I laugh. “Little one, much to teach you we have.”
To Liz’s credit, he looks at his mom. “Can I, Mom?”
“Whatever you want, baby.”
He grins. “It’s Daddy’s birthday. Mom said I can have whatever I want.”
I tilt my head and tap my cheek as I pretend to study him. “In that case, I think we’re going to need some cake too.”
Grayson throws his arm around my shoulders. “You are going to be a great mom.”
I snort. “I’m corrupting the child.”
He kisses my temple. “No, you are comforting a child who has lost his father on the toughest day of his year.”
My stupid eyes well with tears again. What is wrong with them? Do I have extra tears or what? “I’m happy to help,” I quip in an effort to tone down this stupid emotional reaction I’m having.
“You’re a miracle worker is what you are. I can’t wait until you shine your light on our children.”
“Grayson Eliot Neill, you will not bring up having children with me today!”
And at least not for a year. Maybe longer. Definitely longer. Much longer. I am not ready to discuss having children with him. Adult Suzie laughs. Wrong. You want those children bad. Shut up, I tell her. This is going to be fun to watch, she says in a voice full of glee.
Grayson the boy giggles. “You got the middle name treatment. You’re in trouble.”
I laugh with him. For the rest of the meal, I keep my attention centered on Liz’s son. I’m not ignoring Grayson the man. Seriously, I’m not. And I’m not a liar. Well, maybe a little.