Page 30 of One Hot Daddy

I watch in amazement as prim and proper Florry starts to giggle---actually giggle---while she adjusts to the water temperature.

Fletcher's grin is triumphant."There's the Mum I remember."

Henry seizes the moment of distraction to lob the beach ball directly at Fletcher's head.It bounces off with a satisfying thwack.

"Point to the kids!"Charlotte cheers, pumping her fist in the air.

"That wasn't even a proper serve!"I protest, lunging for the ball as it floats past me.

"All's fair in water volleyball," Amelia declares with teenage authority.

I snatch the ball and hurl it back at the kids' side of the pool.It smacks Henry squarely in the chest, and he lets out an exaggerated "oof!"before dissolving into giggles.

"Jennifer's ruthless!"Fletcher announces with obvious admiration.

"I warned you I was competitive."

"You did indeed."He's watching me with something that looks suspiciously like desire.Water streams down his chest, and I force myself to look away from his hot body.

"My turn!"Florry calls out, surprising everyone.She paddles over with determination, her prim demeanor completely abandoned.When Henry tosses her the ball, she serves it with surprising accuracy.

"Bloody hell, Mum!"Fletcher exclaims as we all scramble to return her shot.

"Language!"she scolds automatically, but nobody believes she's angry.

Our entourage makes the rounds of the best and most fun places in the park.Then we head out to find food, sampling the eats at three of the best vendors.We adults insist on making the children let their food settle before we move on to other exciting places within the water park.

Fletcher's youngest son takes off for parts unknown in this massive park.

"Henry, wait!"I holler after him, but he's a blur of excitement darting through the crowd.

Fletcher sighs beside me."So much for letting our food settle."

"I've got him," Amelia says, jogging after her younger brother."Charlotte, come on!You too, Josh!"

The four of them disappear into the throng of wet, sunscreen-scented bodies while Fletcher and I exchange glances with the grandparents.

I gather our scattered belongings."I suppose we should follow them."

Florence dabs at her damp hair with a towel."I think I'll sit this one out, dears.These old bones have had quite enough excitement for one day."

"Nonsense," Fletcher declares, taking her hand."You were brilliant on the Murgatroyd water volleyball team.I'm not letting you quit now."

She protests weakly, clearly, she's secretly pleased.She has a twinkle in her eyes that wasn't there this morning.

We make our way through the maze of attractions toward the Go-Karts.The afternoon sun beats down on my shoulders, and I'm grateful for the frequent misting fans scattered throughout the park.As Fletcher walks beside me, I catch hints of chlorine and something distinctly him beneath the sunscreen.

"Your mother's having the time of her life," I observe as Florry chatters excitedly with Patty about her volleyball prowess.

Fletcher grins."She is, isn't she?I haven't seen her this relaxed since...well, since before Claudia left."

The mention of his ex-wife creates a brief tension between us.I want to ask more, but I won't push it.This day is too perfect to ruin with heavy conversations."Everyone's having fun.That's what matters."

We reach the Go-Karts just as Henry is trying to convince the operator he's tall enough to drive his own kart.Fletcher steps in before his son can stage a full-on rebellion.

"You can ride with me, champ," he suggests, ruffling Henry's hair.

The boy pouts for approximately two seconds before excitement takes over again."Can I steer sometimes?"