Page 45 of Summer with a Single Dad

“Awesome!” he shouted.

“Why don’t you do that while Hudson and I pack this stuff up.”

“Okay,” I said, feeling jittery inside. This was a big step for us.

“We’ll take Moose and Rufus,” Chris said.

Hudson’s enthusiasm about a sleepover tickled me.

“The sky looks like it does in Star Wars.” Hudson’s neck was tilted back as he looked up at the night sky.

“It looks like diamonds,” I said.

Hudson pointed his finger. “Look,” he said as a shooting star flew across the sky.

“Make a wish,” I told him. “Shooting stars are good luck.”

His eyes snapped shut. I couldn’t help but wonder what he wished for as I watched his little mouth purse and move.

I closed my eyes and made my own wish.

Chris yawned and stretched his arms overhead. “Hudson, a few more minutes, okay? Then it’s time for bed.”

“Okay,” he said.

When Chris yawned again, Hudson and I did too. “I guess we’re all tired,” he said, stroking Hudson’s head.

“But tomorrow’s Saturday, so you know what that means?”

“Cartoons with breakfast,” Hudson said.

Even though I was thinking about sleeping in a little, I said, “Which one’s your favorite?”

“Logan’s Laboratory. It’s about Logan and his best friend. They like science like me.”

“I’ve never seen that one.”

“You can watch it with me. I’ll teach you about them.”

“That sounds like a good plan.”

Chris stifled his yawn. “All right, buddy. Time for bed. Pjs, then brush your teeth.”

“Will you read me a story?”

“Of course,” Chris said.

“And Emily, too?”

“I’d love to.” Immense joy and love flooded me. Hudson’s invitation to his father-son ritual made me feel like a real part of their family.

Chris sighed and kissed my hand as Hudson dashed inside.

“Have I told you how happy you make me?” he asked.

Had it not been for the dim lighting, he would have been able to see my red cheeks.

“Come here,” he said, tugging on my hand.

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