Page 12 of Daddies' Holiday Toy

Though, last I heard, he was trying to get back together with his ex-wife.

But maybe she’s also finally wised up and figured out babying him isn’t as attractive as it used to be when they were twenty-something.

My phone buzzes again.

“Hold on,” I say, holding a finger up to Liam and Reece before either of them can launch into another whirlwind of commentary.

I swipe to answer, holding it up to my ear. “Carson? Long time, man. What’s up?”

“Jack! Hey, man. You busy this weekend?”

His voice is a little rougher sounding than I remember, though it still carries that same timber I’ve known for almost thirty years.

As much as I rag on him sometimes, it is actually nice to finally hear from him even though that’s usually only because he’s no longer with the current flavor of the month.

Then again, I’m not exactly one to judge him.

I’ve never had a relationship last more than a year.

I lean back, throwing my arm across the back of the booth. “Depends. What’s going on?”

“Was thinking of heading up to the cabin this weekend for a little getaway. Boys trip. Just us, beer, and no one to nag us about doing the dishes.”

I roll my eyes, letting a smirk tug at my lips despite myself.

“Oh really. What happened to Maggie? Last I heard you were planning on taking her up there for some romantic getaway. Wasn’t that why you couldn’t come out with us last month? That no longer a thing anymore?”

There’s a pause on the other end and a faint rustle like he’s shifting in his seat, maybe rubbing the back of his neck in that way he always does when he’s caught off guard.

“Yeah, well, she blew me off. Said she had some family thing so I’m saying screw it. I’m not sitting around waiting for her to come to her senses.”

“Huh.” Margaret blowing him off sounds…odd to say the least.

Sure, I could buy her breaking up with him but ditching him for other plans?

That didn’t seem right.

Back when they were together the first time around—and before Carson left her for another woman—they were always attached at the hip.

Not to mention, the last time Carson called for an update, they were thick as thieves once again and seeing each other on the sly like they were back being a couple of teenagers sneaking out past curfew, and more notably behind their daughter’s back.

“You sure? Seemed like you two were getting serious.”

His voice hardens, getting a little defensive.

“I don’t know. She said she needed space the last time I was over and then she hits me with this stupid family excuse. So, whatever, I need a distraction from being pissed. So you in or what? Could use my favorite wingmen this weekend.”

“Yeah, sure,” I say easily.

While I disapprove plenty over Carson’s life choices, those are his mistakes to make.

They’ve never had anything to do with me.

“I’ll let Liam and Reece know about it and get them in the loop.”

“Excellent. Appreciate it. Let’s make it a good one, yeah? Like old times.”

After we hang up, I stare at my phone for a moment, my beer long forgotten in my other hand.