Page 107 of Never Really Over

I chuckle and take her by the shoulders, moving her toward the kitchen, Maverick hot on our heels.

Layla doesn’t comment on the fact that Poppy’s wearing exactly what was planned, but Natalia does.

“I thought you didn’t want to wear that.”

“Maverick approved,” Poppy replies, as if that makes all the sense in the world.

“I’m going to have Maverick pick out my outfit, too,” Natalia announces.

Poppy gives her a smile and we quickly eat some breakfast before loading up everyone in the oversized SUV. Natalia had made it clear that she wanted to come with us to drop off Poppy for her first day of school, and neither Layla nor I wanted to miss it, either, so we made it a family affair.

By the time we make it to Poppy’s classroom, her nerves had vanished, probably because she was greeted by three friends. Jenna, Missy, and Tori “happened” to be dropping off at the exact same time, which means that the kids run inside giggling and making plans to meet up at recess.

Layla, of course, has to wipe away tears from her cheeks as we’re driving away from the school, and Natalia doesn’t miss it. “You’ll cry next week when I go, too, Mommy. You cry all the time.”

I snort out a laugh and Layla rolls her eyes.

“Are we going to Grandma and Grandpa’s now?”

“Yeah. They have a fun day planned,” I tell Natalia, meeting her eyes in the rearview mirror. “You going to be on your best behavior? No crazy business, got it?”

She huffs. “I know, Daddy.”

Layla smiles to herself, looking out the window.

Stan and Maureen live only a few minutes away from the elementary school, in Maureen’s house that Layla was raised in. After they got married only a year after Layla and I did, they’d considered buying something else and even looked at building, but ultimately decided to stay in the house that felt like home.

Layla, Stan, and Dalton still work together, though Stan is slowly phasing himself out of the business. He’s ready for retirement and knows that Layla and Dalton can handle it.

Best of all, though, is the way he treats our children. He’s the best grandpa our kids could ask for. And today grandpa and grandma are having a special day with the kids so Layla and I can have a special day to ourselves.

Stan greets us at the door, brilliant smile on his face when Chase and Natalia run to greet him.

“Drop off go okay?”

“Had a little wardrobe meltdown but once she got there, she was excited.”

“I’m sure she’ll do great. Want coffee or are you in a rush to get going? I have some decaf for you,” he tells Layla.

Iamin a rush to get going, but they’re nice enough to take our kids for the day so we’ll make time for a cup of coffee.

Inside, Maureen is gathering the ingredients to bake whatever she has planned, something she tends to do with them whenever they come over. The kids tackle her legs with tight hugs. “What are we making, Grandma?” Natalia wonders.

She leans down, gathering them both in her arms and kissing their cheeks. “Was thinking about some monster cookies for my little monsters.”

“Yay!” they both cheer before rushing to the living room, Chase jumping up to give Stan a high-five before he follows his sister.

Maureen watches them go, smiling. “I want to have Poppy over after school in a couple days. I’m sure she’ll be exhausted tonight, but I’d like to get in a routine of picking her up once a week, if that’s okay with you two.”

“Of course, Mom. She’d love that.”

“Dalton and Bridget are coming with the kids for dinner on Saturday. Sound good?”

“Is that an invitation?” I ask.

Maureen gives me a look. “Of course it’s an invitation. We want to have a family dinner to celebrate the first week of school.”

“That sounds great. Let us know what you want us to bring.”

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