Page 14 of Prospect Year

Lola waited and together they placed the bikes back to the side of the house. The moment Junior’s bike touched the wall, he dashed off toward the porch for one more leap through the air. Lola laughed inside. Like father like son. This kid was destined to be a daredevil.

Driving home later, Lola recalled the evening. It went well. Bedtime was surprisingly easy. Maybe because he was tired from playing outside. Maybe his belly was full again and the movie calmed him down. Lola wasn’t positive of the reasons but was glad for the outcome.

He parked near the front door of Angel Haven and was surprised by Amber when he walked in.

“We’re hanging out at the pool, if you want to join us.”

“This time of night?”

“Why not?” Amber shot back.

“Why not,” he repeated, following her to the pool. He straddled the lounge chair next to Mia falling into it. “So, what did you two do today?”

“Ruby helped me find a study group and I attended my first meeting with them. It’s pretty cool finding others my age and even older working toward the same goal.” Amber closed the books she had on the glass-top table and eased into another one of the lounge chairs. “I believe Mia had a therapy session.”

Mia held up her hands, far apart.

“A long session of therapy, then.” Amber laughed. “What did y’all do?” she asked, leaning up to see Mia until she began signing. “Never mind.” Amber laughed again. “You did your thing, and you did great. I’m picking up a few words, but I can’t follow you that fast.”

Laughter flashed through Mia’s eyes as she turned toward Lola.

“What was your day like?” Amber asked him.

“Had my first experience at babysitting.”

Both women shot straight up, spinning toward him.

“I know, you’re shocked. I was too. But it was easier than I expected. Channel the past from when you’re five and have fun. No big deal.”

“Oh, my heavens! Who trusted you with their child?” Amber blurted.

“Rash. Well, not sure trusted is the right word. I did have a very detailed list.” Lola relaxed, staring into the darkness. A very detailed list and a surprisingly enjoyable evening. His gut clenched. Ghost and Rash were not the only ones with kids.

Chapter 6

And his gut was right. Two evenings later, Lola dropped onto the edge of his bed. It seemed that everyone chose today to have their car maintenance done. The customers were nonstop and with Lorelei’s morning sickness still hanging on, he was helping cover the office along with his garage duties.

“Prospect!”

Oh, what now? Lola jumped to his feet and stepped from his room, looking over the banister. His stomach rolled. Cowboy stared up at him with a large diaper bag slung over his shoulder and Sunni behind him holding their year-old daughter.

“Get down here. We don’t have all night,” Cowboy barked.

Lola glanced toward Mia as she stepped from her room before jogging down the stairs. “Yes, sir.”

“Just so you know, this is not my choice,” Cowboy made clear before lifting Chasity from Sunni’s arms and handing her to Lola. “Evidence of one tear and your ass is mine. We clear?”

No. No. No. I don’t want to do this. “Yes sir,” Lola replied.

Sunni smiled. “Hi Tim. Everything, . . .”

Cowboy stepped between her and Lola cutting off her words. “Everything is in her bag. List. Notes. Toys. Take care of my baby and don’t interrupt my night.”

No big deal. Those words he had bragged with only nights before now mocked him as they echoed in his mind. No big deal. Ha. This was not a five-year-old who would play and do fun things. And a girl. What did baby girls like to do?

Lola watched the door close behind Cowboy and Sunni before studying the child in his arms. She was studying him herself. Her eyes were bright and piercing blue like her mother’s. He grinned, noticing the short white hair that stood on end covering her head. She was cute.

He picked up her diaper bag and carried it to the breakfast table in the kitchen where he unzipped the top and dug out a sheet of paper. Chasity slapped his face, giggling as he read the list Sunni had made. “I don’t know how we’re going to manage, little one, but it’ll be an adventure for both of us. Let’s see what we can find.”