Stumbling Into the Holidays (Stumbling Through Life #3) - Molly O'Hare Page 0,7
wondered that same question at times.
“That’s ‘cause I want to be just like my dad when I grow up.”
Ben’s heart stopped. He’d never get tired of hearing that. Since the moment they met at the dog park, Jimmy had always said the same thing. Ben’s face softened as he watched his son. “I’ll teach you everything you’ll ever need to know.”
“You sure about that?” John waved his hand up and down pointing at himself. “Why not be a dentist like your favorite uncle?”
“Eww. I don’t want to be a dentist.”
At the horror on Jimmy’s face, John jumped back as his hand went to his chest like he’d been shot again. “Eww. Really, kid? Are you really gonna say eww? If it wasn’t for my expertise your mother would have half of her tooth gone. I’m a hero.” John puffed out his chest.
“Mom would’ve looked pretty even with a chipped tooth.”
Ben’s eyes sparkled as the two bickered. “She did look adorable with it.”
“Whatever. I’m a hero.” John tossed a Santa hat at Ben’s head.
“You touch people’s mouths all the time. That’s kinda gross.” Jimmy shuddered.
“Yeah, and your Dad has to examine animal poop. Whose job’s grosser now?” John straightened his shoulders clearly happy he thought he’d won.
However, both Ben and Jimmy eyed each other before shifting back at John. “You,” they replied at the same time.
“I get zero respect here,” John scoffed before turning back to the box of decorations. “Being a dentist isn’t gross. The mouth fascinates me.”
“Why?” Jimmy asked, cocking his head to the side as he pondered it. “Why would the mouth fascinate you?”
A huge smile spread across John’s face. “I’ll tell you when you’re older.”
Ben laughed before grabbing a piece of garland from one of the boxes. He knew exactly what was coming next.
Jimmy only waited about five more seconds. “I’m older now, can you tell me?”
John shot his eyes to Ben before looking back at Jimmy at a loss for what to say.
“I’m even older now. Every second that goes by I’m older. So, which older is it? Right now older or in a minute older? I’m wasting away here as I keep getting older.”
“Ben, a little help here?”
“He’s right you know. My boy’s a smart one.”
“He didn’t get that from you.” John narrowed his eyes before turning back to Jimmy. “Once you’re way older you’ll realize just how fun mouths can be.”
“And that’s enough of that!” Ben jumped to his feet. “Jimmy, will you help me put the garland on the mantel? Mom will be super happy to see it all done when she gets home.”
“Sure!” Jimmy shouted forgetting about their conversation as he ran to the garland. As Ben caught John’s eye, he sent him a death glare.
“What? I was talking about kissing.”
“Sure, you were.” Ben tossed him back the Santa hat. “Put this on so you can look the part.”
“You sure are demanding.” John flung the hat down the hall. “I have no idea why Holly puts up with you.”
The corner of Ben’s lips quirked up. “She likes my mouth.”
John gagged. “And you say I’m bad.”
“You are bad.” As Ben held up the right side of the garland to the mantle, Waffles waddled into the living room with the discarded Santa hat in his mouth. “That’s the spirit, Waffles. Show Uncle John how much of a humbug he is.”
The Corgi plopped onto his belly as he nibbled on his newfound treasure, causing John to raise his brow at the dog. “How is that the spirit? He’s chewing on it.”
Jimmy ran to the box in the corner labeled Holiday Dog Clothes. “No, he’s not. He’s asking for someone to put it on him.” Jimmy rifled through the box until he found the dog Santa hat with the holes for ears and strap to go under his chin.
Once Jimmy grabbed the hat he ran back to Waffles. Before anything could happen, Ben tried to stop him. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Kiddo. Last year when your mom tried to put that hat on him, he almost killed her. He’s feisty when it comes to clothes now.”
“I know what Waffles wants, Dad.” Jimmy carefully took the hat and placed it on the dog’s head before securing the elastic under his chin. “There, see? Look how cute he is! Mom’s gonna love it.”
Ben stood there in awe as Waffles let Jimmy maneuver his ears so they would fit perfectly in the holes. However, the moment Waffles’ eyes caught Ben’s, he saw the annoyance. “Don’t look