problem grandparent

Syd wasn't sure what to make of Amanda's Dad, but he was smitten with Evan. That little one could do no wrong in his eyes.

Of course, she felt as if he were avoiding a lot of other things. Of course, Eric and she were being nice to him.

"But do we have to spend every waking moment with him?" She was furious that he came back to their house after dinner with Eric's parents and spent the night. "I don't know what to do." She looked at Eric for help, but he looked just as helpless.

"We can't let him take Evan. I told him if he wanted to spend time with him, it had to be here, under our roof." Eric was strict with these rules. They were in the kitchen while Grandpa Joe made himself at home with Evan who was showing him all his toys from Christmas.

Syd went to the phone. She wondered if they should call a lawyer. Were they adopting a grandparent or did they do something legal about this? She reached Max.

"Your Dad's here." She told him.

"Again?" Max hoped his Dad was sleeping late. "I'll see what I can do."

"I know, he means well, but we're busy." Syd told him she didn't want to upset him.

"I know." Max sighed as if he might be more of the parent at the moment. They talked a little bit longer. Syd wondered how Asa was doing.

"About the same." Max told her that he'd been staying home as much as possible.

Syd wished she wasn't so selfish, but something had to be done about the unwanted company.

Joe's cell rang. They heard him on the phone with Max, evidently.

He went to tell him there was some sort of emergency at home.

"So how much longer are you gonna be in town?" Eric asked as he was holding Bella while Syd went to see about some eggs for French toast.

"As soon as I get things settled, I'll be here all the time." He grinned.

Eric gritted a smile. Syd tried to will him to say something, but he didn't.

"Look...Joe, we really are going to be busy this week. I don't think we have anytime for you see Evan. OK? I mean, we'd love for you to see him before you leave, but, please call us, ahead of time. We've got a lot to do this week." Syd hoped she didn't hurt his feelings.

He didn't look too hurt. She guessed. He waved goodbye. Eric went to check on Evan who was still busy with his Christmas toys.

Syd shook her head. This was the last problem she ever thought they'd have. Amanda's dad.