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“What was that?” Liv asked.
“Go Fish,” Fletcher said louder. “We couldn’t agree on what to play, so this was it.”
I had to chuckle at the thought of two grown men playing Go Fish after all the kids had gone to bed.
“Don’t make fun,” Knox said, tattooed arms folded over his chest. “There was a lot riding on this game.”
“Like what?” Liv asked.
Fletcher said, “He was about to mow our lawn in his underwear.”
I had to laugh at that mental image.
Knox shook his head. “His neighbors would love it.”
Liv shook her head at the pair. “I’m going to use the bathroom. Fletcher, can you grab the girls?”
“Sure,” he said.
“I’ll go get my kids,” I said. “Thanks so much for watching them.”
“I’ll help you. I don’t mind carrying them next door,” Knox quickly offered.
It was so nice of him to help me. Or maybe that was the vodka Sprite making me feel so warm. “Thank you.”
We went back to the bedroom where he’d shown Emily the toys, and in the nightlight, I could see Jackson, cozy in his pajamas, booty in the air, as he lay in his pack and play. Then Emily was cuddled up on the top bunk, the blanket tugged up to her chin.
“I’ll get Emily,” Knox offered.
I nodded, going to pick up Jackson. He let out a small sigh, smacking his lips and then settling into my arms. It was so sweet. I held him close as we walked out of Knox’s house and across the way to my place.
I fumbled with my keys, finally hitting the lock, and then we went inside. I guided him through the house, showing him the room Emily and Jackson shared. I set Jackson in his crib soon enough to stand and see Knox carefully spreading the blanket over my daughter.
It was so tender, just another reminder that I was making the right choice by dating elsewhere. Knox was a great neighbor, I adored his sister-in-law, his brother was the town doctor, and Emily loved pranking him and spending time with his nieces. It was all too much for the first relationship after a divorce.
Once the kids were settled, I walked to the front door with Knox and we stood in my small living room. It seemed even smaller with his six-foot-two body standing there too.
“Thank you so much for watching the kids,” I said again. “Were they okay for you?”
“They were great,” he said. “Minus the Icy Hot burns on my butt.”
My jaw dropped. “Emily?”
“And Maya.” He cringed.
I covered my mouth to hide my giggle.
“Hey now,” he replied, his smile so bright, even in the dim room. I swore there was something else in his eyes. “If you ever need a sitter again...”
“How about next Friday?” I suggested, half joking. Hopefully their grandparents would be available... and not ask me too many questions.
“Another girls’ night?” Knox asked.
“Actually... a date.” I couldn’t quite meet his gaze right away, but when I did, he was wearing an encouraging smile that told me I’d been in my head for nothing.
“Good for you,” he said. “Who is the date with?”
“Bennett Smith,” I replied.