Page 65 of Surviving in Everton

I lean down and kiss the tip of her nose. “You’re just trying to distract me so I’m not winning tickets.”

She gasps and pulls back slightly. “I wouldnever! Besides, I kindawantyou to win. A whole weekend completely kid free? Sign me up!”

I’m sending the kids away this weekend, no matter who wins this game tonight, but she doesn’t need to know that. The twins obviously don’t either, because they’re off playing games, winning tickets like their lives depend on it. Honestly though, they’d probably be like that still even if theydidknow. Rowen threw down the gauntlet challenging them. It’s now a matter of honor. How the hell losing a bet to a couple kids and the love of their life can be a blow to their manhood is a mystery to me, but whatever. I’ll let them have their fun. At least we’re not back home glued to a computer screen waiting to see if the potion will work and BB will tell Hudson everything we need to know.

I spend the next few hours following the kids from game to game. Logan’s teaching Violet how to play everything and they’re having a blast.

“Thank you for dragging us out of the house,”Daddy. Rowe thinks the name so clearly, I could have sworn she said it out loud. “You were right, of course. There was no reason for us to stay home waiting around for Hudson to get the spells. And I love seeing the kids have so much fun.”

“We will make a habit of goin’ out and havin’ fun more often,A Stor. Just not this weekend. This weekend we’re staying in.”

“Hey! Y’all haven’t won yet.” She narrows her eyes at me.

I just smirk in return and leave her for the nearest game. The kids have been racking up tickets all night, but I’m sure Ayden and Kayden have a sizable stash by now. Speaking of the devils… here they come now. They’re both carrying two huge cups stuffed full of tickets and I can’t help but laugh at the smug looks on their faces. Rowe finally notices them walking toward us and reels back when she sees all of their tickets.

“What did you do to get that many tickets?! Did you rob some poor unsuspecting kids?” she teases.

“No, Doll, I’m just that good.” Ayden wags his brows at her and she busts out laughing, unable to hold it in.

“How are y’all doing? Ready to admit defeat yet?” Kayden chimes in.

Right then, the kids come running over talking and laughing about the game they just played. Violet convinced Logan to play this dancing game with her, even though it doesn’t give out tickets. Looks like they had a great time though. They see the twins with their cups overflowing with tickets and skid to a stop.

“Whoa! How’d you get so many tickets!” Violet exclaims.

“Like I said… I’m just that good.” Ayden smirks at her.

“Hey! They’re not all yours. I get some credit, you know,” Kayden huffs in response.

“Okay, are we done with the tickets yet? There are other activities to do, you know. I know Logan really likes laser tag… if you’re ready to move on to something else that is.” I try to entice the kids to give up the bet.

They look at each other, Violet worrying her bottom lip as she gives Logan puppy dog eyes. She doesn’t know what to do. She wants to win the bet and get a new pool, but she also really wants to play laser tag. Logan sighs deeply, but reluctantly nods in agreement. It seems that little girl has got my son wrapped right around her little finger. She doesn’t even have to say a word, yet he finds a way to give her what she wants.

“We secede victory,” he forces out. When Violet’s frown turns into a grin, he rolls his eyes with a huff. “Alright, already! Let’s go play laser tag!”

“Yay! Who’s gonna teach me how to play?” she asks giddily.

“Don’t be silly. I am. Who else would do it?” Logan grumbles.

Logan? If you don’t want to teach her it’s okay. I’m happy to teach her how to play.I direct at my sullen son.

Dad! Stay out of my head!He widens his eyes, giving me his best ‘leave me alone’ look.

I just don’t want you to feel put out for having to help Violet all of the time.

Ugh. I know you know that’s not how I feel. So what do you really want?

I chuckle at that. He’s got his momma’s attitude, that’s for sure. She never was one to beat around the bush. She much preferred to handle things directly.

Hey, don’t give me that attitude. You’re the one acting all grumpy because Violet got you to do something… again.I point out.

I feel Rowen’s amusement and confusion, so I look over to find her watching me intently.

“You’re talking aren’t you?” she rightfully accuses. “Oh my god! He can read minds too!” she screeches.

“Oops, guess we forgot to tell her that, huh?” Ayden stage whispers behind me.

“It’s not like me, Rowen. He can only read thoughts when they’re specifically projected to him,” I explain.

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