Page 114 of In Spades

“Something on your mind this morning?” I asked, topping off her mug with coffee before starting another pot.

Kylie didn’t answer immediately. She looked down at her mug, rocking the cup and swirling the coffee. I decided not to press further.

Kristen often told me how tight-lipped the kids were about their personal lives. I didn’t expect Kylie to spill her guts.

“Kristin’s really happy,” Kylie said, “And I love that. I want her to be happy. And you’re great. And I think you’re really great for her.” Her words tumbled out, one on top of the other.

I pulled the pancakes out of the skillet and set the spatula down on the countertop. Resting my forearms on the cold granite, I chuckled. “I’m glad she’s happy. I want to make her happy.”

“Do you love her?”

I nodded. “Yes.”

She stifled a smile.

Talking to Kylie felt like baiting a wounded animal—trying to convince her to trust that I wouldn’t harm her. Leading her a little closer each time.

I handed her the spatula. “Mind giving those a flip while I put the bacon in the oven?”

She hopped off the barstool and rounded the island. “I’m sorry we had to tag along,” she said. “Kristin won’t leave Lo and me in charge overnight. I know it’s gotta be annoying to never get any alone time. Four kids are a hell of a burden.” She chewed on her lip and softly added, “Sorry, I know I’m not supposed to say hell.”

I put my hands on her shoulders, stopping her before she could get to the pancakes. They could burn for all I cared. I needed her to hear me.

“Ky, I love having y’all here,” I said. “And you sure as hell are not a burden. Not now. Not ever. Got that?”

Her lip trembled. “You mean it?”

“Of course. You’re welcome here anytime.”

Kylie wrapped her arms around my middle in a hug that both broke and healed my heart. “You’re like the big brother I always wanted,” she said. “I mean, you’re, like, old enough to be my dad, but you’re dating my sister. And I know Logan is a year older than me, but girls mature faster than boys. So technically, I’m his big sister.”

I laughed and hugged her. “I won’t tell him you said that.”

She pulled back, wiping her eyes.

I gave her a stern look. “You good?”

Kylie smiled. “Yeah. I’m good.”

“I smell bacon!” Hunter shouted as he thundered down the stairs with a Lemony Snicket novel in his hand. Hot on his heels, Zoey darted into the kitchen dressed in her Little Mermaid pajamas.

Kylie put her hands on her hips. “Looks like we’re gonna need more pancakes.”

26

WILLIAM

The kids were crowded around my kitchen island, happily munching on crispy bacon, eggs, and a smorgasbord of pancakes. Chocolate chips for Kylie and me, blueberries for Hunter, and strawberries for Zoey.

Logan was the last to emerge, lured downstairs by the smell of breakfast food. He lumbered into the kitchen and made himself a breakfast sandwich, smashing leftover bacon and eggs drizzled with syrup between two plain pancakes.

Seeing everyone together in my house, carefree and happy, put a smile on my face.

I really need to send a thank you note to the inventors of Bisquick.

With all of them settled, I loaded up a plate, grabbed a mug of coffee, and snuck into my room to surprise Kristin with a little breakfast in bed.

The creak of the door startled her awake.

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