Puck didn’t expect the broadside of criticism. It took him completely by surprise. He stopped at Dak and Brody’s house to pick up Addie after work. The assault was almost comical, but the intent was deadly serious.

Dak answered the door. He had Penny on his arm clinging to his neck. Dak asked, “Are you sure you want to come inside? I’ve been trying to keep him calm, but I don’t think I’ve been very successful. It might be dangerous in here.”

Puck asked, “Who?”

“Who do you think?”

Brody appeared at Dak’s shoulder, and Puck saw fire in his eyes. He started reaching around Dak while Dak pushed back against him taking slow, measured steps backward into the living room. Brody growled, “Let me at him. I need to teach him a lesson. I’ve got a longer reach than he does. I can take him.” He pulled at Dak’s shoulder to try and drag him out of the way.

Puck’s forehead furrowed in confusion. “Is he nuts? I’d pound you to a pulp, Brody. What’s this all about?”

Brody growled again, “You’re an asshole. That’s what this is about. I’m ready to knock some sense into you. You need someone to teach you a lesson.”

Dak shook his head and continued to maintain his position between the two. Penny giggled and snuggled her face into Dak’s neck. He said, “Shut the door. It’s warm out there, and we’ve got the air conditioning on. Don’t make me get involved in this. The two of you can sit down and talk like reasonable human beings.”

Puck said, “Yeah, I think we can sit and talk.” He edged his way across the room keeping a wary eye on Brody and found Addie on the floor playing with blocks at the edge of the sofa. Puck sat and lifted Addie into his lap. He knew that Brody wouldn’t attack with a baby in the way. She reached her arms upward and eagerly wrapped them around Puck’s neck. He asked, “What’s this all about? Will somebody tell me what’s going on?”

Brody sat in a chair and pulled it dangerously close to the sofa. He leaned forward and said, “I’m going to avoid the bad language because we’ve got little girls around, but what are you doing to Ross? What possessed you to cut him off entirely? He’s miserable just like you. Can’t you at least give him a call?”

Puck asked, “Is that what this is all about? I talked to him last night.”

“Wait…what?”

“I called him and talked to him.”

Brody sighed and pulled back. “Well, hell, I guess that takes a little of the wind out of my sails.”

Dak responded with a grin and blew in Brody’s direction like he was trying to create a new breeze for his husband’s boat. He said, “I think it’s hopeless. You’re running aground.”

Brody asked, “Did you say you were sorry?”

“I didn’t have to. I think we’re both sorry. I don’t think it’s permanent either, but I’ve got a fight on my hands. Addie has to come first.”

“Oh, about that. I’ve got a plan. Are the evil grandparents planning to ride their brooms into town again?”

Puck nodded. “Unfortunately, yes. They said they would be back next Wednesday.”

Brody grinned. “That’s perfect.”

Puck pointed at Brody and turned to Dak with questions in his eyes. “Is he okay? Did Brody fall out of bed in the night and knock something loose? He’s starting to worry me.”

“Last I checked, I think he’s sane. Are you okay, Brody?”

“I’m fine. In fact, I’m better than fine. I think my idea will work. If everything unfolds like my plan, you won’t have to worry about the grandparents. They will be overwhelmed. It will be like a steamroller flattening all of their arguments. They won’t dare bring anything to a judge.”

Puck asked, “Do you mind telling me what on earth you have planned? Ross said he might be able to help out with legal stuff.”

“Can you stick around for awhile this evening. How about sharing a pizza with Puck and me? Then we can talk about plans. The girls are happy. Unless you need to get home to Ross.”

Puck shook his head. “No, we’re still spending most nights apart until we get this sorted out. I can stick around, and I’m crazy curious about your ideas.”

“Just call it a little help from your friends.”

For the first time since the last visit of Miranda’s parents, Puck felt hungry. He ate nearly half of the large pizza himself. Dak asked, “Are you stuffing a spare leg? How does a skinny guy like you put away so much pizza?”

Puck laughed. “Guys, I’ve been so miserable. I haven’t felt like eating. Now, I’m starving.”

After Brody explained his scheme, he asked, “So do you think the plan’s gonna work?”

Puck said, “It’s the best one I’ve heard so far.” He looked at Dak and then back at Brody. “Do you guys mind if I eat that last piece of the pizza?”

Dak chuckled. “Go right ahead. We’ve got plenty of food in the fridge if Brody wakes up at midnight.”

“Me?”

Dak nodded. “Yeah, you. I bet you thought I didn’t wake up last night when you ambled downstairs. Your breath smelled like peanut butter when you got back in bed.”

Puck laughed. He said, “I think I’d like that better in the middle of the night than pizza.”

“Hey! It was just a quick snack.”.

Dak said, “I’m not worried. You never gain weight anyway.”

Brody asked Puck, “Have you seen Addie roll over? We noticed that for the first time yesterday. She’s moving right along. Pretty soon you’ll be chasing her around the place.”

Puck smiled. “Yeah, I was sitting down on the floor with her with the TV on last night, and I saw her do that. I grinned, and I was so proud. I looked all around the room and wanted to tell somebody about it. I guess I was hoping somebody would applaud.”

Dak reached out and ruffled Puck’s hair. “Aww, you’re a good dad. I’m sure Addie can’t wait until Dad #2 comes back. Oh, by the way, I have an invitation for you and Addie.”

“An invitation?”

“Yup. I ran it past Brody, and I decided that in a few months at the end of summer, I want to rent a pontoon boat and go floating around on the river. I really miss it sometimes, but I don’t miss the backbreaking work on the barge. I want to be close to the water.”

Puck smiled. “Oh, definitely. Who all do you want to bring?”

“Just a small group of some of our very best friends.”