Page 106 of Her Summer Hope

The intimate sight stirred that same longing in him that he had before—a desire for the warmth and closeness of family and the love of a woman like Maddy. He watched Maddy cradle Emmie, a surge of protectiveness filling his chest. They'd only just started whatever this was between them, a fledgling thing as delicate as the baby in her arms, but he was all in.

"Is everything okay?" she asked softly, her eyes searching his for any sign of distress.

"Everything is perfect," he replied, his voice thick with emotion. And for the first time in a long while, he believed it.

Maddy burped Emmie and then came to sit beside Kyle at the table, the baby cradled against her chest.

"Thank you again for everything you did to help me keep the kids," she said softly. "I don't know what I would have done without you."

Kyle set down his spoon, turning in his chair to face her fully. "I meant what I said in court. You're a damn good mom, Maddy. Those kids need you."

She bit her lip. "Still, I'm sorry I wasn't fully honest with you from the start. I should have told you about the kids when I applied for the cook job."

Kyle reached out and squeezed her hand. "I understand why you didn't. And it doesn't change anything. You still make the best damn brisket in the county."

She laughed, eyes shining, and Kyle's heart swelled.

"In fact..." He took a deep breath, pulse racing. "I was wondering if you'd like to go out tonight. On a real date."

Her eyes widened in surprise, then her face softened into a smile. "I'd love to. But it might be tough to get a sitter for all four."

Kyle grinned. "Oh, I think I can arrange something."

He walked over to the intercom on the wall. "Murdock, Connor, front and center. Need you in the kitchen for a minute."

Maddy raised an eyebrow, amused. "This ought to be good."

Moments later, the two men shuffled into the kitchen, Murdock grumbling under his breath.

Kyle clapped them both on the shoulders. "Congratulations, you two just volunteered for babysitting duty tonight."

Murdock's eyes narrowed. "The hell I did."

"Language," Maddy chided, with a pointed glance at Emmie.

"It's your civic duty, gentlemen," Kyle said. "Don't worry, Ellie will keep you in line."

"Seriously?" Murdock groaned, while John shook his head in amusement. "Fine, but if I have to put up with tea parties and princess movies all night, you owe me big time."

"Deal," Kyle agreed, clapping Murdock on the back. "Thanks, guys."

Maddy grinned and shook her head as Murdock shuffled out.

"Well, I should go let the kids know the plan," she said. "Make sure they're okay with it."

Kyle nodded and followed her into the living room, pulse racing in anticipation.

Ellie sat primly on the couch next to Connor, while Jack and James rolled around wrestling on the floor. The TV played, forgotten in the background.

At their entrance, the kids looked up expectantly.

Maddy smiled. "So, how would you guys feel about hanging out here tonight with Uncle Connor and Uncle Murdock while Kyle and I go out to dinner?"

Ellie nodded solemnly while Jack narrowed his eyes. "Just make sure you have Madison home by ten, sir."

The adults laughed while James furrowed his brow. "Why can't we come?"

Maddy opened her mouth but hesitated, not sure how to explain.

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