Page 107 of The Overtime Kiss

As much as they drive me bananas—Rowan and Ford mostly—there’s a part of me that wishes I could say yes out loud. That I could say:Yes, I do. I have it so bad for her. And I can’t wait to do something nice for her.That I could add:I’m counting down the days—for so many reasons.

Especially when a photo lands on my phone the next morning—Sabrina, Luna, and Parker heading to a Thanksgiving food drive with other students from their school.

There she is. Teaching my kids to give back. And looking like she belongs.

It’s a real good look.

I’ve driven home after logging two wins on the road, and I’m pulling into the garage, eager to see the kids.

When I trudge up the stairs and kick off my shoes, I stop in my tracks as I’m rounding the corner.

The three of them—Sabrina, Luna, and Parker—are camped out on the couch under blankets, watching an animated movie, eating popcorn…with face masks slathered all over them.

They can’t see me yet. At least, I don’t think they can. My chest feels fizzy as I drink in the sight—Sabrina’s mask is gold, shiny like her, making her a little glowy. Luna’s is a soft lavender, her favorite color. Parker’s is painted on like a raccoon’s bandit mask. I bet that was Sabrina’s creativity.

Parker pats his charcoal-black cheeks, a serious look in his eyes. “Is it ready to wash off, Sabrina?”

Luna leans over, inspecting his face. “I think you need about five more minutes, right, Sabrina?”

Sabrina studies Parker and nods. “Yep. Almost. And yourskin is going to be so smooth, you’re going to love it, you little bandit.”

He shoots her a skeptical look. “I don’t know...”

She pats his knee. “At least you’re trying it. That’s the thing—sometimes you just have to try things in life. You don’t know until you try.”

From around the corner, I listen like a little spy. They don’t even realize I’m here.

But I’m okay with my secret mission. Because my heart is thudding powerfully against my chest at the sight of them on the couch.

Having a good time. Settled in. Comfy. Cozy. And as I take in the scene, all I can think is…I could get used to this.

But I don’t just want to watch it. I want to be a part of it.Now.

I turn the corner and say, “Got an extra one for me?”

Luna pops up, grinning. “Yes! Put it on.”

A few minutes later, I’m in a hoodie and basketball shorts, green goop smeared over my face, parked on the couch with the nanny and my two favorite people in the world.

And they’ve all left their face masks on too.

“We should take a picture of you,” Luna says, nudging my arm.

I can only imagine the hell Rowan and Ford would give me if that shot went anywhere. “Maybe not,” I say.

But Parker’s waggling his phone, siding with his sister for once. “It’ll be funny.”

“It’ll be ammunition for my teammates,” I grumble.

Sabrina gives me anI dare youlook. “Like Rowan wouldn’t do it for Mia,” she says.

Damn. She’s right. He’s the guy who braids his daughter’s hair every day. Of course, he’d wear a face mask.

“Put it on your socials, Daddy,” Luna says, wearing me down.

Sabrina’s eyes twinkle. “Do it.”

“Do it,” Parker echoes.

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