“I’m just trying to read the caption on her T-shirt. What does it say?” He forced a squint, and Mike shook his head and stepped away.
Brody made himself a plate and sat in the living room next to Flynn. They shared obnoxious commentary as Colin opened his second round of presents.
“Wow. This is just like déjà vu,” Flynn said, sounding shocked. “I could have sworn I already got this little snot something.”
“No, Uncle Flynn,” Colin said in his best little-boy voice. “That must have been some other boy.”
“Nice one, kid. You know you got a stuffed dog and video game last week.” Maddie snorted.
“Ohhh, yeah. That.” He grinned at them, the little mini-Mike with his big dimples. “Thanks.”
The others laughed.
When Colin got to Cam’s present, he frowned. “An envelope?”
“It’s a savings bond, dork. So when you’re bigger, you’ll be rich.”
Colin didn’t seem convinced, until his father cleared his throat. Then Colin smiled widely and said, “Uh, yeah. Thanks
so
much, Uncle Cam.”
The fake cheer made Brody cringe.
Colin opened Abby’s gift. “What’s this?”
“A story about a boy who’s a dark elf. He helps his friends defeat the return of the gods. It’s like
Lord
of
the
Rings
but for kids and not so bloody.”
Colin’s eyes grew wide. He’d just started to read and had an amazing capacity for retention—according to Momma Mike. “Wait, not bloody? That’s no good.”
Abby laughed. “Your dad can read it to you before bed.”
“Or you could, Abby.” Colin layered his smile with what Brody liked to call the kid’s super charm. “You know, if you and Maddie help babysit me.”
“For God’s sake,” Mike muttered. “Colin, we’re not inviting the entire neighborhood to watch you at night. Just sometimes your uncles and grandparents help out. I’ll read to you.”
“Or I can,” Maddie chimed in.
“Me too, honey.” Bitsy scowled at Mike. “Honestly, son, he wants to read. Encourage him.”
“I’m not…” Mike trailed off as everyone watched him. “Oh fine, you little con man. Everyone can read to you.”
“Not me,” Brody said proudly.
“You have something against books?” Abby asked.
She was so cute when annoyed. “Nope. But when I come over, we’ll
play
with my present.”
Colin scrambled to open Brody’s gift next, and his eyes grew huge when he saw the guns Mike had forbidden him to have after the last Nerf incident.
“Brody,” Mike growled.
Pop and Flynn grinned, because Mike had expressly forbidden the three of them from purchasing them. But since when did Mike tell him what to do?
“You’re not the boss of me,” Brody said in a singsong voice.
Abby chuckled, and he winked at her. Even better, she winked back.
The others laughed at his antics, and then Colin was loading his gun and shooting everyone and everything in sight with those sucker darts that shouldn’t hurt but did when hit between the eyes.
“Ow.” Brody rubbed his forehead.
Mike glared. “And this is why I said no.”
“Spoilsport.” Vanessa shocked all of them by grabbing the second gun and charging after Colin.
Colin cried for help from the hallway. “Uncle Cam! Save me from—”
“Darth Vanessa,” Vanessa yelled with an evil laugh.
“No, seriously. She makes us call her that at home,” Abby said.
Maddie nodded, and laughter filled the house.
Brody’s heart felt so full he feared it would burst. It felt odd that Abby should fit so seamlessly within his family. So demure until she looked at him with challenge in her eyes. She turned to Bitsy and smiled, talking about some show on television about landscaping that had Maddie chiming in. Flynn sat with his arm around Maddie’s shoulders and argued with Cam, Mike, and Pop about the Seahawks’ chances of taking this year’s NFC West championship.
“Yeah. That’ll happen.” He had to give his two cents. “Just as soon as they name me Pope Brody the XVI.”
Mike grinned. “Sad to say, but yeah. What he said.”
They continued to argue, and Brody was glad he’d come home a day early so he could be with his family. When his cell phone vibrated and rang from his back pocket, he pulled it out and checked the number. Not about to let anything ruin his day, he turned off the phone and tucked it away.
“Anything important?” Mike asked.
“Nah. Nothing that can’t keep.” Until hell froze over.
