Page 35 of Island Protector

She truly enjoyed the unexpected company. Knox and Miles ribbed each other and included Bryce as if they’d known him forever. When Bryce mentioned the vandalism, she appreciated how they explained the situation in a way that wouldn’t scare Bryce further.

“Miles built a bench for Aunt Sharon,” Bryce declared during a lull in the conversation.

“He built it for anyone to use,” Sharon said.

“Huh-uh,” Bryce argued. “He built it for you. He said so. Don’t you remember?”

Molly was surprised to find her aunt blushing.

“You’re both right,” Miles said. “I built the bench on a public dock, that’s true. But I had Aunt Sharon in mind as the primary customer.”

Something tripped in her head. Maybe closer to her heart. She’d never heard Miles refer to Sharon as if she was his aunt as well. It felt like the kiss of a sunbeam on a cloudy day at thebeach. Warm and reassuring. She probably shouldn’t read anything into it. He more than likely talked that way all the time around Bryce.

“And me.” Bryce’s outburst pulled her out of her reverie. He was overtired and excited. Not the greatest combination. She rubbed the increasing ache at her temple.

“That’s right, you too,” Miles said. “You two come down to see me so often I want you to be comfortable.”

“And safe,” Sharon said.

“Yes.” Miles nodded. “Always that.”

“Thank you.” It was more of a whisper than a grand declaration, but Miles heard her and gave her a quick smile.

Sharon caught her attention. “Is it too bright?”

It definitely was. “No.” Molly waved off the concern. “I’m okay. I promise.”

“Why would the light hurt you?”

She drew Bryce’s attention back to the corn fritter on his plate. “You missed one.”

“That’s not an answer,” he protested.

Sharon intervened. “Can you finish my tots, Bryce?” While he pushed a tot through some barbecue sauce, Sharon explained, “Your momma got quite a bump on the head last night.”

“And the arm.” He twisted to look at her brace.

“That’s right,” Sharon continued. “We have to be gentle with her while she recovers, remember?”

Bryce twisted in his chair and wrapped his arms around Molly. She patted him on the back, soaking up the sweet affection. “Thank you, honey. That makes it a lot better.”

He stood up on the chair and leaned over to kiss the top of her head. “I hope that helps your owies.”

“You’ve fixed me right up.”

His chest puffed up, he sat down and polished off his dinner.

When they were finished, Sharon and Knox cleared the table while Bryce talked sailing for a bit more with Miles. Molly marveled at his patience. No matter how many questions Miles answered, Bryce always had one more.

“Dishes are done.” Sharon pinned Bryce with a look. “Now it’s your turn.” She held out her hand to Bryce.

“Do I have to?” he wheedled, big eyes pleading for more time with his hero.

“You’d better,” Miles said with mock gravity. “Can’t work the lines looking like you do right now.”

Bryce eyed him. “You’ll be there tomorrow?”

“I will,” Miles confirmed. “You can come see me after school.”

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