“Welcome back, boys.” Barb’s face was split wide in a smile. She stepped forward and handed Callum over to Ford who nuzzled his head, breathing in his baby lotion and powder smell. “Now that’s the good stuff.”
“Thanks, Mom,” Ford smiled at her. He turned to Sawyer, who was making funny faces at Callum, before going in for another hug with Gavin and Savanna.
“I hope the kids weren’t too much trouble.” Sawyer turned a questioning eye towards Ford’s parents.
Ford’s dad shook his head, finally getting to his feet. “Not at all. Other than the fact that Gavin and Savanna like to cheat at games, they were perfect.”
“What?” Savanna squawked. “You were the one cheating last night, if I do recall.” She put her fists on her hips and tapped her foot.
“There’s no proof, so technically, I won.” Ford’s dad winked at Savanna, then turned to them. Ford laughed at their antics. It was clear that the kids and his parents had gotten along very well, not that he doubted they would for a second. He knew the kids were good with his parents, and Ford needed his mom to know it again too.
“Sounds like you all had fun.” Ford couldn’t wipe the smile off his face.
“Nah!” His dad said. Every one of them turned to look at him, and he threw his head back and laughed. “I’m teasing. We all had a really good time. I finally met my match when it came to games.”
Ford saw Savanna roll her eyes, then giggle. “We want to hear all about your getaway,” Barb said. Ford turned to Sawyer and saw that his face was bright red. She noticed and snickered. “Maybe not all about it.” She looked at each of the kids before settling her stare back on Ford. “Let’s stick to the parts that are kid-friendly.”
“Hmmmmm… all lines are busy, please try again later.” Sawyer shot Ford a look and his lips twitched hearing Sawyer say that.
Yeah, there wasn’t anything to be told. None of their weekend was kid-friendly.
“Let’s leave the kids alone, Barb.” His dad winked at him, and Ford wanted to die.
Gavin looked back and forth between them, confusion twisting his face.
“What? What happened?” Gavin asked.
“Why don’t we move this out of the foyer,” Barb suggested.
They moved into the living room, and Ford ruffled Gavin’s hair
“You’ll understand when you’re older.” Savanna looked up and met Ford’s gaze, then turned to her older brother. Her eyes twinkled as she asked. “Isn’t that right, Sawyer?”
Ford could feel his cheeks warming up on Sawyer’s behalf, or maybe it was on his own. Sawyer was also doing his best imitation of a tomato, his eyes as wide as saucers. Ford quickly came to the rescue. “Why don’t you guys tell us what you got up to the past couple of days instead.”
Savie actually burst out laughing, and they couldn’t help but join in.
They all sat down in the living room. Callum cuddled into Ford, and joy bubbled up in him. His family was all back together again. He loved having time away, but he’d really missed the kids.
Gavin talked excitedly about every minute they spent with Pop Pop and Grandma, with Savie chiming in here and there. When Ford looked over to Sawyer, he saw that, like himself, he was just relishing in every word.
Once Gavin finally seemed to pause for breath, Ford grinned at him. “I’m glad you all had a good time.”
Savanna turned to Ford. “This is no offense to Grandma and Grandpa…” She quickly shot them a look and they smiled, then looked back at Ford and Sawyer. “We had a really good time, but we don’t want you guys to leave again.” She shrugged. “Even if it’s only two days.”
Ford couldn’t speak for Sawyer, but those words meant everything to him. He smiled. “I have a feeling in a few years, you’ll want us to leave so you can throw parties at the house.” Ford teased.
Savanna shot them a wry smile. “Does that mean I won’t get in trouble if I do?”
Sawyer snorted. “Nice try.”
Ford grinned. He was looking forward to whatever life brought to them next.
Ford turned his smile at Gavin. “And we want to hear all about the auditions for the play. When are your callbacks? What’s the part? Don’t spare any details.”
His dad laughed. “You won’t have to worry about that. It’s all he can talk about.”
Gavin beamed with pride and started telling them about the play. Ford listened with a smile and a full heart. He loved that the kids were settling in. For what felt like the first time, the older two were at ease, and they were happy. That was all he and Sawyer wanted for them.
Ford walked into the construction site the next day. Now that Sawyer and he had a chance to unwind and focus on each other, it was time to get back to work on the project.
Drake had gotten the piping fixed and was back on track. Ford walked down to the next building while he waited for Drake to finish up his conversation with one of his workers. When Drake was done and the worker had walked off, he walked over to Ford.
“How’s it going?” Ford asked.
“Everything is going well,” Drake said. “They are finishing the external wiring today, but as you can see… we’re making good progress on the superstructure.”
Ford looked around and nodded. “It all looks good.” Ford couldn’t wait to see it done. “Any concerns? Problems?” he asked, meeting Drake’s gaze.
Drake shook his head. “All is going according to plan, and don’t you worry… I have you on speed dial if anything else comes up.”
Ford nodded.
“Besides, since Larry is in custody, I don’t foresee any more issues coming up, but you never can tell.” Drake patted his shoulder. “Don’t worry, boss. Everything is good.”
“Sounds good.
