Page 52 of Quinton's Quest

“No, me.” Trevor stamped his foot.

I winced inwardly. “I don’t want to pick sides, but I think if we alternate who goes first, that feels fair.”

Melodie pumped her first.

Trevor crossed his arms and pouted.

Inwardly, I smiled.Yep, that’s what it’s like to have a sibling.I’d always wanted one. I’d had good friends, but never the intimate bond I imagined came from having someone who knew me so well.Yeah, or you might’ve fought all the time. You are pigheaded and stubborn.

Well, okay. That too.

We went for about thirty minutes. Each time Leo and I passed, we gave each other a grin. I’d never seen him so happy.

Except after that blow job—

Well, okay. That too.

In the end, we had to be the ones to call a timeout.

Leo gestured to me. “Can you take a video of us doing snow angels?” He’d filmed a couple of the runs, always ensuring the safety of the kids first. He handed me his camera.

“Sure.” I arched an eyebrow and pointed to his jeans.

He shrugged. “Dryer.”

Don’t think about him walking around in just his underwear. Don’t think about—

“If you say so.”

The kids wore snowsuits and were happy to lie in a patch of pristine snow.

I recorded the family making snow angels, all with wide grins on their faces.

“We should make a snowman. And a snow woman!” Melodie leapt up.

“I was thinking we might go inside.” Leo’s jeans were soaked. The call would be his, of course, but if I had to play the reasonable adult, I totally could. Plus, the snow was getting heavier. I eyed Leo. “Or we can stay out while you get changed.”

He shook his head. “No, I think going in makes sense.”

“But, Papa.” Trevor stomped his foot. For such a little guy, he sure could communicate his displeasure.

“Hot chocolate and a cookie while I prepare dinner.” He met my gaze. “You’re staying?”

My heart lurched. He’d suggested, but we hadn’t firmed up plans. “If you’d like.”

“Oh yes.” Melodie turned her megawatt smile on me. “I want to show you my doll collection.”

“And my monster trucks.” Trevor was not going to be left out.

“Not that we believe in gender stereotypes.” Leo rolled his eyes. “But Santa brought what they asked for. Right?”

“Because we were good girls and boys.” Again, Melodie with her radiant smile.

“Okay. I’m soaked. Why don’t we go in?”

I snagged the sleds. “Where do these go?”

“In the garage. Thanks.”