I nod enthusiastically, already imagining the educational excursions I could organize. “How about a beach day? We can explore some marine biology hands-on. And there’s a small zoo not too far away that you’d love, Syd.”

Her eyes light up. “Oh, Ms. Kind, that’d be so cool! But good luck convincin’ dad. He just shuts himself up in the office until the weekend.”

“And what happens on the weekend?” I probe, curious about their family life.

Ari smiles teasingly. “It’s a secret, but weekends are the best. It’s our favorite time of the week and the only time Daddy doesn’t work. We get to have him all to ourselves.”

Feeling a mix of challenge and determination, I assure them, “Well, I’m going to make sure your dad agrees to every single one of my weekday plans.”

“If you say so,” Ari shrugs with a slight smirk. “Dad can be grumpy. He used to yell at everyone back at his restaurants. Mom was the only one who could calm him down. She made everyone happy.”

The nostalgia brings a slight shadow over her face, but I quickly lift her chin with my index finger. “Hey, I may not be your mom, but I promise to bring as much joy as I can to your lives, starting right now with an adventure in books!”

They happily cheer, and I usher them toward the library, but to our surprise, the door is locked, but we can hear muffled voices inside.

“Shit, that’s probably her.” I hear Vic’s voice.

Syd giggles at her father’s slip, “Daddy owes money to the swear jar!”

“We should see what he’s up to,” I whisper, and we all press our ears against the door.

“Go answer, but don’t let them see inside.” We hear through the door.

“I can’t believe we’re doing this. We haven’t built anything since high school woodshop. You’re an idiot, Vic.”

The girls and I laugh as the Grimes brothers go back and forth, but we nearly fall on our faces when the door suddenly opens, and Hudson stands before me.

“Hmm, it seems Ms. Kind is a bad influence on you, eavesdroppers.” He teases, blocking our view into the library.

“We’re just trying to read, but you’re hoggin’ up the library, Uncle Hud.” Syd whines.

I try to peek around him, but he playfully obstructs my view. His flirtatious gaze makes my cheeks warm. “No peeking, Ms. Fine. I mean, Ms. Kind.”

Then, an annoyed shout from inside snaps us back to reality. “Hudson!”

With a rueful smile, Hudson steps back. “Duty calls. But this isn’t over,” He says with a wink before closing the door.

As the door shuts, the last thing I hear is a muffled, “Flirt with her again, and see what happens—” Leaving us all in suspense and laughter.