CH.64

The next few hours passed in a whirlwind of games, movies, wrestling matches, and more junk food than any of us probably should have consumed.

I was breathless with laughter by the time the grandfather clock in the hall began chiming eleven o'clock.

"Okay, little man, I think that's enough excitement for one night," Karl said at last, reaching out to ruffle Tyler's curls with an indulgent smile. "We'd better get you into bed before your mom really does kill us all."

"Aww, but Uncle Karl!" Tyler immediately began to protest, his little face crumpling into an exaggerated pout that could melt even the coldest of hearts.

"I'm not even sleepy! Can't I please stay up a little longer?"

"Sorry, kiddo, but your uncle's right," Andre chimed in, scooping the little boy up and tossing him over one broad shoulder despite his squirms and whines of protest.

"The fun has to end sometime. But don't worry - I promise we'll pick right up again first thing tomorrow morning, okay?"

Tyler didn't