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It's two hours past the time Finn should have been picked up but no one has answered when I called the pick-up number. Repeatedly.

Twisting the phone cord in my fingers, I smile as Finn holds up yet another drawing. This one is a bit more recognizable than his last few, at least.

"Is that a lion? So cool!"

I reach a full voicemail again and bite my lip, unsure what to do. The other Room Assistants left and I had assured all the other Coordinators that I was okay to wait. My only option is to approach Erica. Darn.

"Come with me, Finn." I grab his chubby hand and make my way to Erica's office.

I knock tentatively at the door but before she can answer, I hear a voice call for me down the end of the hall.

"Dylan!"

My eyes find the ceiling immediately. Jesus Christ.

"Are you sure you aren't stalking me?" I turn to face Luke, a whole new level of exasperation coloring my tone.

Finn lets go of my hand and before I can stop him, rushes forward to fling himself at Luke's long legs.

"Finn!" I shout, following him down the hall.

At the same time, the little boy lets out a delighted squeal. "Uncle Luke!"

I stop dead in my tracks. No way. No fricken way.

"Uncle Luke?" The words leave my lips in a whisper.

Luke swings Finn into his arms as the toddler wraps himself around his neck. "Hey, buddy,"

He adjusts his baseball cap and smiles at me apologetically. A Luke Henson smile famous for getting him out of trouble. "I'm sorry it's so late."

I cross my arms over my chest, still trying to process everything. "You're his uncle?"

Finn is so sweet, so generous. I think of him helping Jade today, of the way he always lets the other kids choose their toys first, how he's so polite during story time. Narrowing my eyes at Luke, I continue before he can even answer my first question.

"Laura had a baby?" Luke's older sister was never around much. But I know that was because she was often off giving their parents some trouble at various points. Annie's statement from earlier rings in my ears. Kinda flakey.

Luke raises his brows and lets out a sigh. "Long story."

"Right." I nod my head. And not my business. "Well, I have to check that you're allowed to pick him up."

Luke gives me a bemused smirk but holds the hand not holding Finn out as if to say "After you."

Feeling silly, it's obvious that Finn adores him - he hasn't let go of his neck yet, I check the authorized pick-up lists and spot Luke's name. I'm not sure how I missed it earlier.

"In the future though, call if you're going to be late." I mutter, handing over the backpack Finn brings in with him everyday.

Slinging it over his shoulder while keeping Finn balanced with ease, Luke chuckles without humor.

"I normally do. And I'm not normally late." He sets Finn on the ground and grabs his hand instead. "It was Laura's day. But that's another long story. One you don't have time for," His eyes find the overhead clock. "Sorry again for the lateness."

Feeling sort of bad, I shrug as I lock the door behind us. "It happens."

"Hey, why don't I drive you home? It is late, it's my fault." Finn tugs at Luke's hand impatiently. Luke on the other hand, is the picture of patience, calmly telling Finn to hang on.

"I don't know." I mutter. "I'm fine to walk."

"It'll take longer." Luke follows me down the hall, his pace making Finn almost run to keep up. "Grams is waiting."

At that, I sigh guiltily. She's probably hungry. I still have to put dinner in the oven.

And I am so tired. I didn't know toddlers could be so exhausting.

"Okay, yeah. Thanks, Luke." I smile down at Finn, who's now also tugging at my fingers.

He leads us down the hallway on either side of him, cheerfully telling Luke about his day. In silence, I listen to him retell his stories, finding myself actually cracking a smile every now and again the entire way back to Grams.

But not just at Finn, whom I already really like. Among the group we have, he's the least likely to tantrum and the most likely to offer me a hug at random, but somehow always sort of needed, occasions. But no, not just at Finn.

At Luke. And how Luke talks to his nephew. He asks him things, like he would an adult, and listens to what Finn replies.

Despite myself, I'm impressed. And maybe something more. It's not my fault we're made to find men that are good with children desirable. That's what I keep telling myself. Shaking the thought away before it can become anything more, I notice we're out front of Grams.

"Why are we here?" Finn breaks off mid-story and looks at Luke from the backseat. Luke drove his mom's van to get Finn from the center instead of his truck. The Luke I knew wouldn't be caught in a van for anything. Especially not one with a car seat.

Interesting.

"We're dropping Miss Dylan off at home." Luke explains, turning to me and putting the car in park.

"She's not coming with us?"

I smile at my little friend and shake my head.

"Not today," Luke grins, not taking his eyes off me as he answers before I can.

I feel the color rush to my cheeks. "Sorry, Finn. I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

"Okay," He smiles at me, his cheeks dimpling like Luke's always do.

"Thanks for the ride, Luke." I close the door carefully behind me, leaning into the open window. "And for visiting Grams this week."

Condition one - be at least polite to Luke. Here you go, Grams.

Luke nods, a half-grin on his lips. "Have a good night, Miss Dylan."

Thanks for reading loves!
Turns out Finn is really just little Luke... thoughts!?
Much love ❤️

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