Page 51 of Moonlit Kisses

I move my chair closer to hers and wrap my arm around her shoulder to drag her in close. I gently press her head against my chest. “Your mom sounds like she was an incredible woman. She made tough choices and followed through. You’re an amazing person as a result of her parenting.” I stroke my hand down her soft hair. “The only way you’ll get answers is if you ask Martin directly. Maybe there was some sort of misunderstanding? I dunno. I wish I had the answers and I could take away this pain for you.”

She nods. “I know.”

Molly peels away from me and heads to the bathroom to wash her face and gather her composure while I clean up from lunch. She opens the door, looking marginally more put together. “Are you gonna be okay? You can take the afternoon off if you need.”

She waves away my concern. “I’ll be okay. It’s better if I keep busy. I promise I’m alright.”

I hug her, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead and then head back out to the workshop to get on with the tire change and wheel alignment I need to finish.

* * *

“Uncle Maaaaax!” Kenny’s sweet voice shouts from the opposite side of the workshop.

Shit. I lost track of time and I forgot to let Molly know Emma was bringing the kids by this afternoon. Apparently, she needed to drop something off, but I think it’s an excuse to check out my new office manager so she can report back to the rest of the family.

I drop the torque wrench and hurry to the office door before Kenny decides to run across my workshop to get to me. The kids know the rules. They’re not allowed on the workshop floor unless they’re right beside me or Emma, but Kenny gets excited and makes her own rules.

As I close in on the door, Kenny leaps at me—I love how much she trusts me. I catch her easily, throwing her into the air with a flourish. She giggles as I catch her and kiss her forehead. “How’s my Kenny?” I press my forehead to hers. She’s one of the sweetest kids I’ve ever met, and I don’t think I’m bias because she’s my niece.

“I’m good. We came to visit you.” Her face is alight with joy, her body is practically vibrating with excitement.

“I can see that.” I tap the tip of her nose, then place her back on her feet.

“Hi, Uncle Max. What are you working on over there?” Austin points in the direction I just came.

I muss his hair. “Hey, Buddy. I’m doing a tire change and wheel alignment.”

His eyes light up. “Can I help?”

I glance at Emma for guidance but she’s too busy smiling at her son’s enthusiasm. “Probably not today. I can’t stop for too long. The owner will be here to collect his car soon.” His little face drops and his body sags. “Maybe next time I do the tires on the Dodge, okay? I’ll have more time and we can do it together.”

His eyes light with happiness. “Really?”

“Yeah. Really.”

He runs to Emma. “Did you hear that? I can help Uncle Max change his tires one day. How cool is that?” My eyes catch on Molly. She’s smiling as she watches my niece and nephews.

I move closer to Lachlan. “Hey, Lachlan. How are you doing today, Buddy?”

“I’m good. Thank you for asking, Uncle Max.” Emma steps next to Lachlan.

“Show Uncle Max what you brought over for him.” She leans into me. “Hey, little brother.” I roll my eyes and Molly giggles. It’s comical that she insists on calling me little brother.

He nods and then walks toward the door, picking up a square timber box. It looks a little heavy, so I move to help him. Molly makes room on the desk, and we place it down carefully. The workmanship is incredible. “What’s this?”

Lachlan focuses on making eye contact with me and I smile inside at how far he’s come over the past twelve months or so. “Theo helped me make this sorting box for you. You can put the different-size nuts and washers in here.” He points to several of the compartments. Molly’s hand comes up to cover her mouth and Emma’s face is full of pride.

I crouch down to Lachlan’s level. “This is incredible. It looks exactly like the one I was looking at buying last month. I keep mixing up all of my nuts, washers, and bolts and need something to help me keep them organized.” His little chest puffs out with pride. “Thank you, Buddy. It’s amazing.”

“You’re welcome, Uncle Max.”

I lift my eyes to Emma. “This is incredible. Thank Theo for me, won’t you?”

“I will. I’m pretty sure Lachlan did most of the work, though.” She grins at her son.

I realize I haven’t introduced Molly to my family. “I’m sorry. You guys haven’t met Molly.”

Kenny butts in. “Yes, we have. We already said hello before we saw you. She looks like Elsa, fromFrozen. She’s so pretty, Uncle Max.”

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