Page 53 of The Wingman

“What about Kane?”

“Oh,” she shrugs and fusses with something in her purse, like she can’t bring herself to look at me. “He just said you weren’t doing anything today, and probably wouldn’t mind.”

“How thoughtful of him, and I don’t mind.” I like her rug rats, but she’s never left me alone with them before. Not that she doesn’t trust me. She just knows when it comes to kids, I’m a little out of my element. Then again, am I? How many homes have I been in where I had to step in and be the big brother, take on the protective role?

“Uncle Rider,” Cameron says as he comes barreling down the hall, Carly and Carter right on his heel. The twins jump onto my feet for a ride and Cameron is talking nonstop about Fortnight.

“You sure you got this?” Jaclyn asks, her nose crinkled.

“Yeah, I got it.”

“There are phone numbers on the fridge if you need help, and snacks in the bag for the park. I’ll only be an hour.”

“If I need any help, I know who to call.”

“Oh, who is that?” she asks with a hand on her hip.

“Just a friend, who is good with kids.”

“Care to elaborate?”

“No, now go before you’re late.” I practically push her out the door, and three excited children bounce around me. “Okay, who wants to go to the park?” A chorus erupts around me and I scoop up Carter as he holds his hands up to me. Carly wants up too, so I put her on my other hip. “Cameron, can you grab the bag.”

We step outside and we wave Jaclyn off as I lock up and make my way down the sidewalk. We get greeted at nearly every house and I can’t help but think this neighborhood isn’t much different from Jules’. We cross the street, take the corner, and run into a yard sale. My eye instantly goes to the old round table with claw feet. The piece is old and tired, but with the right touch it could be magnificent.

I set Carly and Carter down and get all three to hold hands while I step up to the owner of the house. The little ones grumble with the delay, but no way can I walk away from such a treasure. Jules would love it and I want to put a smile on her face more than anything.

“How much for the table?”

The elderly lady with silver hair smiles at me. “Those are Jaclyn’s little ones.”

“Yeah, I’m their Uncle Rider,” I say, even though technically I’m not their uncle. Dammit, I really want to be, though.

“I know who you are,” she says. “I’m a big fan.”

“Thank you.”

“For you, that piece is two hundred dollars.”

The kids grumble some more and tug on me. The lady laughs and I whip out my wallet. “Can you hold it for me? I’ll pick it up in about an hour.”

“It’s yours.”

“I really appreciate it.”

“Good luck on Wednesday’s game.”

I eventually get the kids to the park, and Cameron heads to the slides as Carly and Carter go to the swings. I push them and keep one eye on Cameron. My God, I have no idea how Jaclyn does it. After a few minutes with the three, I’m ready for a nap.

The hour goes by pretty fast and we make our way back home to find Jaclyn pulling into the driveway. She looks far more relaxed now than she did earlier. Her face lights up when she sees us and I’m sure I spot a hint of relief in her eyes.

“How were they?”

“Excellent,” I say, and bend to give them all a hug.

“I really appreciate it, Rider. You’re a good uncle.”

“Well, I’m not really—”

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