Page 100 of A Better Place

Tess and Barrett are staring at us, a soft smile on my sister’s face and a cheesy grin on Barrett’s.

Maggie is watching us closely, a wistful look on her face.

“You guys kiss a lot,” is all Harper says.

“Get used to it, baby girl,” I tell her, and she starts fake gagging. I grab hold of her and squeeze her close while starting to tickle her.

“Uncle James! Stop! Oh please… ahh… stop!” she squeals through hysterics.

“Keep going?”

“No-o-o!!! Ahh! Uncle James!”

“Who’s your favorite uncle ever in the whole wide world and universe including Pluto?”

“Umm…” the little turd draws out.

I start tickling her more.

“You! You are!”

“I’m… what?”

“You’re my favorite uncle ever in the whole wide world and universe including Pluto!”

“Of course I am.” I smile and release her.

“But you still wore makeup tonight,” the smartass says.

“I’m never living this down, am I?”

“Not a chance,” Barrett says. “Now, who’s hungry?”

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