Page 69 of Loving Kai

She smiled. “You’re taking him?”

“I thought he might like it.”

“I’d love to come with you guys.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“I’m not sure how late I’ll stay. He might hate it. But the kids' events are in the afternoon. I know he’s not quite a kid yet, but still.”

“I’m sure he’ll love the animals and all the excitement.”

“Yeah. I think so, too. Then I’ll be bringing him home to my place for our first night alone.”

“How do you feel about that?”

“Semi-confident. He’s been sleeping in my room at Mom’s. So, I think we’ll be okay.”

“I’m sure you will.”

“So, you want to meet me at my house at three?”

“Sounds good. Are we taking the truck?”

“My mother told me I can’t put Kai in the front seat, so I borrowed her SUV until I can get something.”

“Of course. Makes sense.” She smiled.

“What?”

“That’s probably hard for you. Giving up your truck.”

“I’m not getting rid of it. I still need it to haul my bikes.” He took another bite of pizza. “Assuming I ever get to ride them again.”

Maggie put a hand on his shoulder. “You will.”

“I’m signed up for a race next month.”

“I’ll babysit for you.”

“Really?”

“I told you I wanted to help.”

He nodded. “We’ll see how the next few weeks go.”

Abe stopped by his house after work to make sure it was ready for Kai to come tomorrow after the rodeo. He stood in the living room. “Okay, house. We can do this. I promise not to let him destroy you if you promise to keep him safe.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m talking to my house.”

He did a quick pass through the house, then left and headed to his parents’. Milo’s car was there, and Abe parked next to it. So far, only Luke and Justin had met Kai. Abe would introduce him to Gentry tomorrow at the rodeo, and Wes planned to come by the house on Sunday evening after Abe got off work. That would be all the adults in the family. He was sure he’d meet the kids before too long.

Abe went into the house and found Milo and John in the living room. Kai, with damp hair and in his pajamas, was sitting on Milo’s lap with a book. Milo looked up at Abe.

“Quite the smart kid you’ve got here, Abe.”

“You think so?”

“Yeah. He’s damn near reading this book to me.”