Page 89 of The Beta's Heart

“Yeah. Just planning tonight in my head. Go ahead and call the boys, then get your shower. I’ll make sure we have enough snacks.”

Kissing my forehead, he jogged into the house, and I closed my eyes as I linked Roger Poe.

#

Tyler

William and Winnie arrived with big grins and shining eyes, clutching their little overnight bags and bouncing with excitement.

“Hi, Ty!” William called out as he ran into the living room, nearly tripping over his own feet. Winnie, the three-year-old, toddled after him, dragging his favorite blanket.

“Hey, guys!” I scooped up Winnie and spun him around, his giggles filling the room, and Peri shot me a look that was half-amused, half-warning.

“Remember, you’re the responsible adult,” she teased. “Don’t get them too riled up.”

“I’ll try my best,” I replied with a grin.

“What are we doing tonight?” William asked as he threw his stuff on the couch.

“Something amazing!” she crowed, and they looked at her with wide, expectant eyes. “We’re going to build the biggest pillow fort ever!”

“Really?” William’s eyes lit up.

“Biggestevah?” Winnie squealed.

“Really and, yes, biggest ever! But first … Snacks!”

We all headed to the kitchen, and Peri handed the boys bowls of popcorn while I poured juice into sippy cups. William and Winniechattered non-stop, their excitement contagious, and it was endearing to see them so happy to do something so simple.

A reminder for life, really,I thought to myself.Enjoy the simple things. River’s an expert at it, too.

Back in the living room, we started building the fort. Peri and I pulled out every pillow and blanket we could find, while the boys darted around, “helping” by throwing pillows everywhere.

“Hey, hey, careful!” I laughed as one hit me in the face.

“Sorry, Ty!” William giggled.

“Sure you are,” I teased back, ruffling his hair.

Finally, the fort was complete, a sprawling, cozy masterpiece that the heathens declared really was the biggest they’d ever made. They crawled inside with Peri, who settled them with their snacks while I looked for a movie.

“What do you want to watch?” I asked.

“Toy Story!”

“Toy Towy!”

“I guessToy Storyit is,” I said, finding it and hitting play before diving into the pillow fort myself.

As the movie started, I marveled at how easily Peri managed the boys. She was patient and gentle, and they adored her. I glanced at her, feeling a surge of love and admiration for the woman who would be the mother of my pups someday.

Halfway through the movie, the boys started to get sleepy. Winnie snuggled up against Peri, his eyelids drooping, while William tried valiantly to stay awake.

“Ty?” William said, his voice small and sleepy.

“Yeah, buddy?”

“Can we do this again sometime?”

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