Page 61 of The Only Heart that Matters

Making my last trip to the kitchen, I pull out two bottles of Gus’s favorite Mexican lager, steadying myself with yet another deep breath.

You can do this, Mia. It’s just Angus. Your lifelong friend.

Approaching the table with a little bow, I hand him his beer.

“Wow, you really thought of everything.”

“If there is one thing I know about you, it’s that you only drinkthisbeer withthismeal.”

I clink my bottle to his and sit.

“And you’re worried we need a study session tonight to make sure we convince your co-workers we’re husband and wife.”

“I don’t think knowing what kind of beer you like will be enough. Study time is a must.”

“Like I said, bossy.”

“Oh, I’ll show ya bossy.” I stand, taking the plate sitting in front of him.

On one side of the plate, I lay out two tortillas and build Angus’s tacos. Carne asada, onions, cilantro, and a lime wedge on the side. On the other side of the plate, I add rice and my favorite little side dish of black beans, sweet corn, and more cilantro.

Placing his dinner in front of him, I point to each item in the center of the table. “Homemade quac, homemade salsa, jalapenos if you want ‘em, and Juantia’s chips, because duh. And if you’re good, you might get dessert.” I end the sentence by sticking my tongue out at him.

He settles himself in his seat. “I like this side of you, Goof.”

I like it too. Not the bossy part. The feeding him part.

“Mama, me too?”

“Yes, baby.”

I pick up his Paw Patrol plate and fill one section with rice. In another section, I already have his applesauce and cut up cheese quesadilla. His matching Paw Patrol spoon is clutched in his chubby little hand, and don’t forget the matching sippy cup of milk. He’ll likely wear more of his meal than he will eat, but that’s okay tonight.

With his plate in front of him, he says, “Deet do.”

“You’re welcome, sweetie.”

“Seriously, I think the way he says thank you is the cutest thing I’ve ever heard,” Angus comments, watching Sawyer in wonder as he devours his applesauce.

“I know, right? However, the mess he’s about to make won’t be so cute, but we’ll let him have some fun tonight. I promise no harm will come to your floors.”

“I noticed the tarp under his chair. You think of everything, don’t you?”

“It’s part of being a mom.”

“Well, he’s got a pretty good one, if you ask me.”

The heat on my face tells me he likely knows his compliment did something to me and that’s the last thing I need. So, I pretend he didn’t say anything.

“Don’t let your food get cold. Eat up.”

“Eat up!” Sawyer exclaims, lifting a spoonful of his rice into his mouth. Most of it falls down the front of him. He tries to catch it, scooping it up and shoveling it in his mouth.

Angus chuckles and takes a bite while I load up my plate. By the time I’m seated, he’s swallowing the last bites of his first taco, looking at me like I’ve done something wrong.

“What’s wrong?”

“Not a thing. It’s just so damn good it pisses me off.”

---