Page 10 of Big Bad Single Wolf Dad

“No way!” she says, catching it with two hands. “You lied!”

“I sneaked,” I say, used to the accusation. “There’s nothing in the rulebook that says I can’t take my time.”

“That’s true.” Ethan shrugs. I’m glad I have his approval.

After Mia’s turn, which saw the ball hidden under a fragrant bush whose name I can’t pronounce, I bring my date and all the kids inside. Knowing Mike, he’s had plenty of time to get the family game room situated, plus clean up whatever mess he’s no doubt made in the process.

“You’re going to love it!” Lily-bear says to Mia as we enter through one of the stained-glass back doors.

“How do you know?” I ask, wondering when she managed to get a look in the game room.

“Because I peeked!” she replies, running giddily ahead of us.

“She’s always like that, unfortunately,” Noah tells Sarah. “But she grows on you, I promise.”

“I believe you,” Sarah replies with a smile. “I was the same way when I was her age. Precocious and nosy.”

“Maybe it’s a girl thing,” Mia suggests. “Because I’m the same.”

“Me too! Me too! I’m very precocious,” Ollie chimes in.

“Define precocious,” Noah demands.

“Tell me what define means and I will,” Ollie quips, sticking out his tongue as we all follow Lily-bear’s excited giggles.

The large room looks better than I thought it would, with the normal arcade corner, soda bar, and indoor jungle gym in their normal spots.

“Whoa! Is that a trampoline?” Ethan points to the center of the room excitedly.

“Built right into the floor,” Noah explains. “It’s as fun as it looks, too. Just saying.”

“But you know what’s also fun?” I ask, really hoping the kids will like the little contest I’ve made for them. Knowing vampires and werewolves both have great eyesight and aim, I had Mike cover the entire far wall of the room with balloons of various sizes.

“Balloons! Balloons!” Ollie claps his hands wildly. “I’m so good at this game.”

“But we’ll let our guests go first?” I ask though I’m really insisting.

“Of course! I’ll explain.” Ollie looks around the room, no doubt for the treasure chest we lined with felt and loops to hold our darts. “The goal is to hit the smallest balloons you can.”

“Then why are there bigger ones?” Mia asks, and I wonder if she’s nervous about aiming in front of so many people.

“Practice and fewer points,” Noah adds. “We have dull arrows, too, if you prefer a bow.”

“Oh, I’m sold.” Ethan smiles as I get silent confirmation that I can, in fact, give Sarah’s son a bow and arrow.

“Only if I get a turn, too.” Sarah smiles and heads over to the balloons.

The next hour or so is spent popping every balloon taped to the game room wall. I lose track of who does best, though Ethan and Mia do much better with the smaller ones than either Noah or Ollie expected.

“I knew you would do great!” Lily says to Ethan as Mia makes easy work of the last balloon on the wall. She, too, preferred the dull arrows.

“Well, I’m embarrassed,” Sarah says, though I doubt to death she actually means it. “Here I thought I was a decent tosser.”

“Pitcher,” Mia corrects.

“Aimer,” Ollie adds.

“Well, whatever it’s called, I’ll watch next time.” She bends down to pick up one of the tattered latex pieces as my heart skips a beat.

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