I lowered my head and smoothed Matty’s bedding, not bothering to look at her.
“I have no problem with that,” I said evenly. “But if everyone goes together, the car will be overloaded.”
Tucker tugged on Chris’s sleeve, his voice small and pitiful. “Daddy, I do not want to stay here feeding mosquitoes…”
Chris gave me a panicked look and quickly tried to explain, “He is just a kid. He talks nonsense. Nadine, do not take it to heart.”
Chris’s mother tried to smooth things over as well, guilt written all over her face.
“Yes, yes… Tucker never had a father growing up. Maybe he is just exhausted from the trip and talking nonsense in his sleep.”
Melissa’s eyes, however, flashed with open pride and provocation, even though she kept her voice soft and agreeable.
“That is right, Nadine. Tucker only acts this way because he likes Chris so much. He even asked me once if he could make him his godfather.”
“Recognizing a relative is fine,” I said with a smile. “Since that’s the case, why don’t you all head back first? Matty has a neurology appointment tomorrow, and Mom needs to pick up more medication for her leg. You can use the time to get the new place ready.”