, familiar cars sitting in the driveway.
I gnaw on my inner cheek. It would be rude to walk past without saying hello and awkward if I tried and they spotted me out the front windows.
My decision is made for me when a horn beeps behind me, and I look back to spot Noah pulling up against the curb.
He smiles and hops out, his oldest friend, Paige, climbing out the passenger side door.
He walks over, smiling wide as he lowers in front of the stroller. “Hey, buddy. Did you come to play with your favorite friend?”
I laugh and he looks up with a grin, but only for a second, his hand outstretched to Deaton.
“High five,” he encourages, lifting Deaton’s hand and slapping it into his own so it makes a light clapping sound.
Deaton kicks his feet excitedly, drool dripping from his lips.
Noah smiles softly, his eyes holding my little boy for a few silent moments before he clears his throat and pushes to stand. “Here, let me help get him inside,” he offers.
“Oh, no, I’m not dropping him off yet. We’re having a little mom and son day first.”
“Isn’t every day a mom and son day?” Paige teases, stepping up to wrap me in a quick hug. “Hey, girlie.” She smiles sweetly.
“I heard you rented a studio down the street. Congratulations.”
Paige shrugs like it’s no big deal, but the blush on her cheeks says otherwise. “I want to turn it into a rec center, but I have to figure out all the ins and outs. Until then, private lessons on the weekends will cover the bills.” She laughs.
Noah smiles, glancing from the front door to me. “You realize if she finds out you walked by and didn’t come in, she’s going to be sad. Not sure I can have that.” He’s teasing, but he’s also not wrong.
“Just remind her she’s picking him up at six thirty, and I think she’ll be okay.”
Noah sighs dramatically but grins afterward. “Come on, Paige. Let’s go break my girl’s heart.”