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“Alaina loves pickle ball.”

“So Keegan was saying. Smith had a court installed last year.” Allie smiled. “Look, I know inviting your kid to stay at our place is a little unorthodox.”

“Yeah.” In truth, my first instinct was to say no. To hold them closer to me as we navigated these new, and treacherous, waters.

But I also needed to spend some alone time with Jai.

Alaina came first, so the choice would be hers. “Maybe we can play it by ear?”

“Of course. Smith and I don’t have a ton of experience with older children. Now, this would be contingent on your two liking toddlers—”

“They love toddlers. Truly. My neighbor has a little girl, and Keegan babysits. He’s young, I know, but totally responsible. I’m always next door.” Because I didn’t want her to think I wasn’t a responsible parent.

She waved me off. “I was babysitting at twelve so I could save money for university. I completely understand.”

“Alaina likes to hold the baby and talk about being a mother. That terrifies me. In the next breath, though, she’ll say that’s after she visits the moon while piloting a space vehicle. Oh, and I can’t forget how she’s going to cure cancer.” I held Allie’s gaze. “She’s so damn smart. Keegan is as well, don’t get me wrong. But Alaina…?”

“I can’t wait to meet her.”

“You would just let four kids stay overnight in your house?”

“I can provide a list of references for us—”

“I’m not saying that. I mean I’m glad you’re not, as far as I can tell, monsters.”

“We’re not.”

“But then why?”

“Practice.”

“I want to call BS.”

She raised an eyebrow as the corners of her lips curled. “I’m cockblocking you right now. For the protection of the campers and the reputation of the camp. Propriety and all that bullshit.” Her grin widened. “But after? I think you and Jai need some time to talk. He can go to Vancouver, of course. Or you can leave the kids in Vancouver and come here.”

“I don’t want to do that.”

“Hence bringing them to our place. We have plenty of guest rooms. Eventually one will be Wesley’s bedroom as we’re hoping, if we’re blessed, to have another child. And given how challenging this one has been, I might need my head examined for wanting more.”

“Only-children survive. But my sisters were my reason for living when I lost first Mom and then Nan.”

“You were lucky to have them.”

“They’re the bane of my existence and one of my greatest joys.”

“You’re a good man, Demetrius.”

I blinked. “You barely know me.”

“Perhaps.” She gestured around the camp. “You’re here. You care—”

“I’m considering moving to Mission City.”

She cocked her head.

“Keegan really likes it here. He thinks…I dunno…that life will be different here. I keep saying this, but he wants a fresh start. Now he’s got Alaina on board, and suddenly I’m the one who’s holding everyone back.”

“You’re the rational adult.” Said with no small amount of amusement.