Page 96 of Yours to Catch
“Too late. We’re already bonded.” Garrett lifts his hand to the little boy for another celebratory slap.
“You’re like, really fun.” Bradley stares at him as if he’s responsible for inventing ice cream.
“Same to you, buddy. Your sister and Grace are nice to have around too.” Garrett blows me a kiss, which I pretend to catch on cheesy instinct.
“Gonna have soooooo many babies,” Bradley teases.
All I can do is hang my head to conceal a wide smile. I wouldn’t want to encourage him. Garrett doesn’t hide his amusement. Instead, he gives the kid a thumbs-up.
We manage to complete our lunch without further incident or embarrassment on my behalf. After we toss the trash, Bradley looks ready to suggest something that will scare me. Violet snags my focus before he can get the words out of his parted lips.
She whimpers and rubs her stomach. It seems the tiny peanut ate too fast. I lean toward her to offer assistance. Right when I’m in range, she lets a loud one rip.
I straighten with a jolt. “Oh, my. Do you feel better?”
The size of her grin is unmatched. “Yep.”
Garrett is howling, nearly doubled over in laughter. “You should know better than to enter the danger zone after a meal.”
“Real funny.” But a giggle escapes me nonetheless.
“I wanna cwolor.” Violet grabs her assortment of art supplies from the bag.
My eyes follow her methodical prep like the professional she is. “Oooooh, are you going to make me a pretty picture?”
She shakes her head, pointing a red marker at a certain someone. “For him.”
I cluck my tongue at Garrett. “Gosh, you just waltz in and steal the show.”
“What can I say? I’m irresistible.”
“Alphabet Go Fish!” Bradley whips out the small container that’s easily identifiable.
“Good call, buddy. Grace likes to play games.” Garrett wags his brows.
I kick at him under the table. “Hush.”
“Why? You’re really good at coming out on top.” He rubs my shin, hooking his shoe around my calf until we’re connected.
Bradley is oblivious while attempting to shuffle the cards. That is until his leg bumps into ours. His eyes widen and he glances down.
“Are you playing footsie? Mommy and Daddy do that all the time.”
“Just getting in the mood for our game,” Garrett explains the innuendos in the same manner he would about grass being green. Equal parts impressive and sneaky.
“It’s ready! We’re gonna practice our letters.” Bradley proudly waves to the pile spread out. “Take five cards, but don’t show us. It’s a secret.”
“Sounds familiar,” Garrett mumbles while making his selection.
“Good grief.” If I survive one round, I’ll be shocked.
“I’ll go first. Listen carefully ‘cause we don’t do repeats.” The kiddo sends us a stern expression as if we’re the ones about to enter kindergarten. Then his eyes stay on me. “Grace, do you have a H?”
“Sure do. Here you go.” I pass him the card.
“Yay!” He pumps a fist into the air.
“Is it my turn now?” Garrett looks too eager.