“I know you might think it’s wrong that I didn’t tell him about you, but he kept some important information from me, too. I don’t think he’s the kind of man we want in your life if he lies so easily, you know?”

Thomas reached for her hair and gave it a gentle tug.

“Does Mommy look pretty? I want to look pretty tonight. Let me ask you something—what do you think of Mac? Tell me the truth.”

The baby let loose a gurgle and flashed a gummy smile full of new teeth.

“Figures. You guys all stick together.” Maddie raised the baby so he could balance on his chubby legs. “He is pretty awesome, though, don’t you think? He likes you a lot, too.”

Thomas bounced up and down on his rubbery legs as a blob of drool ran down his chin.

Maddie blotted his face. “His sister Janey is coming over to play with you for a little while before bed. Will you be good for her so Mommy can have some fun tonight?”

More gurgling.

“Thanks, pal. I appreciate it.”

When she heard Mac’s motorcycle in the driveway, her heart skipped into overdrive. “Here he comes,” she whispered.

Thomas let out an excited squeal, and Maddie was sure he recognized the sound of the bike by now. Her son was getting attached to their new friend, which pleased and scared her at the same time.

Mac came bounding up the stairs as if he couldn’t wait to get to them. “Hey,” he said as he came in the door. “Y’all ready for bed, big guy?” He leaned in to kiss the bouncing baby’s wet cheek and then glanced at Maddie. His eyes widened. “Wow. You look gorgeous.”

“Thanks,” she said, her face heating.

He seemed to have trouble taking his eyes off her. “I just need to grab a quick shower. Janey will be here soon.”

“I’m ready when you are.” It was all so domestic, Maddie thought, as she watched him disappear into the bathroom. Her at home with the baby until Daddy gets home from work. A nice fantasy, that was for sure, and one she’d never pictured for herself until a sexy, thoughtful, decent guy knocked her off her bike. She wondered if that “accident” would turn out to be the best thing to ever happen to her.

“What do you think?” she asked Thomas.

“Does he talk back to you?” Janey asked from outside the screen door.

Maddie laughed and waved her in. “Not yet, but soon, I hope.”

“Hey, little man,” Janey said, reaching for the baby.

Thomas went to her but kept a wary eye on his mother.

“Look what I found on the way over.” Janey produced a soft lamb and held him up for Thomas to see.

He studied the toy in his usual serious way.