Page 69 of Rewind It Back

Kai furthers the campaign to get his wife to this dinner. “They wanted to hang out at Uncle Rio’s one more time before your house becomes a full-blown construction zone. Isn’t that right, Bug?”

I look to Max. “You haveSpider-Man?” he asks from the couch.

I shake my head. “Sorry, Maxie. I have nothing fun here. Only vegetables and boring TV that adults like. No toys. No snacks. No fun.”

He giggles manically because he’s spent his whole life around grown-ups and can already understand sarcasm at four years old. “No. We seeSpider-Man!”

Isaiah stands behind Kennedy, wrapping his arms around the front of her shoulders, holding her back to his chest. “We believe in you, Rio. You can do this.”

I narrow my eyes at them. “You two don’t even have kids. You’re both filthy rich and can do whatever you want,wheneveryou want. Why are you joining in on the guilt trip?”

Isaiah shrugs. “I didn’t want to feel left out.”

Kennedy chuckles at him. “And this dinner means a lot to Miller.”

“Tay,” Zanders says to his daughter on my hip. “What do you think? Do you think Uncle Rio can do this?”

Taylor nods enthusiastically before resting her head on my shoulder, snuggling close, and wrapping her arms around my neck.

I immediately close my eyes in defeat.

Goddammit, these kids.

When I reopen them, I spot the shit-eating grins plastered on all my friends’ faces because they know she got me. They know I’d do anything for these kids and their parents, and they know I’m about to spend my Saturday night off work watchingBlueyor some shit while eating my body weight in Goldfish crackers.

“Fine,” I finally agree. “But I’m going to pump them so full of sugar before you all pick them up that none of you are getting a wink of sleep tonight. And Miller, you owe me so many homemade desserts, it’s not even funny. In fact, I want one of your menu items named after me. Something that everyone likes and looks good on the plate. An Italian dessert, obviously.”

“Obviously.” Her excited grin grows. “Thank you! Thank you!”

The eight of them move quickly, trying to get out the door before I change my mind.

Stevie plops a bag on my kitchen island, quickly explaining all the shit she brought in case the kids need it. Some books. Some stuffies. Some snacks, including little crustless PB&Js that I’m for sure going to eat myself.

They all kiss their kids goodbye, and Zanders gets a movie started on my television.

Kai stops at the door, turning back. “Max, you’re the oldest. You’re in charge. Keep an eye on Uncle Rio for us.”

Max giggles at his dad from the couch, while I secretly throw Kai the middle finger.

“On a real note, Rio, thank you for watching them,” he says. “Mills has been working her ass off between the two patisseries and she’s been looking forward to tonight all month. I would’ve hated for her to miss it.”

I shake him off. “Don’t mention it. You guys know I’d do anything for you.”

“And we’d all do the same for you.” He lightly knocks on the doorframe as he leaves.

Indy is the last out, with Ryan waiting on my porch for her, but I stop her before she reaches the door.

“Indy, honestly, do you think this is a good idea?”

“Good?” She tosses her head from side to side in contemplation.

“See! Child endangerment. I’ve only got two hands.”

“Are you really that worried about it? You’ve watched my two before, and we wouldn’t leave our kids with you ifwewere worried. You’ll be great. They all love you.”

“Four, Indy. There’s four of them.”

This knowing grin spreads on her lips. “You could always...” She shrugs. “I don’t know, call for backup? Word on the street is you’ve got a new neighbor. Any chance she’s good with kids?”

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