Chapter Fourteen
Blakecalledtocheckon me after I left and told me that Julian was staying around, so I could take the afternoon off. Any other time, I would’ve insisted on going back to work, but I just wanted to hold Hank and pretend like nothing was happening in my world. I picked him up from Kara’s office and took him home to give him plenty of attention.
We played on the living room floor for hours, had an early dinner and bath, and then settled in to watch Casey and Taylor play on the swing outside while we picked at the grass. Tyler was at a doctor’s appointment and Kara got home from work late, so it was just me and the kids hanging out for a while. When Kara did get home, she showed up with a pizza and fed us all on the back porch. It was a nice quiet evening that made me almost believe I’d imagined everything that had happened.
I eventually settled on the couch with Hank in my arms and talked with Kara. She was exhausted from a long day of worrying about Tyler’s doctor appointment and seemed to need a distraction.
“So, you stayed over at Isaac’s for a while last night.”
I groaned. “Let’s not have this conversation.”
“No, we should have it. I still want all the details.”
“Do you think I’m horrible for leaving Hank here at night and going out?”
Scoffing, she shook her head. “No way. I think you’re having your needs met, and you can’t do that with Hank there. He’s sleeping and doesn’t even realize you’re gone.”
I sighed. “I still worry, you know? I’m being selfish.”
“No, you’re not. You’ve been consumed with taking care of him by yourself for a year. Now, you have help. You get to live your life now. If you weren’t going over to Isaac’s and letting him bone you, I’d be worried.”
“Bone? Really?”
“Yeah, bone. What? Is that not a cool word anymore?” She looked up and grinned when she saw Tyler standing in the doorway. “Is bone not a cool word?”
He came in and held his hand out for hers. When she took it, he pulled her up and into his arms. “Sorry, Mal, we’ve got business. The kids are locked in their bedrooms for the night, and you’ve got Hank. We’ve got to go talk about boning.”
“Ew.”
Kara kissed Hank’s head. “See you tomorrow, I guess.”
Before they could slip away, the doorbell rang. I looked back at the door, even as Kara giggled and hurried towards it to answer it. My stomach fluttered with nerves as I found myself hoping it was Isaac or Blake. I stood up so I could see who was at the door, but I could’ve saved myself the trouble. Before I saw anything, Kara was already yelling for me.
“You’re a wanted woman, Mal.” Her voice was tinged with confusion, and I saw why as soon as I got closer.
Balancing Hank on my hip, I looked out and saw both IsaacandBlake. I felt my face go hot and found myself flustered beyond words. There were the two men who’d both been in me at the same time the night before, standing on my sister’s doorstep.
“We came to check in.” Blake took in Hank and grinned. “This is Hank, huh?”
Hank reached for Isaac as soon as he saw him and then looked at Blake and reached for him. I grinned at his response to them and handed him off to Blake. “This is Hank. He’s heavy.”
“How weak do you think I am?” He took Hank and tucked him into his chest, eyes instantly going soft. “Man, he’s cute.”
“So, you’re just checking in on my little sister? Both of you?”
Isaac nodded. “Just checking in. And seeing if she and Hank want to come over to watch a movie.”
I narrowed my eyes at him. He was really trying to ease me into dating them. Or him. I wasn’t sure.
Tyler appeared from behind me. “I packed Hank’s bag. Here you go.”
Isaac took the bag and laughed. “Thanks.”
“You packed his bag? You’re just sending us away?” I hid a grin as I pretended to glare at Tyler. “Just the first man, or men, who come knocking get us?”
Tyler pulled Kara into his arms. “We have plans.”
“Looks like you have to come over now. You’re being kicked out.” Blake bounced a happy Hank. “Plus, I’ve got the kid.”