Page 17 of Tinsel in Telluride

My jaw drops and I pin a murderous glare in Luca’s direction. Thankfully, he’s still ignoring me. I don’t have to explain why I’m ready to yank that damn hat away and pretend the last five minutes never happened.

I know I’m overreacting.

I know it’s not a slight against me.

Zach just likes the hat.

At least he remembered his manners.

But then why does it feel like Luca just won for Dad of the Year when he’s known the kid all of ten seconds?

“You’re welcome,” Luca says, his eyes still locked on my son, not understanding the huge feat he’s just accomplished as he continues to ignore me. “You ready to go, bud?”

“Go!” Zach repeats loudly, clutching his stuffed horse to his chest with one hand and reaching out to offer Luca his other hand.

Why couldn’t I have had a kid with crippling stranger danger? No, instead he takes to people like a fish to water and strives to be everyone’s best friend.

Without looking back, Luca and Zach walk hand in hand to the SUV. As I follow behind, my heart constricts in my chest, and I fight the feeling that I’m losing my son.

It’s irrational, but that doesn’t stop it from sticking to the forefront of my brain like dog hair on a black shirt.

Maybe this was a mistake.

Luca and Zach reach the car, and I realize his car seat is still on the plane.

“Wait, we need to grab his car seat,” I call out as Luca opens the back door.

Without acknowledging me, Luca picks Zach up and places him in the car. “I already had one installed.”

“Oh,” I mumble, and I’m not sure if I should be impressed or irritated by his forethought with only twenty-four hours' notice.

Definitely impressed, right?

He buckles Zach in, which I double check to make sure is tight enough and the straps are in the right place.

Of course they are. And here I was worried about him not putting in the effort. Instead, he’s ten steps ahead of me and ready to take my place.

If he is Zach’s dad, would he really do that?

Would he take him from me?

No. Right?

My breath seizes and I grip the car door for support as I close my eyes and try to calm my racing heart.

Breathe in.

And out.

Zach will always be my son. He’s not going anywhere.

I open my eyes and see the smiling face of the little boy that is my world.

“Go, Momma.”

His sweet little voice is enough to ground me.

Leaning in, I press a kiss to his forehead. “Yup, we’re gonna go.”

---