Page 47 of Your Last First Kiss

The door bursts open and almost knocks the little girl over as Izzy enters, covered in snow like the abominable snowman.

Taking hold of Lia’s arm, I tug her into the hallway to make room, but it does no good as Miller and Dillon cross the threshold.

I suddenly wish I could bury my face in the snow to cool off. What the hell is Dillon doing here? Dressed like—like that?

Lia notices Dillon when he takes off his hat and catapults herself at his leg.

He stands frozen while we all watch.

“Dewey,” she says quietly.

I forget how to breathe as he gently lifts her in his massive arms. “Hey, Lia.” His voice is scratchy like he just woke up and hasn’t had enough coffee, but he looks to Kai for confirmation that he got her name right.

Kai nods with a frown.

Is he jealous that Lia’s attaching herself to Dillon? I search his face, but he gives nothing away.

Oh, this could be bad.

The last thing Kai needs is to feel like he’s being replaced.

Again.

Mental list four hundred and thirty-two, for today. Talk to Kai about his feelings.

“What’s going on?” I ask.

“Dillon’s going to help me with the roundup,” Miller says.

“Roundup?” Dillon asks, but his eyes are on the little girl in his arms. She burrows into his side like a koala bear.

“We have a list of people we check on for holidays, inclement weather, that sort of thing. Then we’ll make the rounds to make sure all the businesses around the green are prepared for the storms coming through,” Miller explains.

“He can’t go dressed like that,” Kai says, pointing at Dillon.

“First stop after breakfast is Remy’s. We’ll grab him some gear and then head out. Are you helping me today, or does Mom need you here?”

Kai looks from Miller to me, then his gaze lands on Dillon, and again I can’t read his expression.

“It’s up to you, Kai. It might be good for you to get out and burn off some energy,” I say softly.

His gaze flies around the house to his siblings and cousin, and Gage takes that opportunity to pull on Dillon’s shirt.

“Hey, Mr. Dillon. ’Member me?”

Dillon’s smile is wide and genuine. “You’re Gage, and I’m Dill Pickle.”

Gage doubles over laughing, and then he looks up to Lia in his arms. “Dill Pickle’s funny, but I like Dewey better. Can I call you that too?”

Before I can answer, Dillon shrugs. “Sure, bud. Why not?”

“Okay, bye, Dewey. See ya.” Gage barrels through the house, presumably to find Izzy at the TV.

Kai hasn’t said anything, but his eyes haven’t missed a second of everything happening. Once again, I’m hit with the fact that I don’t know how to help my own son sometimes.

It’s a heartbreaking realization.

“I can handle the kids, Kai. I’m working remotely every day this week, but Mr. Blaine knows what’s going on. I’ll be fine,” I promise him.