Page 98 of A Hard Fit

“I’m not full of cookies.”

“But…” Finn furrowed his brow, processing.

“What do we get to do tomorrow?” Cali asked.

“Well, Rory and I have been helping redesign an amusement park at work…and we get to go there tomorrow to try it all out!”

“We do?” Cali said. “For real?”

“What’s an amusement park?” Bryson asked.

Cali’s grin stretched wide. “You know, like rides and cotton candy and stuff.”

“Yay!” Bryson threw his fists in the air and thrashed around in his chair in celebration.

Finn laughed. “Sound good?”

“Sounds great!” Cali said. “Can I please have another cookie?”

* * * *

Finn and Rory baked homemade chicken strips for a late dinner, served with veggies and dip, and got the kids to eat some fruit for a bedtime snack, so Finn didn’t feel too bad about all the treats. They called Liz to say goodnight, then he supervised the brushing of the teeth and herded them into bed.

Cali curled up with her book, but Bryson didn’t stop chattering away to Finn as he clambered under the covers.

Finn waited for him to take a breath. “Your mom said you usually read to her at bedtime. Do you want to read to me?”

“Okay!” Bryson dug in his backpack. “Mom packed these babyish books for me, but I could read you one if you want.”

Bryson read a Little Critter story—Just Me and My Babysitter—then Finn tucked him in.

“If you need me during the night, you know where my room is, right?” Finn asked them both.

“Yup,” Cali said. “Is it okay if I read a bit longer?”

“A little bit longer,” Finn said. “We’ve got a big day tomorrow.”

“Okay. Thanks, Uncle Finn.” She smiled up at him, the light from the lamp teasing the red out of her auburn hair.

“You’re welcome. Have a good sleep.”

“Night,” Cali said.

“Night,” Bryson yawned, eyes already drifting closed.

“Night.” Finn flipped off the dining room light, leaving Cali in a pool of lamplight and Bryson clutching his stuffed dinosaur.

* * * *

“They’re all settled,” Finn whispered, creeping into their bedroom.

“Why are you whispering?” Rory asked from their spot propped up against the pillows.

Finn huffed a laugh. “I don’t know.” He brushed his teeth, got into his pajamas, and slipped under the covers to cuddle up to Rory. “I can’t believe they’re here.”

Rory snuggled closer. “I know. It was such a fun night. And tomorrow’s going to be even more fun. All my little cousins should be there, too.” Markos had indeed said Rory could invite their extended family, so invite them they had.

“Who all is going?” Finn attempted to sound casual, although there wasn’t much of a point. Rory would know exactly why he was asking.

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