Page 18 of Stick Play

“My dad told me about them when I was little. I wished for a mommy and got one, and then I wished for a baby brother.”

“I’m your baby brother,” Tate beams.

“I should wish for a daddy?” Zoe asks.

Camryn shrugs. “If you want one.”

“Do you like having a daddy?”

She folds her hands and puts them to her heart. “I love my daddy.”

“I should wish for a daddy,” she states.

What the fuck is happening in my life? Are kids always this chatty, and do they always talk about important things, and what the hell was Noah thinking, telling Camryn there were wish lumps. Jesus. I’m about two seconds from telling them there is no such thing as wish lumps, but I don’t want to burst anyone’s bubble.

“Whipped cream,” Gina yells, as she draws all the attention to herself. “Open up.” Zoe opens her mouth and Gina sprays some in.

“Me, me,” Tate yells, and she does the same to him and then Camryn.

Wanting to change the subject, again, I spray the pan with oil and pour Tate’s batter in, as I ask, “What do you guys want to do today?” I really have no idea how I’m going to entertain these three.

“I want to go sledding,” Zoe squeals.

I nod. “That could be fun. Do you all have sleds?”

Tate shifts on his chair. “I want to swim.”

“A bit too chilly for that, bud.”

“Uncle Ash, you’re silly. He means at the indoor pool at White Sands,” Camryn explains.

Oh right, I forgot that Noah and Brighton’s resort has an indoor pool. “The roads aren’t great and it’s a bit of a drive, so let’s just do something in the city today.” I flip his pancake, and he breathes in the aroma. “First we’re going to clear the walkway and driveway, okay?”

“Thank you,” Gina says.

“Are you fully staffed today?”

“Sherry is still off sick.” She picks up her phone and checks it. “Nothing from Carla or Andre, so hopefully they’re both coming in today, and with you taking care of these three, I can make it work.”

She glances at the clock. “Go on and get ready. I’ve got this under control, for now.” She smiles at me. “I just have to keep them away from the pool for the rest of the weekend.” She arches a brow. “Noodles,” I explain. “I know what Tate is up to.”

Her laugh curls around me as her hand lands on my back. For the briefest of seconds, as she leans forward, I think she’s going to kiss me. We can’t kiss in front of the kids. No way am I about to give them anything to talk about. I don’t want Zoe to think I’m going to be her daddy or anything crazy like that. This is a friends with benefits relationship, and come the end of the weekend, when everyone returns home from the Caribbean, and Gina’s sitter is back, I’m sure this will all end, and that’s for the best.

“You better flip it.”

“Flip what?” I ask, my brain no longer working as Gina continues to stand close.

“My pancake,” Tate yells.

“Oh right.” I slide the spatula under it and flip it over. “It’s perfect.”

“You sure you got this?” Gina asks.

No, I’m not sure. “Yeah, it’s all good. Go get dressed. I’ll have a pancake ready for you when you get back.”

“Do you want lumps in yours, Mommy?” Zoe asks.

She kisses her daughter on the forehead. “I have you and that’s all I ever wished for.”

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