Page 24

Vicki grabs Noah’s hand. “Okay! Come on, guys. We gotta plan for the weekend!”

Addison rolls her eyes. “She’s either going to grow up to be the president or the head of a crime family.”

I laugh. “Please, don’t turnthatinto a series.”

Addison turns to me, smiles, and kisses me deeply.

“Addy.”

“I missed you, Em.”

“Mm. I missed you, too, love. Let’s get your bag and?—”

“I’ll get it later,” Addy says.

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.”

“Okay. Well, you get settled, and I’ll get dinner started.”

“Em?”

“Hm?”

“Could this be a hot dog and mac and cheese night?”

“I thought you’d be tired of eating that after dining at Tam’s,” I say.

Addy shrugs.

“Addy?”

“The kids will be out there for hours unless we call them,” Addison says.

“True.”

“I just—I hoped we could talk.”

A familiar storm is brewing in Addison’s eyes, and I lift my hand to cup her cheek. “Why don’t I see if Mom will feed the gremlins tonight?”

“I don’t want to?—”

“Addy. They’ll be keen to tell her all their plans for the weekend. Trust me.”

Addison nods.

“Why don’t you grab a shower? I’ll meet you on the deck,” I suggest.

“Em?”

“Go on,” I tell Addison. “I’ll meet you out there.”

Addison nods again and heads for our bedroom. I take a deep breath and exhale it slowly. “Well, let’s hope I’m reading everything correctly.”

“Wine?” Addison asks when she walks onto the deck.

“I thought we could relax out here for a while,” I reply.