Page 85 of My Heart To Heal

‘We should probably get out of your hair then.’ I turn back to find Cara beaming at me, and I can’t help but return the expression. ‘This is a nice, quiet, private spot.’ I squintmy eyes at her, wondering what she’s cooking up. ‘And it’s going to be a warm few days.’

‘Unseasonably warm,’ I add suspiciously.

‘Perfect for a swim.’

‘I don’t have a bathing suit.’

‘Hmm,’ she stands, ‘that is a shame.’ She winks, then steps forward and calls to Doug, who turns and immediately wrangles the kids, and I pick up the bag of Jonah’s things.

‘What’s going on?’ Nick asks as we all group together near Doug’s truck.

‘Doug and Cara are taking the kids camping.’

‘Both of them?’ he questions as Jonah squeals with excitement.

‘Yeah, they thought Jonah would enjoy it.’

I hand over the bag to Doug as Cara passes me the groceries I had asked her to pick up.

‘What are you up to?’ Nick eyes me suspiciously, and I smile, then hand him the bag so I can say bye to Jonah.

‘Have fun, baby.’

‘I will.’

‘And don’t forget your manners, okay?’

‘I won’t. I promise.’

As Nick and I stand shoulder to shoulder, watching our friends and my son drive away, I take a breath. We’re alone, and I’m not letting this opportunity pass by.

‘So…’

‘Lunch,’ I say brightly, ‘let’s make lunch.’

Inside the cabin, I take out some turkey, the bread, and some salad while Nick puts away the groceries, not questioning the wine, the steaks, or his favorite Merv’s diner cheesecake.

‘Shall we eat on the deck?’ he asks as I finish making our sandwiches and Nick pours us both a glass of juice. I nod, yes and follow him out.

‘I feel like you’re up to something,’ he says, smirking as we sit.

‘Jonah’s never been camping,’ I say by way of an explanation, and Nick arches an eyebrow at me.

‘So that’s why you asked Cara to bring you a very nice bag of groceries?’

I inhale deeply.

‘I wanted to cook dinner for you, and since Jonah wasn’t going to be here, I thought we could have something nice, drink a little wine, and I can thank you for taking care of me, us.’

‘Miss,’ he puts down his sandwich, ‘you have nothing to thank me for.’

I don’t say anymore. Instead, I pick up my sandwich and take another bite.

‘I can’t believe how warm it is.’ I change the subject, and he nods.

‘I know. It’s nice.’

‘How cold is the water?’

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