Page 32 of Summer with a Single Dad

“Oh yeah. The yard’s really big. So is the pool.”

“And what about you, Hudson? Do you like your new room?”

“Yep. I really like the bed.”

“I’m glad.”

“Are Emily and Moose and . . . what’s the other one’s name?”

“Rufus.”

“Are Emily, Moose, and Rufus coming on a walk with us?”

“Do you want them to?”

“Luke likes to play with them, so yeah.”

“I can call and see if they’re available if you want.”

“Okay.”

“Maybe they can come over for dinner later.”

“Yeah!” he exclaimed.

“I’ll make your favorite—chicken bacon ranch pasta. Here.” I handed him Luke’s tennis ball. “Remember the words?”

“Luke, sit.”

“Good job. What’s next?”

I watched my pride and joy show Luke the ball before throwing it as far as he could. “Get the ball, Luke!” he yelled.

“Hudson, did you set the table?” I asked, noting the time.

“Yeah.”

“Yes,” I corrected, focused on sharpening his manners.

“Yes.”

I winked, tousling his hair.

“Dad!” he scolded. “Now I have to brush it all over again.”

I chuckled as he ran to his bathroom with Luke quick on his heels. “Don’t forget to wash your hands for dinner,” I yelled after them.

My mind automatically went to Kayla. I chuckled, remembering how she would tell me the same thing before I fed Hudson as a baby. Moments like this filled me with sadness and made me miss the life I thought I would have with her. A quick jolt of remorse hit me because I was happy Emily was joining us tonight.

Since everything was in order, I cracked open a beer and sat at the counter. It made no sense to feel anxious, but I did. It would be our first time being alone with Hudson. I’d never introduced Hudson to anyone before. In fact, I’d never dated anyone long enough to actually want to introduce them to him.

With Emily, everything was different.

We’d already spent a lot of time together before Hudson came home. It wasn’t just the sex that I enjoyed, although I quite enjoyed that part—a lot. When it was just the two of us, everything was great. Even spending time with my family last week had been a breeze. But now that we didn’t have a buffer, I wondered how things would feel.

My parents and Sav offered to stay and watch Hudson. It was a blessing because I was nervous about his transition to Love Beach. Since I had to work during the day, they were able to take him out and show him around town.

Every night after work, Hudson told me about his adventures that day. He’d been to the various dog parks, the beach, the toy store, the mall, the bookstore, and almost every restaurant in the area. They also got him signed up with the local soccer team for the upcoming season.

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