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“How does that have anything to do with him being the equipment boy for sports teams?”
She giggles. “I guess it doesn’t. I was just pointing out that people let him do stuff because they think he’s some charity case or something.”
“That’s kind of disgusting, Bug. He should be treated just like everyone else. You know, within the scope of his abilities.”
“Hey, if it doesn’t bother him, it shouldn’t bother you.”
I cock my head. “Is that why you hang out with him so much? Because you feel sorry for him?”
She scoffs, adding another plate to the pile. “I think you have that backwards. I’mhischarity case.”
I give her a hard stare.
“What? It’s true.”
Allie reappears in the kitchen, ready for work. She grabs an apple off the counter, and I try not to grin or mention how she just ate thirty minutes ago.
“I’ll walk you out.” I follow her into the garage and shut the door. “Bug might try out for the soccer team. And she’s considering going to Cal Creek High School.” I rub my temples. “My head is sort of exploding right now.” But when I look down at her, she doesn’t seem surprised at all. “Why do I feel this isn’t news to you?”
“Mia told me a few days ago. She takes Christian out for dinner once a week.”
“And you didn’t think it was important enough to tell me?”
She opens the passenger door and tosses her shoulder bag inside. “I thought it was more important that you hear it from Bug when she was ready to tell you.”
“I’m calling bullshit. You just didn’t want to break confidence and have her think poorly of you.”
“You meanmorepoorly.”
I pull her to me. “Al…”
“She’s thirteen, Asher. For all I know, she was going to change her mind. I didn’t want to get your hopes up. And yeah, maybe I didn’t want to tell you because she’d be mad at me and Mia, and maybe even Christian. She has kind of a good thing going here, if you hadn’t noticed.”
“With her one friend?”
“How many friends did she have back in Florida?”
I shake my head. “Yeah, okay. You’re right. And maybe this soccer thing will be good for her. At least she’ll be around other girls and may end up with a few friends out of it.”
She leans up to kiss me. “I have to go. Don’t want to be late. Who knows how long I’ll be able to keep working full time.”
I chuckle. “Good thing you have an in with your bosses.” I tilt my head when something occurs to me. “You know, we’ve never talked about what’s going to happen after the babies come. Are you planning on working?”
She cracks a grin. “You want me home, barefoot and pregnant?”
“No. Or yes, if that’s whatyouwant. It’s really up to you.”
“I can’t imagine not working. I mean, I have Natasha and I know she’ll be a huge help. And maybe I won’t want to work full time when they’re little. But honestly, I just don’t know yet. Like you said, good thing I know the bosses.” Then her eyes narrow. “You said you’d want me barefoot and pregnant if that’s what I wanted. Do you mean to tell me you wantmorekids after these?”
“Baby, I’ll take as many as you want to give me.” I lean in and sweep my lips across hers. “But how about we just start with these and take it from there?” I open the car door for her. “Drive safely, you’re carrying a lot of precious cargo.”
“I will. You guys have a good day. Don’t work too hard. And don’t worry about Bug. Everything that’s happening is good. She’s growing up.”
“Yeah.” My eyes close for a brief second. “That’s exactly what I’m worried about.”
Chapter Thirty-six
Allie