Page 9 of Beach Vibes

Jana sank onto the floor and pulled her daughter into her lap as Teddy’s three swarmed around her. Each of them talked over the other, telling her about the dinner, the movie and the games they’d played in Dex’s spacious house.

The man of the hour wandered in before leaning against the wall, watching her with the kids. Despite having just spent several hours babysitting all four of them, he looked as relaxed and comfortable as always.

“How do you do it?” she asked. “You’re never frazzled.”

“It’s a state of being,” he said with a familiar grin. “One of my many gifts.”

“Thanks for taking Linnie.”

One shoulder rose and lowered. “Three kids, four kids—what does it matter?” He winked at Magnolia, Teddy’s oldest. “Besides, I had that one to keep everyone in line.”

“Magnolia’s bossy,” middle child and only boy Atlas announced loudly.

Magnolia glared at him. “Am not. I’m the oldest, so I know things, and it’s my job to tell you younger kids what to do.”

“A job you take a little too seriously,” Jana said, careful to keep her voice teasing and gentle.

The truth was, the twelve-year-old had stepped into the role of surrogate mother after her own mom had died. Something Jana and her brother talked about a lot. They did their best to keep Magnolia from feeling there were expectations, but before they realized what was happening, she would slip back into “I’m the leader” mode.

“All right, everyone,” Jana said, coming to her feet and drawing Linnie up with her. “Is our homework finished?”

Orchid, the baby of Teddy’s family, sidled up to Dex and gave him a sweet smile. “I don’t have homework.”

“I know.” He ruffled her hair. “Lucky you.”

“I only had reading.” Atlas started for the family room. “I finished it at Dex’s.”

“I’m done, too,” Magnolia added.

Linnie tugged on Jana’s hand. “I want homework.”

“Soon. When you’re in school.” She paused. “Okay, maybe not in kindergarten or first grade.”

“But that’s so long to wait.” Linnie’s full mouth twisted. “It’s hard being the youngest.”

“I know, sweetie. But you’re growing up so fast. I wish you’d slow down.”

Linnie giggled and followed her cousins into the family room, walking with exaggeratedly measured movements. Jana watched her go, for the millionth time wondering about her daughter’sbright red hair. Where on earth had it come from? Not that she had an answer to the question.

Dex pushed off the wall. “You okay?”

“I’m great. Tired. Overwhelmed, but that’s not unusual.” She walked toward him. “I know you said it was nothing, but I really appreciate you including Linnie. She was thrilled to finally be joining her cousins.”

“She was great. If she wants to keep coming along, she’s welcome.”

“Thank you.”

He studied her, frowning slightly—the movement of his brows only adding to his spectacular good looks. “You hear from UCLA?”

“Not yet.” She held up crossed fingers. “Hopefully soon and with good news.”

“You’ll get in.”

“Maybe. I want to.” UCLA’s School of Nursing was her first choice. “Assuming it’s a yes, I’ll also be hearing about the financial aid package, and—”

She stopped talking when she saw Dex’s expression change.

“No,” she said sharply. “Just no.”

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