Page 21 of Every Summer Since
“Dad.”
He pointed at her with his fork. “I am simply telling you about my morning exercise routine. If you want to read into that, I can’t stop you.”
He was trying not to smile, and it almost brought tears to my eyes. I hadn’t seen that kind of smile on his face in a long time.
“Good for you,” I said.
Ten years was a long time to move through the world without the person you’d promised your heart to. He deserved muffins. He deserved the whole bakery. He deserved to have someone love him and take care of him like only a wife could do.
Would it be weird? Absolutely. But if she was a good woman and she loved my dad, I was good with it.
“Eat your rice,” he said.
Becca and I both smiled and returned to our meal.
After dinner the kids disappeared inside and came back in their pajamas. They settled onto the outdoor daybed with their books. River was only seven, but she was going to be an avid reader. Dad stayed outside with them while Becca and I cleared the table.
“What do you think?” Becca asked quietly.
I rinsed while she loaded the dishwasher.
“I think we have to keep an open mind.”
“Nervous?” she asked.
“If she breaks his heart, she swims with fishes.”
We both burst into laughter.
Dad walked in. “What are you girls laughing about?”
“Nothing,” we both said in unison.
“I heard something interesting today,” he said.
“Yeah?” I asked.
“Sheryl and I were on the putting green and we heard there’s a certain family back in town. I just noticed all the lights are on next door, so I guess that means it’s true.”
I kept my eyes on the dishes.
“Rumor’s true, then,” he said. It wasn’t quite a question. He had the information. This was what he had done when we were younger and were busted. He gave us the chance to come clean. I hadn’t done anything wrong, but he knew something. Obviously not everything, but definitely something.
“I saw him last night. On the beach.” I dropped forks into the silverware holder. “Colt is here.”
“Haven’t seen that family in a while,” Dad said.
Becca was watching me. She was clearly surprised I hadn’t told her. To be fair, there hadn’t been an opportunity.
“He’s here for business,” I said. “A cruise line opening a headquarters.” I reached for the next dish. “They’re planning to put in a port.”
“What?” he gasped. “A port. Here. On our shore.”
“I know,” I murmured.
He looked at me and shook his head.
“I know,” I said again.
