Page 49 of Island Protector

“Color me relieved.” Knox played it off, but Miles had the sense he was glad to hear it. “Now tell me about this big Valentine’s date so I know where to be so I won’t interfere and yet keep you out of trouble.”

Miles laid out his plans for what he thought of as the family date tomorrow night. “After, with Sharon out of town, I intend to sleep over at their place. On the couch,” he clarified quickly. “I don’t want to leave her alone until this mess is behind her.”

“Got it. As the lead on your security, I’ll make sure everyone’s on the same page.”

Miles thanked him and walked him to the door. It was good having someone at his back, even if the man was completely invisible most of the time.

Chapter Twelve

Once Bryce wasoff to school and Sharon away for her secret romantic weekend, Molly felt edgy. She could go and do whatever she wanted with ease, thanks to Miles loaning her his car, but she was afraid of going out on her own.

On a normal Valentine’s Day she would be at the shop, selling roses in every way, shape and form to ensure romance prevailed.

Nina had stopped by last night, with her baby girl and a plate of cookies, just to check in on them. The thoughtfulness was one of the best perks about the job and life here. Other neighbors stopped by regularly with something for Bryce and a reminder they could help as needed. Molly poured herself a cup of coffee and heated a slice of strudel in the microwave as she debated what to wear on her upcoming date. She’d told Bryce they were spending time with Miles tonight and instantly regretted it as he asked a thousand questions she couldn’t answer.

Surely her day would go faster if she’d been able to be at work, but Nina insisted it was too soon. She was probably right. They’d agreed on next week, though Nina compromisedto let Molly come in for some training time with Hailey tomorrow afternoon and over the weekend while Boone watched Bryce. She was looking forward to the opportunity almost as much as she was looking forward to her date.

Could she call it that with a five-year-old in tow?

Ugh. She needed a distraction. Her thoughts were spinning out of control with the custody battle that might be fake, the date that might be real, and everything in between.

Last night, during Nina’s visit, she’d held Addison, gently swaying in an automatic response to having an infant in her arms. Molly had been startled by the strong jolt of longing for another baby of her own. Before she knew it, she was staring into space imagining a little boy with Miles’s warm brown eyes and a ballcap covering his hair, holding hands with Bryce.

It was enough to put an ache in her heart. She was letting her feelings run away with her way too soon. She’d seen plenty of babies since becoming a mother and not once had she felt these urges.

Lousy timing. What kind of future could she possibly have with Miles? Even assuming this custody problem blew over and she wouldn’t have to find a way to share Bryce with the Graingers, what could she bring to a relationship? He’d been places, done things. He owned a local business and was becoming an integral part of the community.

Miles was established and in control of his life, while she continued to live with her aunt and lean on her support.

“And if Sharon heard me now, she’d scold me for sure,” Molly said aloud. Because she really was doing fine. Needing Sharon didn’t make her weak. She would never say that to a friend in the same situation.

Sending Miles a text, she asked how she and Bryce should dress tonight. Then she only had more concerns when he told her they would need warm gear. Apparently, an outdoor picnic was on the agenda.

February wasn’t her idea of picnic weather, so she appreciated the warning. And when Miles knocked on the door precisely at five, she had coats at the ready for both her and her son.

Inviting Miles in, she gave Bryce a head start on the constant stream of questions while he wriggled into his coat.

“Where are we going?” he asked, his gaze shifting between the two adults.

“I have a special surprise.” Miles took a knee and zipped up Bryce’s coat. “I know you and your family were going to Parker’s the night of the accident.”

“Momma says we get to go back.” Bryce looked up at her. “When are we going?”

“When Aunt Sharon gets home.”

He sighed.

“Or we could go tonight. Unless that’s too much Parkers?”

“Never!” Bryce’s shout ended in something that sounded more like a howl.

Molly laughed. “I warned you.”

“Your mom knows you pretty well,” Miles said. Holding out his hand to Bryce, he asked, “Do you want to come on a Parker’s picnic with me and your mom?”

“What’s a Parker’s picnic?”

“Kind of like eating out on their patio, but even more special.”

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