Page 52 of Sweet Thing

Theo was making Mabel giggle with nose boops, two shameless flirts instantly drawn to each other. A couple more players skated over.

“Aw, look at those cheeks.” Jacobs leaned over and stroked Mabel’s head. “As soon as Zara saw photos of Mabel, she started hinting about another kid. I wouldn’t mind a boy this time.” He nodded at me. “You should bring her over for a playdate. Z’s got a mommy-baby group she hangs with.”

“Maybe.” I wasn’t sure about her establishing bonds with other kids only to have them broken when she went back to Vicki.

“She can make her debut at the party,” Theo said. “Have you figured out her costume yet?”

“The party?”

“Halloween party at Chez Kershaw?” Straightening, he gripped the wall and addressed Adeline. “You haven’t told him?”

“We’ve had other things on our minds, Dad.” She caught my eye and bit her lip. We certainly had.

No one seemed to notice the awkward pause, probably because Theo plowed right through it as usual. His tactlessness was so often a gift.

“But no one misses our Halloween party! It’s legendary. Just wait until you see what I’m doing.”

“Saturday night?” That was five days away and we had a game the night before. I shared a quick glance with my nanny. “Adeline needs a night off. I can’t expect her to mind Mabel at a party.” In other news, I was looking forward to sleeping. A Halloween party was not on my radar.

“We can probably find a costume for the little ’un,” Theo said, oblivious to my objections. “Tilly’s outgrown tons of stuff.”

“I’ll make her costume.” Apparently, Iwasgoing to the party.

“Make it?” Jakey went wide-eyed. “Like on a sewing machine?”

Jesus, no. “I’ll figure it out. I can actually buy stuff for my kid.”

Theo’s lips twitched. “Yeah, I know. Just trying to make it easier.” He leaned over and kissed his daughter. “Sorry you have to put up with this grouch.”

“It’s okay. I’m an expert on grouches.” She put her tongue out at Hatch, who made a face and told her he’d see her at the exit.

The rest of them skated off, the locker room their goal.

“Looks like I’m on the hook for a Halloween costume then. Any ideas?”

“Oh, you didn’t want anyone’s help a minute ago.”

I shook my head, feeling foolish, and not just because of how I’d snapped at my teammate. “I hate appearing helpless, like everyone needs to pitch in for sad old Lars.”

“Dad’s just trying to help. We all are. And on that topic, I’ve been thinking we probably should take her to the doctor for a check-up?” She looked like she was planning her next words carefully. “Mom will have a recommendation. That okay?”

“Of course. I don’t mean to sound like a total asshole who wants to do it all his way.” Especially when my way was meandering and clueless.

“You’re just proud. It’s not a bad thing, but Mabel comes first.” She spoke with that soft strength I so admired. “I’ll ask Mom and try to get a doctor’s appointment for when you’re available.”

What would I do without this angel in my life?Probably get a good night’s sleep.

“Also, that’s not a bad idea about setting up playdates with other kids,” she continued. “Socialization can’t start too early, and Jane is a sweetheart.”

“Jane?”

“Cody and Zara’s little one. She’s almost two.”

Right, I’d sent a gift when she was born and thanked my lucky stars I didn’t have to worry about constantly checking in with the missus and worrying about a kid.No, not me, not ever.How the mighty had fallen.

“You know best.”

Her brow wrinkled. “So, just wanted to say hi. I should go because Hatch, lunch, and all that.”

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