Page 68 of The Last Time

“It’s incredible, isn’t it? They did such a good job. With the painting and the floors done, it’s like a new house.”

I look around at the floors, noticing how they don’t look worn anymore. The color is dark and rich, popping off the lighter colors on the walls. Charlotte also painted all of the golden oak trim white, which helps the floors stand out even more. The place does look so much better. I’m so proud of Charlotte for taking all of this on by herself. She’s something else.

“Care if I walk around and take a look so I can tell Bret if I notice any areas that need work?”

“No, go for it. Brie and I will just hang out while you do that. Is it okay if I walk outside with her and show her the view?”

“That’s fine. I’ll come find you guys when I’m done.”

It only takes me about fifteen minutes to inspect everything to determine that it looks good. It always does with my guys. I only hire the best.

I walk outside onto the deck to find the two off in the distance sitting on the dock by the water watching the boats go by.

I always grew up on the water, it’s part of who I am. I have a boat stored by a marina not far from here that I haven’t had time to take out since the beginning of summer. Life has just been so crazy, and I’ve also spent all of my free time with the beautiful woman who’s stealing my heart.

But growing up, my dad and I would always go fishing together. I remember passing by this house all the time, seeing a young Layla, Charlotte, and Avery waving at us from this very dock.

Who would’ve thought this was where life was going to lead us?

I reach the end of the dock, hands in my pockets as I watch them.

“Dolphins?” Brie asks softly.

“Yes, dolphins. I saw a few this morning. That’s why I bought these chairs to put out here, it’s one of my favorite places.”

“I wuv dolphins.”

“Me too. They’re my favorite. Growing up, I used to beg my dad to let me jump in the water and swim with them.”

“You swim wif dolphins?”

“Sadly, no. You’re not allowed to swim with wild dolphins. But it never stopped me from coming out here and watching them, wishing they could be my friends.”

“I be your friend,” Brie says then gives Charlotte a hug.

“I would love that. Thank you, sweetie pie.”

“I’m all finished,” I interrupt, not sure I can handle hearing any more of this without losing another piece of the protective armor around my heart.

“Daddy! Dolphins in the water,” Brie says, still sitting in Charlotte’s lap on the chair.

I take a seat in the spare chair next to them.

“There are dolphins in this water,” I reply, agreeing with her statement.

“We go to the beach?” she asks.

“This weekend we’re going to the beach.”

“Yay!” You come?” Brie turns to Charlotte.

“Oh, um, I think your daddy might not want…” Charlotte stumbles on her words.

I know I shouldn’t push this, all of us spending time with together, but I can’t help myself.

“You should come. If you’re free, and if you’d like to.”

She smiles at me. “I’d love to come.”

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