Page 16 of I Saw Mommy Kissing Biker Claus

“Where are you two going?”

“We were going to the campgrounds. It feels like we won’t have too many more days that we can just walk around. Soon we’ll need winter gear to enjoy it out here.”

Valentino chuckles. “You’re not wrong. We’re supposed to get snow soon. Do you like snow?”

“I love snow. I love winter and all the holidays that come with it. This year’s just hard without Kayla.”

“I understand that. Maybe we can make some new memories together. I saw Lynton leaving as I was parking. Does she like it here?”

“She does. She’s on her way to the elementary school now to see if there are any openings. She says if there is then we should move here.”

“Give me one second,” he says as he gets on his phone.

It’s a quick phone call and he comes back over to us with a huge grin on his face.

“She’ll get a position. In fact, she’ll get to choose the grade she wants to teach”

I laugh. “Is that what you were calling for?”

“Hell yes. I want you to stay here. And if I can help that along? I sure as fuck will.”

Valentino looks at Davis.

“Oops. I guess I’m going to need to watch what I say around little man.” He laughs.

Davis giggles and hugs him. It’s weird how fast Davis has attached himself to Valentino. He usually doesn’t like strangers. But he took to Valentino from the start. Maybe that’s a sign that we should stay.

“Can I join you two for your outing?”

“Sure, I just need to grab Davis’ stroller. I can’t carry him the whole way.”

“Are you planning to stay on the pathways? Otherwise his stroller won’t do you any good. I can borrow the backpack that Luciana has for Grayson if you want.”

“I don’t think I could backpack him for very long.” I chuckle.

“I can. Stay here, I’ll be right back.”

Valentino

I run over to Luciana and Rónán’s house and ask to borrow a backpack. It’s a weird contraption, but we’ll be able to pack snacks and drinks for all of us.

“You should take Rónán’s pack, his is bigger. You’re almost the same size as him so it should be comfy,” Luciana says as she hands me one of the two backpacks.

“Thank you. So tell me your thoughts on Leighton.”

“I like her. She took over being a mom to her best friend’s baby. No hesitation. And she even came out here to find you, not knowing what to expect. From what Bella says, she was fully expecting to hate you. But I think she’s fallen for you. Just like you have for her.”

I squint my eyes at her.

“You know, I always thought that when you and Rónán found each other, you were both insane. The amount of time you actually spent together before you realized he was the one blew my mind. But I get it now. Leighton sparked something in me that I never knew was there. And she’s so strong. Not only did she lose her best friend, like you said, she became an instant mama. Did you know that it’s just her and Lynton? Their younger brother is stationed in Japan. And she hasn’t spoken to her parents in five years. She grew up in an abusive home, yet she’s loving and compassionate.”

Luciana is staring at me, then she reaches up and hugs me.

“I’m so glad you found your person,” she says softly. “Now go and spend all the time with her and show her what it’s like to be a Bastianini.”

I chuckle and hug her back.

“Thank you. And thank you for welcoming her and Davis, and now Lynton.”

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