I sent her a warm smile. “It’s no trouble at all. I’d love to go with you and the girls.”
She twisted the towel, running it through her fingers. “I’d like that.”
“Don’t be cancelling on them, now,” my mom cut in as she took a baking dish from the oven.
I ignored her and kept my gaze on Addie. “When you know what days you’ll be watching Birdie and Sage, just let me know, and I’ll check my work schedule.”
Addie glanced from my mother back to me. “Okay. Thanks, Hadley.”
I left Sage and Addie chatting and moved away from the kitchen and my mother. If she kept at it, I wouldn’t be responsible for my actions.
A hand snaked out and tugged me towards a tall form. “Is my baby girl ignoring me?”
I wrapped my arms around my dad’s waist, inhaling his comforting, woodsy scent. “Never.”
“That’s what I like to hear. How are you?” He released me but kept hold of my shoulders as he surveyed my face.
“Good. Busy. Same ol’, same ol’.”
“Heard you guys caught a touch-and-go call last week.”
I caught Calder’s gaze over my dad’s shoulder, and a muscle in his cheek ticked.
“It was fine,” I assured Dad. “Nothing to worry about.”
He squeezed my shoulders. “Can’t tell a father not to worry.”
“We’re ready to eat,” Mom called as she strode towards the massive table with a platter of chicken.
I grabbed the salad from the bar and carried it over, choosing the seat farthest away from the chair my mom always used. Hayes and Everly sat opposite me with Birdie to my right. As the chair to the left of me slid back, I looked up to meet dark eyes.
Calder bumped my shoulder with his as he sat. “Hey.”
“Hey.”
How long had it been since Calder had opted to sit next to me at a family dinner if other seats were available? I honestly couldn’t remember the last time.
Sage filed in, taking the chair on Calder’s other side, and Addie took the seat next to that. Shiloh, Mom, and Dad filled in the rest. Dad cleared his throat as he sat. “Love having all of you at the table.” He shot Mom a grin. “Thank you for preparing this feast.”
“You’re on duty next week,” she shot back.
“Fair enough. Now, let’s chow down.”
Dinner went by in a din of at least three separate conversations at all times. That was how I liked it. The attention couldn’t be focused on me that way.
We made it all the way past dessert to clearing the table before Mom started in again. “Hadley, will you be here next week?”
“I’m on the roster to work.”
Mom’s fingers tightened on the stack of plates she held, her knuckles bleaching white. “I’m sure Calder could arrange for someone to switch with you.”
“It’s not just me. It’s my partner’s schedule, as well.”
“Jones will understand.”
“Mom, I can’t make it to dinner every week. I’ll come when I can.”
She let out an exasperated sigh. “I really don’t think it’s asking too much for one dinner a week.”