"Right, Mommy…" Oliver agreed with the loyalty of a tiny soldier following his general.
Axel stared at the two of them. They were allies. That meant he lost.
He realized he could not forbid her. Not without raising suspicion or making himself look controlling.
After emptying his coffee cup, he exhaled slowly.
He tried to calm the urge to wrap both Evelyn and Oliver in bubble wrap and keep them inside the house.
'Man, stop being so possessive. This is so unlike your usual style,' he told himself while laughing in his mind.
"Fine," Axel said at last. "If you really want to hike, I will not stop you."
Evelyn smiled, pleased and honestly surprised. She had expected a longer argument.
"But," Axel continued, tone firm, "Ryan and Lisa will go with you."
Evelyn frowned and rested her fork on the plate, eyes locked onto Axel—more confusion than annoyance filled her expression.
