Page 65 of Hold You Close
“I’m afraid so. And we have to return the boat by seven, so we should probably start heading back.”
Her face falls, and I don’t blame her a bit. It’s been a perfect afternoon—the weather hot and sunny, the water cool and refreshing, the kids laughing and enjoying themselves more than I’ve seen them do since losing their parents.
Even London is more relaxed than usual. She’s a little rabid about the sunscreen, but it was kind of nice when she offered to put some on my back and shoulders. Her hands on my skin heated me up even more than the sun, and she pressed her lips to the back of my neck, prompting Morgan to taunt, “Are you guys in love or something?”
Rather than answer, I picked her up and tossed her over the side of the boat into the lake.
“Can I drive the boat back, Uncle Ian?” Christopher asks from where he’s sitting with Ruby in the open bow.
I check my phone and see that it’s already close to seven. Much as I don’t want this day to end, I have to be at work by ten at the latest, and I still have to feed them dinner. “Sure. You guys ready to go? Do we have everyone on board?”
London, leaning back on her hands, legs outstretched across the cushion at the back of the boat, looks from kid to kid. “One, two, three. I think we’re all here.” Rising to her feet, she calls to Ruby. “Come here, honey, and let’s get your life jacket back on, okay? You too, Morgan and Chris.” She smiles at the young girl and puts a hand beneath her chin. “God, you look just like your mom at your age with your hair all slicked back that way.”
Morgan grins. “I do?”
London nods and gives her a hug, but I don’t miss the sniff. She’s wearing sunglasses, but I know if she took them off, I’d see tears in her eyes. Sabrina and David have been on my mind too today, and I like thinking that they’re happy as they watch over us. I want their faith in me to be justified. It’s becoming more important to me every day.
When all the kids have their life jackets on, we head back to the marina, turn in the boat, and pile into the car for the forty-five minute drive home. On the way, London offers to get the kids fed while I get ready for work.
“Thanks,” I say, giving her a grateful smile. “That helps. I was just planning to order a pizza, but there are some things in the fridge if you feel like cooking.”
“I’ll make them something. I don’t mind. They could probably use something healthy since they’ve been eating chips and drinking pop all day.” She looks over at me says quickly, “I don’t mean that as a criticism. I ate the chips, too.”
Laughing, I reach over and squeeze her hand. “It’s okay. Thanks for the help. And I promise I’m going to take you to dinner one night this week.”
“That would be nice.”
Back at my house, the kids tromp upstairs to shower and clean up, tired and cranky after a day in the sun. London heads for the kitchen, tosses her hat and sunglasses on the counter, and opens the fridge. “Oh, perfect,” she says. “You’ve got chicken breasts and bell peppers. I’ll make a stir fry. Do you have any rice?”
“Pantry, I think.” I set my keys on the table.
“Great. I’m just going to run over to my house and grab a quick shower. Be right back.” She tries to move past me but I catch her around the waist, wishing she didn’t have to go, even for a quick shower.
“Hey,” I say gruffly.
Smiling, she lets me pull her close. Her hands rest on my chest. “What?”
I kiss her softly. “Did you have a nice day?”
Her lips curve into a smile. “Yes. Did you?”
“Yes. I think the kids liked it too.”
“I know they did. We should do things like this with them more often. Wasn’t it wonderful to see them smiling like that? Especially Christopher.”
“He and I had a nice talk last night.”
Her eyebrows rise. “Did you? About what?”
“A lot of things. But mostly that it’s okay for him to miss his parents. I told him how much I miss my sister, and I think he was glad to hear that.”
Her eyes drop for a moment. “I think he really wants to be strong, but it’s kind of an act, you know? And if he tries to bury all that pain . . .”
“That’s probably my fault. When it first happened, I handled him like my father handled me all my life. Told him a man needs to hold it together, be brave for the women, not show weakness.” I could tell she wanted to say something, but bit her lip instead. “But maybe that isn’t the right approach with Chris. He seems a little more sensitive than I was at his age. More like his mom.”
“I think you’re right.”
“Anyway, I think he felt better afterward.”
