I got up from the rug, picked up my car keys and followed him out into the bright afternoon sun.

“I think we can definitely manage that, Austin,” I agreed with a big smile.

“Can I please get a large waffle cone with extra sprinkles on top?” he bargained, looking back over his shoulder with a sly grin.

“Let’s start by looking at a sensible small cup, young man,” I countered playfully.

“How about we meet in the middle with a medium waffle cone and no sprinkles?” he offered, striking a hilarious businessman pose in the driveway.

“We’ll see how you behave in the sporting goods store first,” I laughed, shaking my head at his brand-new confidence.