About

The front door swung open, followed by the sound of two school bags being dropped onto the floor. “I'm home!” Liam called, kicking off his shoes before disappearing into the kitchen. Natalie came in behind him, rolling her eyes. “You know you're supposed to put your shoes away, right?” “I'll do it later.” “You said that yesterday.” “And yet, somehow, the world kept turning.” From the kitchen, Charlie laughed softly. “Hi to you too, Liam.” Liam grinned and leaned around the doorway. “Hi, Dad.” Nick appeared beside Charlie, still holding a tea towel. “How was school?” “Fine.” Liam immediately grabbed something from the cupboard. “Although—okay, I need to tell you guys something.” Natalie dropped onto the sofa. “Oh no.” “What?” “That voice,” she said. “You're about to tell us something embarrassing.” Liam ignored her, turning back toward his dads with a huge grin. “So, remember that guy I told you about?” Charlie raised his eyebrows. “The one from your history class?” “Yeah. Him.” Liam's grin got even bigger. “I think he likes me back.” Natalie immediately groaned from the sofa. “Oh my god.” “What?!” Liam laughed. “You've been talking about this guy for weeks.” “Because he's cute!” Nick tried not to laugh. “Okay, okay. So... what's his name?” Liam leaned against the counter, looking suddenly a little shy despite his excitement. “Noah.” Charlie smiled. “And what happened today?” Liam opened his mouth, clearly ready to tell the entire story. Natalie sat up. “Wait. Before you start—did he actually ask you out, or are you doing that thing where someone smiles at you once and you decide you're soulmates?” “Shut up, Nat.” “I’m just saying.” Liam grabbed a cushion from the sofa and threw it at her. “Hey!” Natalie caught it, laughing. Nick shook his head, smiling at the two of them. “Right. Both of you, calm down.” Charlie glanced between his kids, amused. “Come on, Liam. Tell us what happened.”