Page 27 of Mack

“Come on, sweetheart. Hot chocolate’s ready.”

“‘Kay.” He gathered his toys and followed her to the kitchen, stopping in the doorway. “Hi, Mack.”

“Hey, T.J. Right on time.” Mack set three cups on the table and reached into the cupboard for the marshmallows. “Marshmallows?”

“I love marshlows, Mack.” T.J. nodded seriously.

“I love marshlows too,” Mack said, and T.J. dissolved into giggles.

Mallory lifted him into his chair and sat beside him. “You’re encouraging him,” she murmured.

Mack grinned and shrugged, entirely unrepentant.

“Mack, I know a joke,” T.J. announced.

“Yeah? Let’s hear it.”

T.J. covered his mouth with both hands and giggled first, which was always how it went with him and jokes.

Mack glanced up at Mallory, winked, and she almost forgot what she was going to say.

“Why did the elephant sit on the marshlow?”

“Marshmallow,” Mallory said.

“Yeah, that.” T.J. waved her off. “Why did the elephant sit on the marshlow, Mack?”

“I don’t know. Why?”

“So, he wouldn’t fall in the hot chocolate.”

Mack laughed. “That’s a good one, T.J.”

T.J. nodded. “I know.”

“Where did you hear that?” Mallory asked.

“Pap,” T.J. said as if it was the most normal thing.

“Of course you did.” Mallory looked at Mack. “My dad tells him the silliest jokes, but he loves making T.J. laugh.”

“I’m sure he does.” Mack smiled. “Something tells me your dad spoils him pretty well.”

“You have absolutely no idea.”

When they finished their hot chocolate they bundled up and headed out to the barn, Mack carrying T.J. against the cold. Mallory pulled her coat tighter and fell into step beside them.

Mallory loved the smell inside. Hay, horses, and leather. The best three smells to her. She looked at Mack. Well, add one more. Mack always smelled good.

Chapter Five

The horses came to the stall doors when they heard voices, heads up and ears forward, breath rising in small clouds in the cold barn air.

T.J. became motionless against Mack’s shoulder, displaying a sudden shyness that he hardly ever displayed.

“It’s okay,” Mack said quietly. “They’re friendly. Want to pet one?”

T.J. considered this with great seriousness, then nodded.