Page 73 of Daddy By Design

“I’m a big boy, I don’t pee unless it’s in the telet.”

“Toilet.”

“That’s what I said.”

She sighed and dropped on one of the lounge chairs beside the pool and picked up the kid’s discarded shorts and underwear. “Fine. Ten minutes.”

“Yes!” He bobbed around like a cork and then dipped under the surface of the perfect blue water. He popped back up, exploding out of the water as if he’d touched the bottom for a bit of momentum and did a backflip. He wiped the water out of his eyes. “What’s the score?”

“Solid eight.”

“Man, let me try again.” He spotted me and swam to the side. “Hey, mister. My mom isn’t buying what you’re selling.”

Macy stood up, a towel in hand, and went to the edge of the pool, mama bear engaged. “Nolan.”

“Hey, Mace.”

She looked down at Michael then returned her attention to me. “Out of the pool, kid.”

“Aww, you said I had ten minutes.”

“Don’t argue.”

The kid seemed to recognize the voice. Even my asshole tightened at it. “Who are you?”

“He’s a friend of mine.” Macy held her hand out for his smaller one and hauled him out of the water, wrapping the towel around him as if she’d done it a million times.

Wasn’t expecting the arrow, but I deserved its pinpoint accuracy. “I was just in the neighborhood and thought I’d stop by.”

Michael hooked his arm around her neck. He was a perfect mix of Macy and Gideon, but damn if he didn’t have our mom’s eyes. The intelligent icy blue that Macy shared, as well. “I’m Michael.”

Not Mike like most kids would be. Nope, not for my sister—the full Michael.

“Pretty sure I heard the full name as I was coming around the house.”

The kid leaned on his mom with a sigh. “I’m named after a movie. I’m not allowed to watch it yet though. Do you know Michael Myers?”

I tucked my hands in my pockets. “I know it very well. Your mom and I used to watch it all the time.”

“Really?” He glanced over at Macy.

Macy nodded and pushed the wet hair out of his eyes. “Yeah, when I was a kid.”

“So, when do I get to watch it?”

“Talk to me when you’re at double digits, my guy.”

He groaned. “You always say that. It’s gonna be forever.”

She set him down. “Go inside with your sister. Get dressed. You’re going to Grumps’ place.”

“Yes! He’s teaching me checkers.” He wrapped his towel tight under his chin, staring straight into my soul. “Do you know how to play checkers?”

I cleared my throat. “Triple king master.”

“So, cool! I’ve only been kinged once. Grumps doesn’t believe in letting kids win.”

I glanced at Macy. “Grumps?”

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