Page 163 of Forever

“Can we go to the park then?” Scarlett asked.

“Not today. We’re on our way to Aunt Brooklyn’s.”

I smiled. It was the first time I’d heard anyone call Brooklyn that.

“But I want to play kickball with Jacob and Uncle Matt,” Scarlett said.

“As fun as that sounds…” Penny smiled at me and then looked back down at Scarlett. “You get to get ready for the wedding with all girls and you finally get to wear your yellow dress.”

Scarlett’s eyes grew round. “Okay, Mommy, you have a deal.”

She was terrible at negotiating. But I’d teach her more about making proper boardroom deals after the wedding.

“James!” Penny called over her shoulder. “We’re heading out.”

James walked into the hall in nothing but boxers. He was taking the skin on skin thing a little too seriously. But Liam was sleeping peacefully in his arms.

“See you in a few hours.” He kissed Penny’s cheek. “And be good, pumpkin,” he said to Scarlett and kissed the top of her head.

“I’m always good,” Scarlett said.

Eh.She’d literally just answered the door even though she knew it was against the rules.

But James didn’t disagree with her.

Penny pushed a little hair off of Liam’s forehead. “Have fun guys,” she said. “If you need anything just call me.” Which was code for: If Liam wakes up and starts crying, I’ll come back to help.

But we had this.

Jacob watched the two of them walk out the door, his eyes trained on Scarlett the whole time.

She waved down at him and then blew him a kiss.

Jacob’s cheeks turned rosy.

It was the cutest thing ever.

Jacob turned toward me after the door closed. “Can’t I go with Scarlett? Pleeeeease?”

“Nope,” James said. He didn’t seem to think it was as cute as I did.

“You get to get ready with all the guys,” I said. “I promise it’ll be fun.”

Jacob eyed James warily.

And so did I. “Where are your pants, man?” I asked him.

“I’ll change into my tux in a few hours.”

“Changing kind of requires an outfitchange. Not just putting on clothes.”

James laughed. “Liam burped up on my shirt earlier.”

That still didn’t explain his lack of pants. But it was his house. I just didn’t want to give Jacob any ideas. He’d finally started wearing clothes thanks to Tanner’s Odegaard line that I was pretty sure was exclusively for Jacob.

“Don’t worry, Jacob,” James said. “We’re going to have fun.”

“Are we playing football again?” Jacob asked.

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