His Baby Agenda

“Congratulations. When do they want us to start? Mae is coming back on Monday.”

“I know. I mentioned that to them and scheduled an in-home visit for then.”

“Good job,” Gabi said. Melissa didn’t need her to micromanage things.

“Thanks. The twins and Conner are really getting along well and the parents—Daisy and Scott Banner—wanted to set up a playdate with him.”

“I’ll go and talk to them. And then I’ll have to call Kingsley. I’m not sure how he feels about having other kids to his place.”

Melissa led the way back to the playroom and Gabi talked to the parents of the twins. They were very friendly and clearly doted on their little boys. Daisy was a food blogger who had recently been approached by the Food Network to star in her own show and Scott was a champion deep-sea fisherman. Apparently that was a thing.

“I’m glad you’re considering using our agency for your sons. I understand you’d like a playdate with Conner,” Gabi said after introductions were made.

“Please, Gammi, I really like Ty and Doug,” Conner said, coming over to her.

She ruffled his hair. “I think it’s a great idea. I have to check with your dad and then we can figure out the logistics. You keep playing while we do that,” Gabi said.

Conner nodded and the boys went back to their playing. She overheard him telling them about how knights were fighters but did it for honor. One of the boys asked what honor was and Conner shrugged and said, “Something good.” She smiled.

“Conner lives outside Carmel. His father is very protective of Conner, so I think the playdate would have to be at his place. Are you okay with that?” she asked.

Daisy looked at Scott and he nodded.

“Okay. Let me call Kingsley and I’ll be right back.”

Gabi went down the hall to her office and dialed Kingsley’s number.

“Hey, you,” he said by way of greeting.

“Hey. How’s your meeting?” she asked. He’d told her he was going to meet with a prospective new client for his sports agency. It wasn’t surprising to her that their old alma mater had another Heisman Trophy winner. Their school was known for excellence in all sports.

“Long and a little bit boring,” he said. “What’s up?”

“Conner has made friends with some twins and wants to have a playdate.”

“How did he meet other kids?” Kingsley asked.

She explained the situation.

“I’m not sure I’m ready for my little man to be at someone else’s house with parents I don’t even know.”

“I figured that. So I suggested they come to your place,” she said.

“I don’t want to advertise where we live, but Conner hasn’t really played with his kids his age before.” Kingsley hesitated. “Okay. I guess it would be fine if he had them over.”

“Good. I will make the arrangements. Will you be home for dinner?” she asked.

“I will. It’s been a long day,” he said.

“For me, too. I’ll be happy to be back at our home.”

As soon as she said it, she realized that it was Kingsley’s home and not hers.

“I’ll be glad to be at our home too.”

He disconnected the call and she had to tell herself that it was nothing. He hadn’t just referred to his house as their home. But in her heart she knew he had.

Twelve

Kingsley got home to find a big bedouin-style tent set up in the backyard. He assumed it was Conner’s big playdate, which made him a little nervous. His son had never really played with other kids and he wanted it to be perfect.

Gabi had certainly pulled out all the stops with the tent. He walked into the kitchen and found Mrs. Tillman playing her online bingo game.

“Hello, sir. Do you need anything from me?” Mrs. Tillman asked.

“Not at all. Are the other kids still here?” he asked. “What are our dinner plans?”

“There aren’t any other kids here. Gabi has dinner covered and asked me to send you out back when you got home. She said you’re camping out.”

“What happened to Conner’s playdate?” he asked Mrs. Tillman.

She shrugged. “I don’t know the details, but Gabi did say that her agency wouldn’t be taking the parents on as clients.”

He didn’t like the sound of that. He took his phone out of his pocket as he went into his room to get changed. There were no messages from Gabi so he would have to get the scoop from her once he was out in the backyard.