Abby grabbed her coat and put it on, ready to leave after watching Flynn and Brody consistently beat everyone at a
friendly
game of Uno. And not to be considerate of Colin’s feelings, whenever they won, they rubbed the six-year-old’s nose in his defeat. To be fair, they did that to everyone until the women had finally quit in disgust.
“What?” Flynn said in response to Maddie’s frown.
“You’re impossible.”
“He started it with that lame victory dance.” Flynn glared when Colin stuck out his tongue.
Maddie sighed. “He’s only six, Flynn.”
“Oh, and that makes him too young to learn that only the fittest survive?”
Vanessa frowned. “We are talking about Uno, right?”
Abby swallowed a laugh and turned to Beth. “Thanks so much for inviting us.”
“That was all Colin.” Beth walked her to the door a little bit away from the others. “Would you mind giving me a minute when the others leave, Abby?”
“Not at all. I’ll wait with Mutt.”
Beth snorted. “That dog needs a better name. Nothing yet?”
“Not that his lord and master will okay.” She glanced at Brody, still arguing about some stupid championship with Mike. The only reason she watched football was to get a look at men in tight pants. “I’ve tried Cujo, Killer, Nanook, Fenris, and a bunch of others. No luck so far.”
Beth shook her head. “I don’t know what that boy was thinking to adopt a dog. But he’s always gone his own way. What can you do?”
Beth left her in the kitchen and went to say good-bye to the others, who made noise about leaving.
Maddie entered the kitchen holding Flynn’s hand and asked Abby, “What are you up to today?”
“Thought I’d take a break and hit the bookstore. You two?”
Flynn hugged Maddie from behind. “New chick flick at the movies. I agreed to see it, and Maddie has to let me watch football tomorrow with the guys without complaining.”
Maddie sighed. “What I do for love.”
“And hot sex,” Flynn added and rubbed his girlfriend’s belly.
Abby threw up her hands. “Ew. Stop. Why do you people constantly find it okay to over-share?”
Maddie blew her a kiss. “Love you too, Abby. See you tomorrow.”
The pair left through the back door. Then Vanessa tromped through with Cam on her heels, arguing about something. Abby caught the words
percentage
,
yield
, and
investment
opportunity
. When she heard
workout
and
gym
as they left, she tuned the rest out. What normal people willingly sweated for fun?
Outside, Mutt barked and whined when they walked past him and through the gate to the alley behind the house.
“I know, buddy. Just a few more minutes and I’ll get you since your ‘master’ is busy playing,” Abby murmured, feeling sorry for the big guy. How pathetic was she that she was starting to find him cute?
“Oh, there you are.” Beth entered the kitchen and looked over her shoulder. She pulled Abby with her to the table and sat. “James and the others are working on something with Colin in the back. I think Mike and Brody are trying to help him build that new model James got him. But this is good, because it gives us a chance to talk privately.”
Abby had no idea what Beth wanted to discuss. Then she remembered what Brody had mentioned about Mike, and she prayed she wouldn’t have to talk her way out of an arranged date with him. Awkward.
“I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve become a bit concerned about Colin.”
Abby stared. “Colin?”
Beth frowned. Even the worried expression didn’t detract from her attractiveness. Beth had a wholesome, loving vibe going for her, a terrific husband, and a smile that could light up a room.
I
so
want
to
be
her
someday.
“He keeps talking about this Del person. But honestly, Abby. From what he’s described, I’m not sure I want Del around my grandson. Can you shed some light on this? The woman didn’t really have tattoos all over, did she? Muscles larger than Flynn’s? Really? Because she made a huge impression on Colin. She’s all he’s been talking about lately.”
Breathing a sigh of relief that the conversation had nothing to do with Mike, Abby explained exactly what Del had done for them. “To be fair, Del didn’t have to help. But she did. And let me tell you, I was not looking forward to changing that tire myself.”
“Honey, you should have called James or Mike for help.” Beth put a hand over Abby’s on the table, reminding Abby of her own mother.
“I was okay. I would have figured it out. Fortunately, I didn’t have to. I even offered to pay her, but she said not to. It’s funny, because she looked and acted tough, but she was really sweet with Colin. He kept chattering the whole time she worked on that tire, and she answered him with patience and humor. I liked her.” Why she felt like she had to defend Del, she had no idea. But it didn’t sit right that Beth should think less of the woman for a few tattoos when Del had done Abby and Colin such a huge favor.
