When Kelley leaves, June turns those keen eyes on me. She looks just like a tiny version of her mom.
“Are you here for good, then?” she asks, and I nod.
“I am.” She narrows her eyes at me, and I laugh. “I am, Doonie Zoonie. I swear it.”
“And what about your superpower?” Her voice is hushed, so I lower mine to match.
“Never stopped, June. It’s why I’m here. So I can do it better.”
“So you can be part of our family now?”
These kids, man. They won’t stop until I’m well and truly wrecked. I clear my throat and smile.
“You want me to be?” I ask, and she cocks her head to the side.
“Do you want to be?”
I bark out a laugh, and she smirks.
“I do,” I tell her honestly. “I really, really do.” And to seal the deal, I stick my pinky out for her. She hooks mine with hers immediately, then we both press kisses to our knuckles.
“Good,” she says with a smile. “I want that too.” She starts to walk off, then turns around. “If you can’t find Steve later, that’s because Jude has stolen him and is hiding him in his bedroom closet.”
My laughter echoes off the other houses as she skips her way to Kelley’s waiting Jeep, then they zoom off to kick soccer balls at the intramural fields.
“What’s so funny?” Joss asks as she slides her arms around my waist from behind.
“June just told me that Jude has taken Steve hostage.”
“Oh no,” she says, giggling into my back. “That poor cat.”
“No, Steve loves it. He’s been more Jude’s than mine ever since spring break.” I spin around so we’re chest to chest and wrap my arms around her. “It’s one of the main reasons I moved back. Steve was getting depressed without his emotional support pirate.”
“Oh, Steve was, was he?” She smiles up at me, and I get lost in the happiness emanating from her green eyes.
“Mmhm,” I say, pressing a quick kiss to her lips. “He was. Cried about it every single day. Was getting annoying, honestly.”
She hums. “And what would Steve have done if Jude suddenly decided he liked, oh I don’t know, zombies instead of pirates?”
I shrug. “Upgrade to an emotional support zombie, probably.”
Her laughter is light and airy.
“Well, I am so glad you were able to help Steve and give him what he wanted.” She kisses me again, then lies her head on my chest.
“So, what now?” she asks, but it’s not a fearful question. It’s excited. Like she can’t wait to see what’s next for us. She’s ready to turn the page and dive headfirst into wherever our story takes us. I recognize it because I feel the same.
“Now, Classic, we love loud.