Chapter 78

“Wow. Oh, wow.” We were in the backyard now, and I was blown away. I thought the house the boys and I had purchased sat on a pretty big piece of property, but this was huge.

It sported an Olympic-sized swimming pool, as well as a lighted tennis court. An oak even older and larger than the ones in the front shaded a quarter of the yard. A knotted rope hung from one bough, giving access to a…

“Wills, a tree house?”

“Yeah. It was mine, and now it’s Jar’s. Michael and I—”

“Michael?”

“Friend of mine.” He stared at the tree house, and I could tell something was bothering him. “We used to sleep out in it during the summer.” He slid a glance my way, happy now, and I wondered if I’d misread his expression. “I’m looking forward to sneaking out with you after everyone has gone to bed.”

“We’re going to rough it? Remember, I’m a city boy.”

“I’ll make sure the bears don’t get you.”

“Bears?”

“Just kidding, babe.”