Page 40 of Moonlight Feels Right
"I think she's convinced herself that by letting me go, she saved me."
"She probably had to convince herself of that. It was the only way she could live with herself."
He had a point. "That's pretty insightful," she said.
"I have my moments."
"Do you think she'll try to go back to Haven?"
"I don't know. Sometimes it's easier to go backward than forward."
She thought about that, wondering if he was talking more about himself than her mother. "Do you think returning to your job is a step forward or backward?"
He didn't answer right away, then he said, "I'm not sure. But I'm going to find out."
When they got home, they found Paige, Henry, and Olivia sitting at a table in the courtyard, eating ice cream. Kaia and Lexie were stretched out on loungers by the pool while Gabe and Madison were in the water, tossing a beach ball back and forth. Josie, Frank, Maggie, and Skye were at another table playing bridge. Skye was apparently the latest person to be roped into being a fourth for their card game.
Seeing all her friends having a good time on a beautiful Sunday stripped the dark thoughts from Emmalyn's mind. This was what she loved most about Ocean Shores and the family she'd found there. Even when she felt out of sorts, as soon as she came home, she felt better. Smiles, laughter, and conversation lightened the tangled and deep emotions of the last few hours.
As they joined Paige and the kids at the table, Olivia burst into a long, rambling story about the movie, with Henry joining in to add his excited thoughts. Clearly, the kids had had a great time.
When Olivia finally came up for air, Hunter said, "Thanks for taking Olivia, Paige."
"She was a delight, and Henry was happy to have a friend," Paige replied. "They want to go swimming, but I thought I should wait and ask you before they went in the pool."
"Can I go, Hunter?" Olivia asked, a plea in her gaze.
"Sure. As soon as you finish your ice cream," he replied. "And I'd be happy to watch both of them if you want a break, Paige."
"Well, I have to put some laundry in, so I wouldn't mind you keeping an eye on them for a few minutes, if that's okay."
"No problem."
"I'm done," Olivia said, popping the last of her ice cream into her mouth and jumping to her feet.
"Great. We'll get changed and meet you back here." He paused. "Do you want to join us in the pool, Emmalyn?"
"Uh, I don't feel like swimming, but I'll hang out for a bit." The last thing she wanted to do was go upstairs and be alone in her apartment, where she would have way too much time to think.
As the four of them went to change into bathing suits, she made her way over to Lexie and Kaia, taking a seat on the lounger next to Kaia.
"You're getting red," she told her friend.
"As always," Kaia said with a sigh as she sat up. "The curse of a redhead. I'll take a dip, then lather up again."
As Kaia joined Madison and Gabe in the pool, Lexie smiled and said, "You should put on a suit. It's hot out here."
"I got a lot of sun yesterday at the beach."
"I heard you took a surf lesson. Liam was excited about that."
"It was more of a boogie board lesson and geared to six-year-olds, so I don't think anyone should be too excited."
"Well, you have to start somewhere. Speaking of starting somewhere…"
She shook her head. "Don't get any ideas, Lex."
"How can I not? You and Hunter are spending a lot of time together. Paige said you were going to a farmers' market, but that was hours ago, and I couldn't help noticing neither of you came back with anything."