“Well, okay then. I trust your judgment.”
“Thanks.” Abby smiled. “I guess I’ll head back home and—”
“Just one more thing.”
“Sure, Beth.”
“It’s complicated.” She stood, glanced over her shoulder again, and urged Abby to head outside.
In the cold. Abby had a jacket on, but Beth didn’t. “Hold on.” She left Beth to unleash the dog, then returned to the older woman. Mutt danced around, running out some nervous energy, then walked up and sat by her side, calm as you please.
Beth didn’t seem to feel the chilly weather. “Well look at that. What a gentleman.” Beth petted him, and he sat with restraint.
It was like he was a completely different dog without Brody. Abby wondered what that said about the blond Adonis.
“You really need to help Brody,” Beth said as if reading her mind. “He’s terrible with discipline. Always has been.” She smiled, clearly fond of him. “Anyhow, that’s not what I wanted to talk to you about. It’s about Lea.”
Abby stilled, and by her, Mutt tensed as well. She tried to relax and pet him, but she couldn’t make herself more comfortable.
Don’t say it, Beth. Please…
“You look so much like her, and I think that’s kept you from being friends with Mike.”
Friends? Or more than friends? Gah.
“Oh no,” Abby hastened to reassure her. “I like Mike a lot. He’s a terrific neighbor. A great guy. And I love Colin. Trust me. We’re all over the weird look-alike thing. Mike told me so.” Had she been glad about that. She had no wish to be a dead woman’s stand-in, or to make Mike, such a terrific guy, uneasy.
“That’s good to know.” Beth sounded relieved. “Because I really like you, dear. You’re great with Colin, so smart, and you’ve helped so much with that web business. Mike and James think the world of you.” Her large smile put Abby in mind of a predator about to pounce.
“Well then. That’s great.” Abby swallowed her nerves.
“I just think that maybe you haven’t looked at Mike as a potential date, for a relationship. That resemblance to Lea threw you. I understand. However, I think if you—”
“Beth, let me stop you right there. I love your family. Heck, I want to
be
a McCauley.” Beth laughed with her. Good, this might not turn out as discomfiting as it felt. “But I have absolutely no interest in Mike that way. He’s handsome, yes. A great dad, a great guy. But there’s no spark. You know what I’m talking about. You have that with James.”
“Hmm. Sometimes a spark isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.”
Abby frowned. “Are you okay?”
Beth’s lips trembled. “Oh, just me being silly, I guess. I’m sorry if I put you on the spot.”
“No, no. I’m flattered you’d think I’m good enough for Mike.”
“Oh hush. You’re wonderful. You and the girls are so helpful. I couldn’t be more pleased you three decided to move next door to him. You’re a breath of fresh air compared to the last tenants.” Beth rubbed her arms. “Time to head back in, I think.”
Abby followed her back inside, only to see James and Colin scowling at Beth.
Abby bumped into the back of her. “Oomph. Sorry.”
“Grandma, I was calling for you a lot.”
“What were you doing out there, Beth?” James frowned. “The boy could use your help while his father and uncle are arguing like cats and dogs. Stupid football.”
“Stupid football,” Colin repeated.
Abby smothered a grin and stepped beside Beth. When she glanced at the older woman, expecting to see the same amusement, she saw anger instead.
“I was talking to Abby,” Beth said stiffly.
“About what?”
“None of your business. You don’t own me, you know. If I want to talk to her, I will.
Oh.
I’m going for a walk.” With that, Beth stormed out of the kitchen into the living room and out of sight. The front door opened and slammed shut, while the three of them—Abby, James, and Colin—stared at one another, nonplussed.
“Grandma’s mad.” Colin’s eyes grew huge.
“What else is new?” James sighed. “I bet the woman didn’t think to take her coat,” he muttered under his breath and went after her.
Abby tried to shrug it off, but it seemed to her that James and Beth were having some real problems.
“Come on, Colin. Let’s go see who’s winning the argument in the back.” She heard Mike’s voice grow louder, then Brody’s as he laughed at the idea of the Eagles getting into the playoffs. The boy grinned and grabbed her hand, tugging her with him, and that dimple just killed her. She leaned down to kiss his adorable cheek. So cute…and such
a
thief
. “Hey, give me back that soda!”
