Kids, thanks for choosing us to be your moms.

XXI. Dont shoot him, Mama

It was Saturday evening in the Olsen household. It was summer time so Jo and Chase were outside doing god knows what. Bettan was on the trampoline with LK. Addie was on her phone in the hammock and Lizzie was lounging in her Adirondack chair sipping some wine. The family had spent the last few hours prepping for the weekly Olsen Family Sunday Funday. Yes, every Sunday the family put away their phones (except Lizzie because they need one adult with a connection to the world) and hung out. They started this back when Chase first joined the family. It has become quite an event over the years, especially since they moved to Georgia. The kids always have at least one friend and normally the Moms have people their age. It's summer which means it is dock diving and tubing on the pond. Jo and Chase have been working in the four-wheelers and mowing around the pond to ensure it's ready for the guests.

Addie rolled out of the hammock and made her way over to Lizzie. Addie perched herself on the arm of Lizzie's chair, "Mommy have I ever told you how beautiful you are?"

Lizzie put her glass down before she turned and said to her daughter, "Mommy and beautiful all in the same sentence," she marveled before she deadpanned, "What do you want?"

"I want to bring a friend over tomorrow."

Lizzie raised her brow, "You always bring a friend so I assume this is a friend." Addie blushed, "Talk. now."

"His name is Declan. He plays volleyball."

"So all those days you and Kristína stayed late at meets you were-"

"Watching Declan."

"How old is this boy?"

"He's only a year older and he goes to school with us."

Lizzie used her Jo voice, "Who's his daddy? Better yet who is his Mama?"

"Uhm his Dad owns that one Autobody shop down by the school and his Mama is an elementary school teacher."

"Does he go to church?"

Addie returned fire with a classic Lizzie look, "Mom we don't go to church."

"Doesn't mean he shouldn't." Lizzie sassed,

"He does... " she started speaking much faster, "So you have till 1 pm tomorrow to tell Mama he is coming."

Lizzie reached for Addie pulling her back against her, "Oh, you get back here." she wrapped her arms around Addie's waist holding her daughter on her lap, "Tell me again about this boy."

"Mommm," Addie droned on,

"Hey, I gotta make sure this boy is really worth going into the lion's den and telling your Mama about a boy."

"So you'll do it?!" Addies face brightened, "So he's tall. Like really tall. And he's an outside hitter, and he's so good. He got shaggy brown hair thats kind of shaved on the sides and the back." she thought for a minute, "Hes smart. He starts early college next year. He wants to become a sports broadcaster or an athletic trainer."

"Wow, so he's a big sports guy."

"Oh yeah, and he likes music a lot."

"And you like him?"

"I like him a lot."

"And he likes you?" Lizzie said playfully,

Addie bumped shoulders, "Yes, Mom he does."

Lizzie pulled Addie against her kissing her temple, "Good. You deserve someone-"

"Who can't stop saying I love you." Addie finished, "I know Mom."