Page 106 of Unstoppable Love

“She sure is beautiful,” I told him. “I can’t wait to play with her too. But how about we listen to your grandpa and get some food in that growing belly?”

I poked his stomach, and as he laughed, I stood up.

Together, we headed inside, where I helped him make a sub sandwich, made sure I added sides of vegetables, a pasta salad, and fresh fruit, and then guided him back to sit close to Emily, who was sitting on the couch, already hiding a yawn behind her hand.

“Thank you, Ava, so much.”

“It’s no problem. You doing okay?”

“Just tired. All the time.” Another yawn hit, and she laughed. “See? I think I might have to call it in early tonight and give Landon a sleepover with his grandparents.”

“We already have his bed ready, dear,” Mrs. Kelley said to her. “You do what you need to do to take care of that little one you’re growing.”

“Sit with me,” Emily said, pointing at the cushion on the other side of her.

“Let me get food first. I’ll be right back.”

I checked in with Lydia, who was also at the table. She was fixing up a plate for Grams while Isaiah was standing with Dalton and Gavin on the far side of the room. I’d expected her enjoyment of teasing Dalton would disappear as soon as it came months ago, but Lydia was still at it. Every time she was within reaching distance of Dalton these days, she found a way to get in his space and say something outlandish just to get a reaction from him.

Whatever she was doing, I was staying out of it. Although I didn’t mind the jokes she made about us being sisters again once she wore Dalton down.

It was none of my business, and so far, Dalton did nothing but scowl at her and walk away, usually shaking his head. Sometimes running a hand through his hair and cursing at how annoying she was, to which Lydia usually grinned mischievously.

“Are you going to behave tonight?” I asked her.

“Why would I do a thing like that?”

“Never mind.” I shook my head, chuckling as I walked away and back to my seat next to Emily.

“Guess what, Ava!” Josie jumped in front of me almost as soon as I sat down.

“What, kiddo?”

“I have a new teacher.”

“You do?” In November? I glanced at Emily, who was smirking.

“I do.” Her head whipped toward her dad, two little braided pigtails flying through the air and back around as she turned back to me. “And guess what?” She leaned in and whisper-hissed, her hand over her mouth.

Kids and their whisper-hissing. As soon as she did it, Gavin’s brows peaked, clearly able to hear her.

“What is it?”

“She’s super pretty. And young. Like my daddy. I want her to be my next mommy!”

“Ohhh…” My own brows matched Gavin’s as I flung my gaze toward him. His face had paled, and his lips were pressed together. “Um. Maybe you should just enjoy her being your teacher?”

“Oh, I do. She’s fun and she’s silly and she even smells really good and she looks super pretty in her dresses.” Her little face scrunched up. “Well, sometimes I like her dresses, but I don’t tell her about the ones I don’t.”

Emily’s hand landed on my thigh and squeezed. Based on the way our couch was shaking, she was holding in laughter. Not nearly as well as I was trying to, though.

“That’s really nice of you,” I told Josie, trying so hard, oh so hard, not to laugh at the sweet little thing. “I’m glad you like your teacher, but I think your dad would probably like to find a woman he loves on his own, don’t you think?”

“Why? He tells me all the time it’s okay to ask for help. Isn’t it?”

Oh dear. Save me from precocious children.

“Josephine,” Gavin called out, shaking his head, but there wasn’t amusement skating across his features like Emily and I had. There was concern. Maybe a little irritation.

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