I replied smoothly. “The kids are all tucked in upstairs.”

Tyler’s jaw practically hit the floor. “Wait—you told me it was a nightmare!”

I dismissed with a casual wave. “Oh, the real nightmare was your lack of courtesy, my dear. Since you were so eager to drop your kids on us at the last minute, I thought it was only fair to remind you what real responsibility looks like.”

We gathered our things and headed out.

The next weekend, we extended an invitation for a “family dinner” at our place.

Right on schedule, Tyler walked in with a bottle of wine, while Brittany cradled their youngest child.

But instead of my usual homemade spread, the dining table was covered with takeout boxes.

I clapped my hands together. “Change of plans! We need to step out for a little while. Hope you two don’t mind holding down the fort for us!”

Mark was already reaching for his coat. “Oh, and don’t forget to keep an eye on the neighbor’s dog.”

Brittany’s face paled. “You’re joking… right?”

We had a relaxing evening, enjoying dinner at our favorite restaurant.

By the time we returned three hours later, Tyler and Brittany looked completely drained.

Mark let out a laugh. “Not so easy when someone hands you a big responsibility out of nowhere, huh?”

Brittany let out a deep breath. “Alright, alright. We get it. We should have asked before assuming you’d watch the kids for us.”

Later, as we all sat down together for a meal, the tension melted away.

As they were heading out, Brittany pulled me into a hug.

“I’m really sorry for taking advantage of you,” she murmured. “It won’t happen again.”