He ran with it toward the loud voices, and she followed with a groan when Mike bellowed, “Who gave you soda? You know you’re not allowed to have that.”
“Abby did, Dad.”
“I did not.” She had just joined them in time to ward off Mike’s accusation. “The sneak stole it. Brody, your dog is loose. And Mike, you might want to give your parents some space. They seemed a bit, ah,” she paused, glancing down at Colin.
“Grandma yelled at Grandpa and slammed out the door. Then he ran after her.” Colin didn’t look happy anymore. “I think they’re fighting. They fight a lot.”
Mike put his arm around Colin. “Don’t worry, buddy. That’s what grown-ups do sometimes.”
Colin blinked up at his dad. “Did you and Mommy fight?”
Abby saw what looked like pain cross Mike’s face before he smiled. “Sure did.”
“About what?” Colin persisted.
When Mike floundered, Brody answered.
“I remember one big fight they had. Yeah, your mom wanted to call you Lancelot, and your dad wanted to call you Fish Face.”
Colin gaped. “Fish Face, Dad? That would have been
awesome
.”
“Well, I did suggest Buttwipe and Bigfoot, but then your mother starting throwing Arthur and Galahad around. So we settled on Colin.”
“Yeah.” Brody grinned. “’Cause you get beat up less if you’re not one of the Round Table.”
“Huh?”
“Ask your cousins Theodore, Gavin, and Landon how names can hurt you.” Brody snickered. “Your dad and the rest of us used to bail them out of trouble on a regular basis. I mean really.
Landon
?”
Mike chuckled.
Abby shook her head. “Oh brother. I can feel the testosterone from here. And don’t ask, Colin. Yes, you have it too. Well, I’m heading out. The others left, and I want to be gone before Beth and James get back. Give them some privacy to talk, you know?”
Brody jumped on the idea. “Yeah, what she said. Come on, Abby. I’ll give you a lift. You walked over, right?”
“Hold on.” Mike frowned. “Where’s your dog?”
“Let’s go, Abby.” Brody walked her faster.
“But Dad, Ubie’s letting us watch him tonight, for my birthday.”
“Oh he is, is he?” Mike asked, his voice a little too soft for Abby’s comfort.
Brody dragged her with him in a hurry for the front door. He yanked his coat from the closet and put it on while Mike joined them, followed closely by Colin. “Don’t worry, Mike. I brought plenty of food for him. I’ll get him in the morning. Trust me. I love my dog. I hate to leave him. But I love Colin too. And he’ll be heartbroken if I take Mutt with me after promising he could dog sit.”
“He can’t possibly be buying this,” she whispered as she saw Colin nodding enthusiastically behind his father and winking at Brody. “You’re corrupting a minor.”
“No way, he’s corrupting me,” he whispered back. In a louder voice, he said to Mike, “So we’re gone. See you tomorrow. You know, when I come to get my dog at your place.”
Mike scratched his head, his biceps bunching, and she stared at the sheer strength in the man. “I don’t know…”
Brody didn’t give him time to say no. He yanked Abby out the front door and hurried to the truck. “Get in, get in.”
The moment she entered and closed the passenger door, he screeched in reverse and drove away like a bat out of hell. She struggled to belt herself in. “What the heck, Brody?”
“Colin’s been nagging Mike about a dog for months. Now I’m giving him a chance to prove he can take care of one. Trust me. Colin and I have been planning this for a while.”
“You’re always up to something.” Instead of being suspicious, she admired his persistence. “Drop me off at home, and thanks.”
“Really? You’re going home?”
“It’s kind of ugly out.” Another gray November day. “I’m actually going to the bookstore later.” Not what she should have said if she’d wanted the day to herself, because Brody turned away from the direction of her house toward the bookstore. As they drove, he continued to amuse her with anecdotes from Colin’s party.
Twenty minutes later, he parked in front of her second favorite place to go, the first being the library.
Brody turned off the engine and sighed. “They do have coffee, right?”
“Why, so you’ll have something to do?”
“Yes. I’m so glad you understand.” He left the truck after she did and walked beside her. Not touching, not holding hands, but so close he might as well have marked a
mine
stamp on her forehead.