Free Second Time Around by Katherine Allred

business. But don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone about the little show you were putting on last night.”
    “Brat.”
    “Jerk.” With a loud war whoop she ran for the water, leaping over his forgotten fishing pole as she dived into the lake headfirst…
    ~~~~~
    Lanie’s remembered yell became real as a small body landed in the middle of his stomach, knocking the air out of him with a woosh and effectively bringing him back to the present. His eyes popped open like they were attached to springs, only to find Zack’s gaze fastened on him, his face intent.
    “Hide me,” the little boy whispered.
    Carefully, Quinn pushed himself up to lean against the headboard, blankets sliding to his waist as he steadied Zack. “Hide you from what?” he whispered back.
    “Mama says I have to go to daycare, and I want to stay home today.”
    Before Quinn could formulate a reply, footsteps echoed down the hall. “Zachary Quinn McAllister, when I get hold of you…”
    Lanie’s words faded as she reached the door of Quinn’s room and stopped. A pink flush slowly covered her cheeks as she stared in at them.
    “Uh-oh.” Quinn smiled at Zack. “She used all three of your names. I think she’s serious.”
    The little boy’s chin firmed, jutting into the air as he eyed his mother. “I won’t go.
    I’m gonna stay with my Daddy today.”
    4Taking a few hesitant steps into the room, Lanie stopped again. “Zack, Kelsey is waiting to drive you. Your Daddy will still be here when you get home.”
    Part of him wanted to agree with Zack. He’d missed four years, what would it hurt for Zack to stay home today? But he also didn’t want his son playing him against Lanie.
    “She’s right, you know.” Quinn reinforced her words. “I’ll still be here, and maybe when you get home you can show me the puppies.”
    “There are four.” Zack was instantly distracted. “But I like the black one the best.
    It’s the littlest. You can have one if you want.”
    “Thank you. I’d like that,” Quinn declared solemnly.
    “Okay.” Lanie took another step closer. “Now that it’s all settled, you need to get downstairs. And tell Kelsey you’re sorry you made her wait.”
    “Yes, ma’am.”
    Zack scooted off Quinn’s stomach, the toe of his boot digging in, causing Quinn to wince. The little boy paused in the doorway to look back at the bed. “Promise you won’t go see them until I get back?”
    “Promise.”
    “Cross your heart,” the little boy commanded.
    Quinn lifted an eyebrow at Lanie, nodding with understanding when she made an X on her chest. He repeated the gesture. “Cross my heart.”
    Beaming, Zack darted out the door, leaving him alone with Lanie. She looked nervous, he decided. That could be a very good sign.
    “I’m sorry.” She waved a hand vaguely in the direction Zack had gone. “He usually loves daycare. I think he was afraid you’d leave if he didn’t stay home today.”
    Quinn gave a short nod. “I know. He’ll have to get used to the idea that I’m not going anywhere.” He hesitated, and when he spoke again, his voice was softer. “You named him after me.”
    She dropped her gaze to the floor. “Yes. I thought he should have a part of you, even if it was only your name.”
    “Thank you.” He hesitated. “You know, I wouldn’t mind if he stayed home from daycare a few days. It would give me some time with him.”
    “I thought about it.” She lifted a hand and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “But I don’t want to disrupt his routine. With everything that’s going on, he needs the rest of his life to be as normal as possible right now.”
    “I understand.”
    “Good.” Her shoulder lifted in a shrug as she turned toward the door. “Breakfast is ready. We eat in the kitchen these days. It saves Martha from making so many trips back and forth to the dinning room.”
    “I’ll be down in a minute. And Lanie?”
    She paused, her back stiff.
    4“It’s nice to see your wedding