Page 65 of Anchor Point

I didn’t totally get what she meant by that, but I figured it had something to do with mothers and daughters.

“Does this mean we’re a family?” It was a stupid question, but one I desperately needed an answer to. Because now that I’d found them, I couldn’t lose them again.

“In our own little weird way, I guess. Don’t worry, MacDaddy. Everything is going to be okay. Rosie will come home and be sassy, and you’ll forget all about this bittersweet moment. Just keep doing what you’re doing.”

She caressed my cheek and gave me another reassuring kiss, then pulled away. “I’m going to let Buster out, and then let’s have a movie night.”

I enjoyed watching the hem of my shirt bounce with every step as she walked away. I needed something to occupy my mind, otherwise, I’d have us back in the bed for another round, and I knew if I did, I’d lose even more of my heart to her.

Someone had neatly stacked my mail on the counter, and I pulled it to me and sorted through the sales ads and political cards. Mostly trash until I reached an envelope from the bank. The monthly mortgage statement for the lake house.

Before Olivia, the monthly notice had been motivation for making it to retirement. The constant reminder of the balloon notice waiting for me.

The lake house was the last thing I had of my parents. I’d planned to sell the Newman house and use my leave-time payout to settle the lake house mortgage, and then spend my years fulfilling my father’s dream.

Just another reason we couldn’t let this relationship get out and threaten our jobs. I looked up to where Olivia left the room, praying that somehow, someway, I’d be able to come up with a solution that would solve everything.

Chapter Nineteen

Olivia

Mac and Rosie spent the afternoon out on the pond fishing again. It was becoming their habit. I decided it was their time to bond and turned down the invite Mac issued and promised to make them a late picnic.

Knowing Mac was a big old softy had me smiling as I spread the blanket out in the grass near the small dock.

My mom called as I got things organized. I’d been trying to connect with her for a couple of days. “Hey, Mom.”

“Hello, dear, it’s good to finally hear your voice.”

“I know, yours too. How’s Dad?”

“Well, Dad has settled in well in his new place. He’s been a little confused but seems to be accepting it. I still feel guilty that I can’t take care of him here, but I’m not strong enough to physically help him. Plus, you know how he loves to chitchat, and there are plenty of people to talk to every day.”

“I’m sorry I’m not there to help.” It grated that to chase my dream to make him proud, meant that I couldn’t be there while they went through this.

“Stop, dear. You know your father is proud of you. You are following your dream, and that’s what he always wanted for you.”

“I know. I just miss you guys and feel like I’m missing so much,” I admitted.

“Hush now. Fill me in on how things are for you and Rosa Nell.” Just like she always had, Mom quieted my fears.

I talked her through all that had happened over the last month. How Rosie was doing in school, our new place, my job. Eventually, I got the nerve to break the news of Mac to her.

“So… we had a thing happen,” I started.

“What kind of thing? A good thing? A bad thing? Quit being vague and spit it out. I know whatever it is, it’s important.”

“Mom, Rosie’s dad is here.”

“What?” she exclaimed. “Tim followed you? I thought you left to start over?”

“Not Tim, Mom. Her real father.”

“You mean the guy you had the fling with?”

“Yeah, that guy.”

Silence descended for a moment. “Well?”

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