Page 39 of The Moment He Saw Her

“Just yuck,” Dan said, sticking his fingers in his ears.

“And no, we are not saying anything because it’s none of our business,” Ryder said.

“He’s always in our business,” Brody added.

“Pick up the pace here, people. There is no way we’re winning with y’all running like snails!”

“Did your kid just y’all us?” Ryder demanded.

“Let’s go, boys,” Zoe said, surging ahead.

It was annoying, but unless he did something about it, his sister would always be fitter than him and never fail to tell him so.

“You know we’re letting you take the lead because you’re so competitive, right?” Sawyer wheezed.

“Dad told me you were fit!” Ally roared.

“She’s getting double chores tonight,” Brody hissed.

“And send her to bed without food,” Dan added.

“Maybe not food, because you know how she likes to eat, but no ice cream or anything sweet,” Ryder added. His side was starting to burn with a stitch. “We’re not in bad shape. I work out.”

“But you don’t do enough cardio!” Ally shrieked through the megaphone.

“I’m taking that thing off her, Brody. I don’t care if she’s a kid,” Sawyer said, increasing his pace to draw level with Zoe.

“Go, team Duke!”

“You have to be kidding me,” Ryder said. His mom was outside her house sitting on a deck chair, drinking out of a to-go mug. She had a blanket over her knees and was wearing gloves. Ted and Sylvie were now getting love from their nana.

“What has she got on her head?” Zoe asked.

It was camouflage and had earflaps and a long peak.

“One of Red and Dee’s kids came into the library, and Mom helped them with a project over a few days. They came back with that as a thank-you. Mom loves it,” Dan said.

“Why?” Brody asked.

“Give me aD!” their mother called, and Ally responded through the megaphone with aD, and on it went until they got to thee.

“Makes you real happy we only have four letters in our name,” Sawyer muttered. “Thanks, Mom!”

They all raised their hands.

“You’re not very fast!” she called after them. “I have someone in the house who is going to help you.”

Ryder watched in horror as Bart burst through the front door. He then ran after them.

“Speed up!” Brody wheezed.

But it was no good; Bart caught them.

“Well now, I can see why your mother and Ally asked for my help,” he said, wedging himself between Zoe and Ryder. “Let’s get you guys in shape.”

“I don’t think there is long enough,” Dan said.

“Shouldn’t you be fit for your job?” Zoe asked.

---