Page 91 of His True North (Shattered Cove 5)

“Hey, sweetheart,” his mother said, greeting him. A smile split her face. “You can set those on the small table by the window.” She pointed to a card table covered by a brown tablecloth.

He did as she said and opened his arms for his mother’s embrace. She squeezed him tight before backing up.

“Dinner won’t be ready for another forty minutes.”

“Okay. I’ll bring Dad a drink.”

“You sure you don’t want to help decorate cookies?” Charli asked, offering him a tilted smile.

He hadn’t decorated cookies since he was about the girl’s age, maybe twelve? “No, thanks. I’m gonna watch the game with Dad.”

“Boys.” The little girl rolled her eyes.

Charli and Claire laughed.

“Keep thinking that way. I’m sure your daddy will be able to rest easy,” Claire joked.

Charli must have read the question in his expression. “Oh, Finn, this is Aspen, Mason’s daughter.”

“Hi.” He waved.

“Do you like chocolate chip or sugar cookies better?” Aspen asked, her eyes studying him closely.

“Uh, chocolate chip?” His answer came out more like a question.

“Did he pass inspection?” Charli teased.

“Yes. You’d have to be crazy to pass up chocolate.” Aspen giggled.

“Well, I’d better leave you ladies to it.” He headed to the fridge to pull out two beers, and then grabbed a third for Mason. He turned around and stopped.

Aspen stared up at him. “You don’t remember me, do you?”

“No, sorry, I don’t.”

She searched his face for another minute. “That must be scary.”

He nodded. It was fucking terrifying. Having half your life stolen from you and waking up without even knowing what you missed. One day you’re just a teenager rushing into the lake naked with your friends, and the next you’re a grown man with a wife and a baby on the way. Scary was an understatement.

“My daddy said that you might be different.”

Finn’s brows knit together. “Did we hang out before?”

She nodded. “You helped my dad build my tree house.”

“Oh.” He didn’t know what else to say.

She looked towards Finn expectantly.

“Is it a cool tree house?”

She smiled, her whole face lighting up. “Yeah, there’s a window seat where I sit and read my books.”

“That sounds awesome.”

“It is. Well, I’m gonna go finish decorating the cookies.” Aspen waved and skipped away.

Charli’s eyes met his. She smiled, and he gave her a wink, hopefully setting her at ease.

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