Page 57 of Winning Back His Wife
As Kendall dug through the box, Hannah mouthed the words thank you to Sarah. Austin showed Jake his newest hand-held video game. Carly played peek-a-boo with Nicole and Tyler. Garrett adjusted the stereo volume.
Sarah gave Hannah a quick nod, then focused on Kendall. “Let me see what you have.”
The girl showed her the box jam-packed with maps, a plastic bucket and other things Cullen couldn’t quite recognize.
“Looks like you’ve got plenty to make a project,” Sarah said. “Is there a quieter place where we can work?”
“Yes. I know just the place.” Kendall, all limbs and hair, scrambled to her feet. “Follow me.”
As Kendall jogged out of the living room carrying her box with her little brother Tyler chasing after her, Sarah stood. “How much help is Kendall allowed to have with the project?”
“She’s supposed to do the majority of the physical work herself,” Garrett said. “But she can have as much assistance as needed with the concepts and science behind the project.”
“Got it,” Sarah said.
“Tyler went back with Kendall. If he’s in the way, let me know,” Garrett added.
Sarah waved her hand. “No worries. We’ll find something for him to do.”
Her willingness to help surprised Cullen, given her awkwardness with his nephews and nieces during that Easter. Maybe spending more time with kids on field trips had made a difference. He remembered what she’d said to him during their conversation in his living room.
I wanted to help with dinner. I tried to help. But I only got in their way. They kicked me out of the kitchen and told me to go find you.
Had his family treated Sarah the same way when it came to the kids? Granted, they hadn’t been happy when he’d eloped because they worried his behavior had been too reckless. But surely his family wouldn’t have taken their concerns out on Sarah.
Except that was what he’d done, he realized with regret. He’d blamed Sarah for his impulsive behavior in Las Vegas. Even though it had made him feel better, happy, complete.
Hannah stared down the hallway. “Sarah doesn’t have to do this.”
“She knows that,” Cullen explained. “But given the choice between volcanoes and doing something else, she’ll pick volcanoes every time.”
But the words didn’t quite ring true to him. She’d had research to do with her dissertation and other obligations at the university. But she’d worked around his schedule as much as possible. He hadn’t felt like a priority because he hadn’t wanted to be one. He’d wanted her to be busy so he had reason to be busy, too. Busy...distracted. He rubbed the back of his neck.
Carly picked up Nicole. “You know, the USGS Cascade Volcano Observatory isn’t that far away.”
Jake held a bottle of beer. “Vancouver, Washington, isn’t exactly close.”
“It’s closer than Bellingham, where Sarah works now,” Hannah countered.
Garrett shot his wife a pointed look. Something Cullen hadn’t expected from the button-downed CPA who was also OMSAR’s treasurer. “Drop it.”
Jake nodded. “You, too, Carly. Doc doesn’t need you interfering in his life.”
“Especially his marriage,” Garrett added.
“What? We haven’t done anything.” Hannah raised her palms. “Carly and I thought we’d mention it in case Cullen and Sarah want to be closer.”
Closer, huh? The muscle cords in Cullen’s neck tightened. Sarah had been right. His friends had noticed what was going on at the chocolate tasting and had made their own assumptions. Wrong ones. Though a part of him wished they were correct. Sarah had never answered his question about still wanting the divorce. “Sarah and I aren’t back together.”
“Not yet anyway.” Carly spoke as if she knew a big secret. “Anyone can see the two of you are perfect together.”
He’d thought that once himself. Now...
Jake blew out an exasperated breath. “Be careful, Doc, or you’ll find these two playing matchmaker.”
Hannah placed her hands on her hips. “We aren’t that bad.”
“That’s because you haven’t been given the chance,” Garrett said. “They mean well, Doc, but don’t let them get away with anything or you’ll have an avalanche on your hands.”
Cullen gave both men a nod. He stood. “Appreciate the warning, gentlemen. I’m going to see how the science project is coming along.”
And get out from under the would-be-matchmaking reach of the ladies.
“Just follow the sounds of wailing and gnashing of teeth and you’ll find Kendall,” Hannah said.
