“We’re trying.” I steer the cart out of the aisle and toward the check-out counter. T minus five hours to the party and counting.
“I LIKE YOU WITH HER.”
I glance over at Liv and grin. “Oh snap. Are you giving her the Livy seal of approval?” I ask as I pull the dishes out of the fridge. The kids have been running around the backyard playing monster games Quinn concocted, and I know they’re going to be ravenous soon. I smile as I recall the look of shock and awe on Rolly’s face as he entered the home and everyone yelled surprise.
The party went off without a hitch. I could see the struggle Allie went through, giving over control, but she’s getting it that Quinn is here to stay. That’s really all I can ask for.
Liv nods her head. “The two of you work well together. I can see she brings out the best in you and vice versa.”
Leaning down, I give her a light squeeze around her expanding middle. “That means a lot coming from you.”
“Only speaking the truth. Is there anything I can help with? I came in here to grab a bottle of water, but I can lend a hand.”
“No. I think Houston would kill me if he thought I was putting you to work.”
She harrumphs. “I’m pregnant, not terminal.” The fire in her brown eyes makes me laugh.
“Whoa, tiger, don’t shoot the messenger. I’m trying to stay in good standing with my boss.”
She scowls. “You two always side with one another.”
“Not always.” I grab the plate of tomatoes that looks like Elmo. “Why don’t you get the veggie tray and set it out on the table?” I ask, handing her a peace offering.
“I can do that.” She flashes me a smile and walks toward the backyard.
A moment later, Rolly runs in.
“Hey, little dude, you having fun?”
“Yes, but I have to potty now,” he says as he flies by me toward the bathroom.
I chuckle as I start to bring out the platters.
“Lunch, you guys. Time to get your hands washed. I have a stool in front of the kitchen sink and some hand soap out,” I call as cheers go up.
Quinn looks at me. Flushed and breathing hard, she’s more beautiful than ever. I want to get down on a knee and ask her to spend the rest of her life with me, but I know it’d be jumping the gun. She’s cautious. I respect it after the mess she’d been in with her previous fiancé. It’s not the right time, but one day I know it will be.
“This looks amazing, bro. Are you holding out on me at the garage? Maybe we should put you on with painting the rides,” Houston says.
“No, this was all Quinn. I’m good where I’m at, believe me,” I reply, shuddering at the thought of being forced to be creative.
My father laughs. “His artistic endeavors as a child were always quite unique.”
“That’s dad-speak for saying they sucked,” I mumble.
“No, you were the child who had green skies and yellow grass. It always stood out because you were so different from your brothers.”
“Always marched to the beat of a different drummer,” I remark with a shrug.
“Well, I definitely know where Rolly gets it from,” Allie says.
I laugh. “I don’t know. What do you think, Molly?” I ask, pulling her mother into the conversation.
“I’d say he gets a double dose,” Molly replies.
Her diplomatic answer makes me laugh. She’s good at making peace. I think it’s a by-product of having four daughters so close in age.
“Here’s the birthday boy,” I call as Rolly returns and hugs me around my legs. “You ready to eat, buddy?”