Page 106 of Tangled Emotions

“Frank? Who’s Frank?” Matt’s voice raised as he continued to look between us. “That’s not Frank. Mom this is Doc.”

“Mattie.” I pointed at the man leaning on the counter. “That is Frank.”

“TheFrank?” His eyes opened wide. “The Frank you went on a date with?” Recognition covered his face as he jumped in place. “MOM!”

“Matthew, calm down.”

“OH MY GOD!” He started spinning in circles.

“Mattie?”

“DO YOU KNOW WHO HE IS?”

“Matt. The house is not on fire.”

“Mom!”

“What?” I finally yelled back.

“He’s Doc!” He jumped up and down. “This is Doc.” With his feet stomping, he continued yelling. “YourFrank ismyDoc!”

“I think we broke him.” Frank laughed.

“Did you know about this?”

He shrugged. “I was invited to dinner to meet a very special lady.” He stepped over to me. “I recognized the address and decided it was an offer I needed to say yes to.”

“Mattie?” I walked over to my son. “Did you set this up?”

“I told you.” He nodded. “I knew Doc would be perfect for us.”

“He is.”

“So he’s gonna be my dad?”

“Slow down.” I held my hands up. “There are things that have to be talked about. You can’t just assume …”

“Doc, will you be my dad?”

Wow.

“I’d be honored to be your dad, but we need to have a man to man about that and a few other things.”

“We can do that.”

“I don’t know about you two, but I am starving.” Frank rubbed his belly.

“I could eat.”

“Mom. Doc. I made you macaroni and cheese with chicken nuggets.” Matt smiled proudly.

“How about we all eat together?” Frank suggested.

“You want me to stay for your date?”

“Edith? Can we have a moment?” Frank motioned between him and Matt.

“Sure.” I stepped into the living room, staying close to eavesdrop.

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