Jayden was reaching his arms up to me as I opened the back door to get him out of his car seat, “are you excited to see the Carlins, Jay?” I heard Spencer’s voice come from behind me and I handed Jayden to her so I could grab his bag of things and the dish she had made for dinner off the floor of my car.

“He’s more excited than I am” I sarcastically mumbled to Spencer during the baby pass.

“Ashley! Stop! Mom and dad love you, you’re like a part of the family now!”

“Yeah, ok, Spence. I can tell by the way your mom looks at me … it always makes me so tingly inside!” I rolled my eyes with fake happiness as we turned to walk up the path to the front door. Spencer put Jayden down and let him run ahead, while grabbing my hand and intertwining our fingers. I waved when I saw Mr. Carlin open the door and pretend that he couldn’t see Jayden – he loved this game. Jayden began pulling on Arthur’s pant leg, squealing in laughter, trying to get him to “see” him. When Spencer and I got to the doorstep and I picked up my squealing ball, Arthur looked as if he was just now spotting him.

“OH! Hello Jayden, when did you get here?” Mr. Carlin smiled to my son, bringing forth even more laughter which soon caught on to Spencer and I as well.

“Hi, dad” Spencer smiled, kissing him on the cheek.

“Hey, Mr. C.” I chimed in giving him a hug and following Spencer through the door.

“Hey girls. Mom’s in the kitchen, the food’s almost ready, and everyone else is sitting out back on the patio.” Spencer gave a ‘thanks’ over her shoulder and we made our way out to the back, stopping briefly in the kitchen as Spencer greeted her mom. I stood back in the doorway and politely responded when Mrs. Carlin acknowledged me.

“Mommy! Come look!” Jayden appeared in the doorway, only moments into what could have been a very long and awkwardly silent starting match of angry words spoken through eyes. His small hand pulling on mine, forcing me out back to whatever it was saved me from the Carlin Daggers and as I followed him to see what was so exciting, I silently thanked my son for having amazing timing – he got that from me.