“The one Kyle won by being dressed first. He gets to pick anything he wants for an after- school snack. What’s it gonna be?”
“Duh, fudge,” Jackson said. “That’s what he always picks.”
“Fudge it is.”
Kyle raised both fists in a victory dance Jace watched in the rearview mirror. “I won! I won! I won!”
“Shut up.”
“You shut up.”
“Boys, knock it off and get ready to jump.” Jace kept an eye on the back seat to make sure they had everything. “Have a great day.”
“Later,” Jackson said as he got out first, with Kyle right behind him.
As he edged the truck forward, Jace made sure they were inside before he pulled away. “Phew. Did it.”
“You did great.”
“They made it easy on me.”
“They’re awesome kids. Cute, funny, smart, respectful.”
“Thanks to their wonderful mother. She did a great job with them.”
“Yes, she did. Where did the name Poopy Head come from?”
“That was a self-inflicted wound,” he said, conveying the story to Cindy.
“I love that, and if I were you, I’d be afraid it’s going to stick.”
“I’m so happy to be with them that they can call me whatever they want.”
Jace drove them home to drop Cindy off before he went to join his meeting already in progress.
“My mom texted to invite us to family dinner tomorrow tonight.”
“She invited me, too?”
“Yep, and when I told her you’re taking care of the boys, she invited them as well.”
“That would be fun. I switched shifts with one of the other bartenders who wanted tonight off, so I’m off then. Tell her thanks for including us.”
“What’s your plan for the boys when you’re at work?”
“I don’t have one yet.”
“I’ll stay with them.”
“Are you sure? That’s a lot to ask.”
“You didn’t ask. I offered, and I don’t mind. They’re so cute and funny. I’d love to do it.”
“In case I forget to tell you, you’re the absolute best.”
“Happy to help.”
He leaned over to kiss her. “I’m going to catch the last half of my meeting.” Tomorrow, he was due to see Mac at the alpaca farm and still had to figure out where that was.