Page 51 of From Maybe to Baby

Alexa starts to move away, but Gloria's already locked on the target.

"Don't leave. Miss Minty. The kids haven’t stopped talking about you. Every call is 'Miss Minty this' and 'Miss Minty that.' And from Jonas's PR team, though I'm sure that's just speculation... Even though TMZ does have some lovely photos..."

"Gloria," I warn, but she's unstoppable.

"You look different," she announces, studying me through the screen. "Happier. Relaxed. Are you having fun, Jonas? I know the kids are, but what about you? I want to see that spark back in your eyes. The one Genny always talked about. And you’re wearing a little tan.”

Ah, Gloria.

"The kids are asleep," I say, trying to change the subject. And also trying to figure out how to politely end the call.

"Okay, good. Say, on our call this morning, Jace says Miss Minty makes you smile all the time. Out of the mouths of babes, hmmm?"

Alexa tenses beside me, but Gloria continues, "And you know what? Genny would love that. Remember what she wrote in her last birthday card to you? 'Love multiplies, it doesn't divide.'"

"Gloria..."

"I know, I know. I'm meddling. But Jonas?" Her eyes are suspiciously bright. "You're allowed to be happy again. Both of you." She looks pointedly at Alexa.

After we say goodbye, the silence is heavy. And awkward.

"Your mother-in-law is..."

"Subtle as a body check?"

"I was going to say 'interesting.'"

We sit there, hands still linked, looking at the stars because it’s easier than looking at each other.

"Jonas?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you. For telling me about her."

I glance at our joined hands, at the woman beside me who’s nothing like Genny and not someone I should be thinking about.

"Thanks for asking," I say, pulling my hand back as I get to my feet.

This isn’t a beginning. It’s a moment. That’s all. And a fleeting one, at that.

Travel writers stick around until they don’t. Kids believe in magic until reality kicks in. Moments like this aren’t built to last.

I lead Alexa to the door of my suite. I don’t want to be rude, but I’m suddenly beyond exhausted and if I don’t get in bed right away, I might fall asleep standing up.

"Goodnight, Alexa," I say.

She nods and I close the door.

7

ALEXA

If your kids dream of water slides and you dream of poolside margaritas, this place might just keep everyone happy…

My pen hovers over my notebook as I completely fail to focus on anything except Jonas teaching his kids to ride the waves. Professional distance is really hard to maintain when a hot hockey player keeps emerging from the ocean like some kind of male Sports Illustrated cover model. The Hawaiian sun has no business making him look this good, all golden skin and perfect smile and... wait, what was I writing about?

Family-friendly amenities include...

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