Page 24 of Feels Like Love
“That looks like fun.” I gave my mom a kiss on the cheek. “Hi, Mom.”
“Hi, sweetheart. Good day?”
“Yeah. Busy,” I huffed. The past week had been hectic, and it was only going to get worse as we headed into wedding season.
“You’re always so busy,” she said. “When was the last time you did anything nice for yourself?”
I laughed. “Does baking count?”
“If it makes you feel good, helps you relax, then yes. What else?”
“Well, I was going to see if you and Dad could watch River next Friday night.”
“I’m sure that won’t be a problem. He can even spend the night if he wants to. River—” she turned to him “—do you want to have a sleepover with Grandpa and me next weekend?”
“Yes,please!”
I laughed. “Great. Thank you.”
“What do you have planned?” she asked. “And it better not be work-related.”
I hesitated a moment then mouthed, “A date.” She grinned, and I added, “Please don’t tell Liam.” He was always so critical of the guys I dated. I was the one dating them, not him. Not that it ever lasted long.
“Don’t tell Uncle Liam what?” River’s little ears were always listening, even when he seemed completely absorbed in a task.
“About the birthday surprise we’re planning,” Mom said, hugging River from behind.
“What birthday surprise?” River asked.
“That’s what we have to work on.” She smiled, and he nodded, resuming his painting.
“Are you sure? I know you already watch him a lot already.”
“Absolutely! Are you kidding? More time with my favorite grandchild?”
“Grandma.” River rolled his eyes. “I’m your only grandchild.”
“That doesn’t mean you can’t still be my favorite.” She kissed the top of his head. “I thought we might do some shopping.”
He stilled and turned to face her, excitement pinging through his little body. “What kind of shopping?”
“Well, we need to get a present for Aiden, right? His birthday’s coming up like Uncle Liam’s.”
“Yeah. Yeah.” He nodded. “I think we should get him a hoverboard.”
She laughed. “We’ll have to look into it. And I noticed some of your clothes are getting a little small.”
“Oh, they totally are.” He nodded, eyes wide. “Oh. Oh. And can we go to that awesome dress-up store?”
“The one with all the boas?”
“Yeah. Yes. Please.” Now he really was jumping up and down. He was too cute when he got excited. I was grateful that he was so close to my parents.
“Of course.” Mom smiled at him, totally doting on her grandson.
“Woo-hoo!” In his excitement, River flung some of the shaving cream into the air. It landed right on my shirt with a wet plop.
“Oops!” He cringed, trying and failing not to laugh.
