Dawson smiled. “You can do anything you want to do, Dylan. But first, you have to master third grade math.”

Dylan sighed. “Can I take a break?”

He’d been at it for over an hour, so Dawson agreed. “Sure. Why don’t you go help Lucy fix dinner? I’m sure she could use the help.”

Without missing a beat, Dylan trotted off to the kitchen. Dawson loved being a dad. Dylan was everything he’d ever wanted in a son, and each day with him was like learning something new. Watching him take in the world around him, discover new things and experience so much joy made Dawson feel so happy.

“Where’s the kiddo?” Julie asked as she walked into the dining room. She’d been working long hours lately, trying to manage the bookstore and planning Meg’s wedding. Each time he’d offered help, she’d declined, not wanting to put anybody out. That was his wife. She tried to do it all, and eventually she’d realize she couldn’t. He was just waiting for that moment so he could swoop in and help her. It was their pattern, and he’d grown to expect it and love it.

Dawson hugged her and kissed the top of her head. “Math overcame him, so he’s helping Lucy with dinner.”

Julie laughed. “Math does that to me too.”

“Ditto.”

She looked up at him. “And how is my handsome husband this evening?”

“He was missing his wife, but he’s all good now.”

“Good. What’s for dinner?” she asked as she walked over to the chair and sat down, dropping her purse strap over the back of it.

“Lucy said we’re having meatloaf, mashed potatoes and salad tonight.”

“Yum. That should hit the spot after a long day.”

“Was the store busy?”

“Getting busier now that tourists are arriving. Spring has officially sprung.”

“Yeah, bookings are up too. We got three new ones today alone. Of course, those aren’t coming until June.”

She smiled, tiredly. “I’m glad people are booking, though. Gotta keep this place full.”

He nodded. “True.”

“Mommy!” Dylan said, running out of the kitchen. He wrapped his arms around her neck and hugged her. Dawson loved watching their interactions. Even when Julie was tired, she always had energy for their son. It was often hard to imagine what life was like before he was a father. These moments, small and often lost on others, meant the world to him after losing his first child. He thought he’d lost his opportunity to be a dad, but then God had stepped up and given him something more amazing than he’d ever expected - a family of his own.

“Hey, buddy! How was school today?”

Dylan grumbled. “Third grade is impossible, Mom.”

She looked up at Dawson, stifling a laugh. “Is that so?”

He stood up and sat in the chair next to her. “We had three math worksheets for homework tonight. Can you believe that?”

“Wow. That’s a lot of work, but I know you’re so smart that you’ll knock that right out.”