Page 68 of Bake You Mine
“Maybe, maybe not,” she said, taking the stairs in a fashion not unlike her daughter.
Liam met his mother outside the hay bales display that marked the entrance to the festival, which was taking place in the school’s backfield. His siblings were already inside with the kids.
“So, is Aubrey coming today?”
“Yes, Ma. Her ex is bringing Daphne, but she’s swinging by for a bit.”
The festival was a fundraiser-slash-field day for the school, with vendors, rides, and other fun activities. The kids had a half-day, so they were wild-eyed as they ran around.
He spotted Kiki and Brody at one of the booths. Kiki was tugging on Joanie’s hand, trying to persuade her mother to buy her cotton candy. Kiki went to kindergarten in the afternoon, so they’d drop her off at the adjacent elementary school after.
“Oh look, Nonna and Uncle Liam are here!” Joanie steppedpast them and whispered in Liam’s ear, “Emergency court hearing. Can you take over? Kiki knows I have to leave.”
She didn’t wait for an answer before hustling off.
Kiki turned and saw Liam, and she leaped into his arms, expecting him to catch her. Which, of course, he did.
“Oof, you’re getting too old for this, Kiki.”
“I’m still a baby.”
He laughed as she nuzzled against him.
They met with Brandon, Becky, and Brody at a jewelry vendor. Kiki begged for a necklace (which he bought her). Brody wanted to go on all the fun fair rides (Liam complied). What’s the point of being the funcle if you couldn’t spoil your nieces and nephews, especially if the parents were obliging?
He leaned on a hay bale, eyes glued on Kiki and Brody going up and around the miniature Ferris wheel, when he felt a tug on his arm.
He turned from the candy apple booth, assuming it was his mother. Instead, he found Aubrey and Daphne.
“Hi, Liam!”
“Hey!” He held up his hands, and Daphne double high-fived him. “Hey, Aubs.” He smiled at her, and she grinned as her jarhead ex ambled up.
“What are you doing here?” Chris asked.
Liam didn’t owe the prick an explanation, but Chris was Daphne’s dad. Best to rise above the pettiness. “Waiting for my niece and nephew to finish on the Ferris wheel.” He pointed to Kiki and Brody, who waved every time they looped close.
“Do you think we could ride the Spook Boat ride together?” Daphne asked.
Before he could answer, his mother approached. “Why hello there, Daphne. Aren’t you the cutest thing ever?”
Liam had to admit the kid was cute, with Aubrey’s dark hairand miniature face. Today, she wore red glasses that matched her bright-red jacket.
“Hi, Mrs. Linley. Do you think Brody and I can ride the Spook Boat together?”
The young man in question burst through the exit gate of the ride, clutching his little cousin’s hand. “Hi, Daphne!”
“Hi, Brody!”
During this exchange, Becky and Brandon returned and said hello to Aubrey, which only made her ex roll his eyes.
Liam’s mother herded all the kids toward the ride.
“How do you know my kid, anyway?” Chris asked.
“Aubrey and I have been working together a lot. I’ve only met Daphne a couple of times. She’s in the same class as my nephew. I’m here for him.”
That earned him a grunt. “Don’t you think you’re too young for her?”
