Page 99 of Just Like That

He could have been gone.

Something could have happened to him and it would have been my fault.

I can’t lose him.

I swallowed down the bile and worry and stress. As we walked, it struck me that the concern and helpless feeling might just be a part of the territory.

Having Teddy around was a surreal feeling, mostly because it had taken only an instant. Just like that, I finally felt like I’d become a real dad.

THIRTY-TWO

HAZEL

“Here arethe keys to the skoolie if you need anything. It’s got a full tank of gas. Teddy has all of his stuff, but you never know.” I wrung my hands in front of me.

I still couldn’t believe Teddy had chosen to stay with Abel and Sloane instead of flying with JP and me to Italy.

I guess that’s kids for you.

JP handed Abel an envelope. “There’s a few thousand in there for incidentals. It should cover anything that comes up.”

Abel tried to refuse the money. “Get the fuck out of here.”

“Take it.” He tipped his head toward me. “She’ll feel better knowing it’s all taken care of, and so will I.”

Abel begrudgingly accepted the cash. In the background the kids were already screaming and giggling as they tore through Abel and Sloane’s house.

Something clattered to the ground, and I grimaced at the noise. “Are you sure you’re okay with this?”

Sloane beamed. “More than sure.” She bumped her shoulder into Abel. “Besides, we’ve been talking about adding a few more, so this will be a little test run to see how we do when we’re outnumbered.”

Abel grinned down at Sloane, and my heart fluttered at how obviously in love with her he was. If she wasn’t careful, she’d likely get a whole gaggle of kids that looked just like Abel.

JP stuck out his hand to his brother. “We’ll be back in a few days. Thanks again.”

Abel nodded and shook his hand as I pulled Sloane into a hug.

“Just have fun,” she whispered.

I called over her shoulder. “Okay, Teddy, we’re leaving!”

His laughter drew closer as he squeezed past Sloane and slammed into my legs with a hug. I bent down to squeeze him back. “Be good. Have fun. Nothing?—”

“Nothingsuperillegal. I remember,” he answered with a giggle.

I cupped his face and squished it. “I love you, kid. See you soon.”

“Love you too.” He grinned at me and then turned toward JP. “Love you too, Dad.”

My eyes whipped to JP’s as his brow furrowed. He curled himself over Teddy to return the hug, and my heart wanted to explode. “Love you too.”

His voice was thick, and Sloane’s quick intake of breath was nearly my undoing.

Before he could realize what a moment he’d created, Teddy was gone—off chasing Tillie in another round of tag.

We quickly said our goodbyes and turned toward JP’s car. He reached for my hand and gripped it. JP lifted my knuckles to his lips before opening the passenger-side door. “Get in. You’re all mine now.”

“You do realizethis isnothow normal people travel, right?” I raised an eyebrow at JP and smirked.