Chapter 58
Chapter Fifty-Eight
Three weeks later…
Harrison
“Slow down, Ladybug. We just ordered, so we’ll have to wait anyway. Might as well enjoy the walk outside while we eat our ice cream cones.” I take another lick of my butter pecan, and I’m convinced Layla’s wearing more of the strawberry ice cream on her face than is making it into her mouth.
A few minutes later, we arrive at the pizza parlor and slide through the door. The pleasing aroma of warm dough baking, garlic, and Italian spices fills the air. We step up to the to-go counter, and I inform the teenager working there that we’re here to pick up our order when it’s ready.
Layla slips her sticky hand from mine, and I think nothing of it. Then I hear, “Layla? What are you doing here?” It’s coming from behind me.
“I’m having a special night with Uncle Harry since I’m not allowed to come to ladies’ night.”
I amble over, lean against the wall, and try not to laugh as I take in my sassy little niece. She’s standing with her hands on her hips in front of the four open-mouthed grown women—Delaney, Tillie, Georgie, and Lizzie.
“Sweetheart, I told you, this isn’t ladies’ night. We’re having pizza and talking about some grown-up things,” Tillie explains.
“Like boys? I can talk about boys. Noah at school likes me even if he’s kind of yucky. I mean, he’s okay, but not like a boyfriend. I don’t love him like Aunt Delaney loves Uncle Harry.”
I watch as Delaney’s eyes grow wide, then soften, and I know it’s because she’s touched that Layla called her ‘aunt.’ I could go over and kiss both of them right now.
“Uncle Harry loves Aunt Delaney, too, Ladybug.” I walk up to the ladies and tickle Layla on her side. “And something tells me you tricked me into getting pizza here to make sure these gals weren’t having more fun than us.”
Layla giggles. “They aren’t having more fun ‘cause they aren’t with you and me, and we’re more funner.”
“That’s right. Now let me kiss my girlfriend goodbye so we can get our pizza and go meet your daddy and not-favorite uncles for an epic game of Go Fish, okay?”
“Okey dokey, Uncle Harry.”
I bend down to kiss Delaney, and just when my lips touch Delaney’s, in the background, Layla says: “You know, Lizzie, my Uncle Holden will be at my house tonight if you happen to stop over.”
Laughter breaks out around the table, some of it nervous, and I suspect that’s coming from Lizzie.
“Uh oh,” I whisper against Delaney’s mouth, “our little matchmaker has her targets on Holden now.”