Page 86 of Shut Up and Drive

I standat the kitchen sink doing dishes after breakfast while the men and boys pack up their gear and load up the boat. It’s their tradition: the dads make everyone breakfast burritos, then all the guys put the “big boy toys” in the boat and disappear for a few hours to play. They always come back grinning from ear to ear, a bit crispy from the sunshine, and full of stories from their shenanigans. I think it’s the day my dad loves the most, because he finally gets to let his hair—or what’s left of it—down.

While the men go boating, the women go shopping. We spend the day wandering the quaint boutiques and shops in town, go to lunch, and pamper ourselves with pedicures. That’s usually one of my favorite days as well, but this year,my social battery is so drained, I’m kind of dreading being out all day. What I’dreallylove is some peace and quiet, and some quality time with my book. I stare outside at my hammock longingly and sigh. Thane strides through the kitchen in a Bluey swimsuit and a towel thrown over one shoulder. He pauses as he passes me, and leans into my body.

“You need some quiet time, don’t you?” he asks gently.

I nod.

“Well, I heard Emma saying to Kevin that she wasn’t going shopping because the twins need a nap. He offered to stay, but she said it was fine.”

My eyes snap up to his as a lightbulb goes off in my mind. “Really?”

“Really. Do with that information what you will,” he says with a wink and kisses the top of my head.

I put the last dish in the drying rack and run upstairs to volunteer as tribute.

“Hey, Emma,” I say as she wrestles her two-year-old into a diaper. “I’d be happy to stay behind while the twins nap if you’d like to go to town with everyone.”

“Oh, that’s okay. I don’t want to put you out.”

“No, really. I’d like to stay home, and this would be the perfect excuse.”

Her eyes light up. “Really? You don’t want to go?”

“I’m just a little tired today and would love to rest instead. Plus, you’re a busy mom running a dental practice. You need the break more than I do.”

“You’re a lifesaver, thank you!” she says. “I’ll put them down, and they usually sleep for a few hours now that theyonly nap once a day. When they wake up, call me and I’ll come back.”

I want to pump my fist and yell, “Yes!” But I settle for a more subtle, “Sounds great, thanks!” instead.

Thirty minutes later, I wave at the doorway as the ladies drive away, and skip gleefully to the silent kitchen. That’s when I spot the note on the counter with my name on it. I open it cautiously, hoping it’s not a “To-Do” list from my mom. But what I find instead is Thane’s handwriting.

Fina,

I know that you’re dying for some solitude, so I’ve set up some ‘charging stations’ around the house to help you recharge your battery. Your first treat is in the pantry.

Happy relaxing!

—Thane

I squeal and run to the pantry. Inside, on a shelf at eye level, is a fresh pack of Oreos and a new bag of Cheetos with a sticky note on the front.

Drinks are in the fridge.

I gather up the treats and head to the fridge, where I find a bottle of Cherry Pepsi, a pint of milk, and another note.

Check the freezer.

I open the freezer drawer and find a bar of myfavorite dark chocolate. I smile and shake my head as I read another sticky note.

For when you need to cool down.

Your paradise awaits on the patio.

I leave the Cheetos on the counter and the chocolate in the freezer, pour a mug of milk, grab a stack of Oreos, and scurry outside.

My hammock has been freshly fluffed with a patio pillow and lined with a clean towel. My book sits on my stump table with a smooth, flat skipping rock on top of it. I stop in my tracks as the tears sting my eyes. The Oreo I’m dunking blurs, and I blink to clear my vision.

He did all this for me. Just because.