Alcohol You Later (63)

But Nicholas also seems happier. It could simply be that he hasn’t been drinking or smoking. They are natural depressants, after all. But I choose to believe it’s because for the first time in his entire life, he has a family to call his own. The very thing he thought he didn’t deserve—that he was terrified he’d poison—is bringing out the best in him. Everyone in the group has said as much. But he’s always been hardest on himself. I can only pray Nick’s able to recognize how good they are for one another and makes the right choice in the end.

For today’s outing, my man is looking like a snack in a red Adidas track suit, zipped all the way up the neck. His head is covered in a black beanie, and oversized aviators sit on his nose.

Because the paps know I’m with him, Anika wants me to play dress up, too, when we take the kids out. I get it. There’s no sense in Nick going through the trouble for one to recognize me and blow his cover.

It’s the middle of July and hot as hell, so rather than cover up like it’s the dead of winter the way the guys do, I opt to wear a blonde wig and sunnies of my own, with denim shorts and a Reba tee.

We take one of the blacked-out Navigators with a couple of security guys following behind in one of their own. Per Anika’s instructions, we pull around to the back entrance, where the owner is waiting to sneak us in. It all goes off without a hitch.

We go through the process of signing waivers and are given a quick tour on which inflatables are safe for children under the age of two.

“What about those over there?” Nick asks, pointing to the bigger slides.

“They aren’t recommended for kids under five but should be fine with adult supervision.”

Nick pumps a fist into the air. “Come on, Alex.” He swings him up into his arms, pointing across the room to the tall purple slide. “Let’s go on that one.”

The little boy is all for it right up until they reach the stairs. It’s no surprise to me when he freaks the heck out, screaming and pitching an epic fit.

“Bubby, cwyin’?” Concerned, Ava stops crawling through the blow-up maze, staring after her brother until they return to join us in the baby section.

“You knew before you even tried that he wasn’t gonna go for that.” I chuckle at the look of disappointment on Nick’s face as he flops onto his back and throws a mock tantrum.

“Try taking Ava,” I suggest. “She’s usually down for anything.”

“What’ya say, drama queen?” He reaches for her, grabbing hold of either side of her tummy and flies her in the air above his head. “Wanna go on the big slide with Dada?”

“I yike swide!”

“Be careful with her, Nick,” I call after them when he takes off at a sprint, the sound of baby giggles floating in the air behind him.

He’s such a natural with them—a big old kid at heart.

“Come on.” I motion for Alex to join me at the hoop. “Let’s shoot some baskets.”

It takes the little stud muffin a few shots to get the hang of it, but once he finds his flow, he doesn’t give me another turn, tossing the ball over and over, his tongue poked out in concentration.

“Guess a basketball goal is next on the agenda,” Nick says, returning with Ava, the two wearing identical smiles and sporting rosy red cheeks. He’s out of breath and flying high.

“Was it fun?” I, of course, am asking the baby, and can’t help but smile when Nick answers.

“Oh yeah,” he beams. “She’s a little daredevil like her daddy.”

Like her daddy.

Just when I think I can’t possibly be more in love with this man, I get to watch him fall for his kids, and suddenly I’m tumbling all over again.

The four of us chase each other around in the maze, and Nick takes time to shoot some hoops with his mini-me. And before we know it, it’s noon and time to go.

Ron peeks his head in from the lobby, pointing to the clock on the far wall. “Gotta head back.”

Nick shoots him a thumbs-up. “What’ya say we hit that purple slide one more time, drama queen?”

Ava squeals, running into his arms. “Go fast fast!” I love that she already associates herself with the nickname he gave her.

While they sprint off, I get Alex’s socks and shoes back on his feet and collect Ava’s. I’m retrieving the diaper bag from a cubby when a bloodcurdling scream raises the hairs on my neck, stopping me in my tracks.

“Ava!” I cry, quickly shoving Alex into Ron’s arms.

Nick’s anxious voice echoes across the room. “Call an ambulance!”

“I’ll call,” the security guy says, his face fraught with concern. “Just go.”

I haul ass as fast as my legs will carry me to the back of the building, where Nick is bowed over his daughter, in hysterics. “Move over,” I say, giving him a little shove. “Nick, you have to calm down. You’re freaking her out.”

“It’s okay, baby,” I coo, assessing her to the best of my ability while trying not to move anything that may be broken. “What happened?”

A strangled cry rattles in the back of her throat.

I lean forward, pressing soft kisses across her dewy forehead. “Shhhh,” I whisper. “It’s okay.”

“She just jumped out of my arms! I—I guess I wasn’t holding her tight enough.” He’s seconds away from losing it.