“Well, I’m not like that now.”
“That’s because you married a boy even lazier than you. You had no choice but to grow out of it.”
“I guess you’re right. I won’t let Oliver grow up that way.”
She patted Hannah’s shoulder. “That’s my girl.”
After her mother walked away, she went down the hall and into her room. Now that she’d gotten Oliver started on getting ready, she had to do the same. She’d already showered, but she had to get dressed and put her makeup on. The weather was nice today. The temperature wasn’t unbearable for a change, so she put on a pair of capris and a short-sleeved T-shirt and slid into her canvas tennis shoes. After applying makeup, she brushed her hair and put it in a high ponytail. Perfect for a festival. She didn’t have to be glamorous, and it wasn’t a date, anyway. Anytime you brought your kid on an outing, it wasn’t a date.
After Oliver got out of the shower, she went into his room to supervise the rest of his routine, since he tended to get easily distracted. He got dressed and put on his shoes. She made sure he combed his hair and brushed his teeth. After that, he was required to pick up his room, since it looked like a tornado had swept through it after he’d slept. They’d argued about that, too.
It was just going to be that kind of day.
By the time Kal showed up, she was already exhausted and would have happily opted to spend the day curled up on the sofa reading a book.
He swept his knuckles over her cheek. “You look tired.”
“Kid’s giving me a hard time today.”
“Boys. They’ll do that. Or at least that’s what my mom always told us.”
She smiled. “Please tell me you grow out of it.”
“Some of us do and become amazing specimens of the male species.” He gave her a wickedly sexy smile.
She raised her hand and coughed into it. “Sure. Keep believing that.”
“Hi, Kal.” Oliver ran over and put his arms around Kal’s middle.
Kal seemed surprised but looked over at Hannah and grinned before hugging Oliver back. “Hey, buddy. How’s it going?”
“Mom made me take a shower.”
“Did you stink?”
“I dunno. Maybe.”
“Then you probably needed one. I took a shower, too. Now we can both smell good for your mom today. How’s that?”
“Okay, I guess. When are we going? I’m bringing my Iron Man costume. Jeff is going as Black Panther. Are you wearing a costume?”
“That sounds perfect. I’m not wearing a costume, buddy. How could I possibly compete with your awesomeness?”
Oliver laughed. “Mom, can I go get Jeff?”
“Sure, honey, but be careful.”
“Okay. I’ll be right back, Kal. Don’t leave without me.”
“I’ll be here.”
Oliver ran out the front door just as Hannah’s mother came down the hall.
“Hi, Kal.”
“Hello, Paige. How’s it going?”
“Oh, you know. Aging by the minute.”
He laughed. “Don’t believe it. Look at how beautiful you are. Are you coming with us today?”
She shook her head as she grabbed her purse. “No. I have plans with a certain gentleman for brunch.”
“Wait.” Hannah frowned. “I didn’t hear about this.”
Her mother came over and kissed her cheek, then patted her arm. “No, you didn’t, did you? You all have a nice time today.”
Hannah just stared after her mother as she walked out the door. “Huh. I had no idea she was even seeing someone.”
“Maybe it’s a first date and she doesn’t want to talk about it just yet.”
“Maybe.” It was none of her business who her mother saw anyway. But it was great that she was getting out and seeing someone.
Kal stepped over and pulled her into his arms. “Before the kids come back.”
He brought his lips to hers and kissed her. It was light and easy, but enough to let her know he’d been thinking about her. She fell into the kiss that suddenly turned more passionate, making her wish they had more time alone.
He pulled back and swiped his thumb over her bottom lip. “Damn.”
“Yeah,” she said, blowing out a breath. “I wish we had more time, too.”
“We’ll make the time. Somewhere. And today we’ll have some fun with the boys.”
She smiled, happy that he wasn’t frustrated or mad. “We will. I have a bag packed with donations for today. I got some hygiene items and some socks and a box of diapers for the homeless shelter.”
“Oh, that’s great. I have some stuff, too. I know they’ll appreciate it.”
The boys burst through the door. Jeff flung his backpack by the door, and they