Page 19 of Night of the Living Manny
“You got it. Here’s Moose’s bowl, Britt.” Brenden moved around the kitchen, clearly well familiar now.
“Moosey Moosey Bo-Boosey!” she sang, making both him and Brenden laugh.
Silly little girl. She was loving having a dog here. He’d never felt as if he had the time for one, but Brenden was there all day, so it was a great thing.
Hell, Brenden being there was a great thing, full stop.
It was nice to know someone was here. Taking care of the kids and the house. Helping. Liam had missed having another adult around. The smell of eggs and sausage and toast filled the air, and his headache eased a tiny bit. “You rock, Brenden. Thanks.”
“Hey, not a problem. I love to cook.” That glinting grin was amazing. He loved Brenden’s look, all shaggy gold hair and green eyes.
It made a dull ache grow in the pit of his belly, which was totally inappropriate, but true.
Plates appeared on the table. “I’ll see if the other two want breakfast. Be right back.”
He’d guarantee Susanna would say no and Peter would eat enough for eight grown men. The kid had a hollow leg.
To his everlasting surprise, Susanna stomped back downstairs to plop a stack of papers on the table. “Homework done. Is there still blackberry jam, Brenden?”
“There is.” Brenden winked at him, and Liam supposed his surprise was clear.
“What?” she snarled.
“Nothing. So, what do you and Shelly have planned? Something fun?” Liam asked.
“Shopping.”
Liam frowned. “Where?” They were a ways from anything, and he wasn’t approving it unless Shelly’s mom was driving.
“Shelly’s mom is going to take us to that new shopping center. There’s a Forever 21 and a Michaels and a Burlington.”
“Do you need some money?” That was fair enough. She’d been trying hard, and despite her attitude, she had finished her homework.
“I have thirty dollars I’ve saved from my birthday, but….”
Liam grabbed his wallet from the table and handed her two twenties. “Here.” He knew she’d been eyeing a certain pair of jeans.
“Thanks, Dad.” She actually smiled at him. Wow. Hero dad.
“You’re welcome, honey.” Okay, he could maybe get him another cup of coffee. He looked at his cup. Oh, right, Brenden. Refill.
“Want more cream?” Brenden asked.
Pete appeared silently and began loading a plate with mounds of food.
“Morning, son.” Liam held out his cup for a shot of cream. “How’s it going?”
“Long night. I got plans today?” Peter asked.
“Not that I know of, if homework’s done.”
“Cool. Gonna go back to bed after breakfast.” Pete yawned before settling at the table, a mountain of eggs and sausage on his plate. Only one square of toast, though.
“You’re gonna eat all that?” Brenden asked, his eyes wide.
“He’s, like, a champion eater,” Susanna said. “It’s sorta gross and sorta cool.”
“Mostly cool. Eggs, please? Moosey-Boosey is fed.” Brittany sat at the table.
