Page 54 of Something Like Shelter

“I think you’d be a great dad.”

“What makes you say that?”

“I have a big family. Lots of men. And they’re almost always really awkward with the small babies. They’re great with the older, less fragile ones, but the babies freak them out. You’ve been a natural with Adelaide when you’ve needed to pick her up.” She paused, sipping her coffee. “And you’re just very… stable, reliable. Those things are so important.”

Those were qualities I imagined Adelaide’s father didn’t possess. It was no wonder she appreciated them in me.

“And this house would be just perfect for kids,” she added, looking around. “Does it look as amazing covered in Christmas lights as I’m imagining?”

“Not gonna lie, the lights and garland make it look like a magazine spread.”

“Ugh. I might hate you a little for confirming that,” she said, shooting me a little smile.

“I have a Christmas get-together each year. You and Adelaide should come.”

“I might just take you up on that. I think she’s going to be enamored by the twinkle lights.”

“She’s gonna be a really fun age at Christmas.”

“I know. I caught myself shopping for new lights the other night when she was refusing to sleep. I’ve always been a warm white light person, but I think I need to become a colored lights person for her.”

“I do color. Inside and out.”

“And crazy, chaotic, non-matching wrapping paper?”

“Had to build a wooden storage bin for all the different rolls I have.”

“No way.”

“Santa’s workshop down there. Got organization for boxes, bows, gift tags, extra tape, and the good scissors.”

“The ones that make that satisfying slicing sound?”

“Yep. My grandfather was Santa Claus when we were kids. He lived for it.”

“I love that you are carrying on the tradition for your extended family. Just think how amazing it will feel to do for your own kids.”

“That’s what I’m counting on.”

“Tuna is going to be a great big brother.”

“He was made for it. You should have a dog.”

“Because I live alone?”

“Yeah.”

“I have a security system. I never considered it before because I worked so much. But I’m hoping to scale back my hours when I go back. Or doing some of my hours remotely. It would let me feel less guilty about having a dog. Though I don’t think any dog could be as innately perfect as Tuna.”

“Well, if you ever want the company, he is happy to help you watch Adelaide. Or clean up floor crumbs. He’s great at that too.”

“Hey, anytime you have a long day and want to drop him off to me, I’m happy to have him. I know you have a dog-walker, but if there’s ever an issue with that or anything.”

“I’ll take you up on that.”

She said it so easily.

Like it was nothing to imagine Tuna spending his days at her house. Like it was nothing to imagine me dropping him off and lingering for a few minutes. Like it was nothing to start building little pieces of a routine together.