Page 60 of In The Game

He blinks at me. “They’re tired from being so cute all day.”

I chuckle. “That’s a koala-ty joke.”

His eyes grow big and he laughs like it’s the funniest thing he’s ever heard. Which only makes me laugh more.

“Mom, did you hear Barrett’s joke?”

“I did, he’s a funny guy, huh?”

“You are a koala-ty guy!” He’s almost five and this is the first time his father’s ever read him a bedtime story. I’m definitelynota koala-ty dad.

Raleigh holds out three books for him to choose from. He picks one about a mouse and a yellow blanket. I read him the story, loving every second. When he laughs at my various character voices, it makes me feel on top of the world. I can’t believe she gets to do this every night. I wish I could too.

When I’m finished, I close the book. “And they all lived happily ever after.”

He furrows his brow and sits up. “That’s not in the story.”

“No, I freestyled that part.”

“What’s ever after?”

“It’s another way of saying forever. After the mother mouse fixed his blanket, they were happy forever—happily ever after.”

He thinks on it for a second.

“That’s nice.”

I nod. “Thanks for letting me read you a story and have dinner with you and your mom tonight.”

“You’re welcome. Thank you for my presents.”

“You bet. Sleep tight, Arthur.” I stand and hold my fist out to him, then he bumps his knuckles against it.

I step back and lean against the doorway, letting Raleigh crouch down to say good night. I’m grateful to witness this sweet, private moment between them. Appreciating her more than ever before.

She rises to her feet and flips off the light.

“I hope you are happily ever after, Barrett,” he calls.

My lips curl up into a smile. “I hope you are happily ever after too, bud. Good night.”

“Good night.” He waves.

“Open, cracked, or shut, kiddo?” Raleigh asks.

“Shut.”

“You got it. Sweet dreams, I love you,” she says.

“Love you too.”

Raleigh and I retreat into the hall, and she clicks his door shut.

She straightens the throw pillows on the sofa when we enter the living room. I sit down and pat the spot next to me. Before she sends me away, I need her to see this.

“There’s something I want to show you.”

“What?”

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