“Emma, it’s my treat.”
“I’m fine.” I soften my tone. “I really appreciate this, but I’m really okay.”
He narrows his eyes at me before giving me a peck on the lips and heading into the gift shop with my children.
I laugh and shake my head.
They emerge about ten minutes later, arms full of stuffed toys and T-shirts, and I roll my eyes.
“Got you something.”
He hands me a small bag.
“Open it in the car, Mum. I’ve got all this stuff to carry,” Jason says.
Caleb chuckles. “Need some help?”
“No. I’ve got this.”
I raise my hand to my mouth to stifle a laugh.
When we get to Caleb’s truck, he helps Jason into the back seat with all his toys.
I’m not sure who’s more tired—Jason or me.
It’s been a big day.
“Mum, open your present,” Jason says. “I helped Caleb pick it out.”
“Okay.” I open the bag and smile. A pair of earrings—blue penguins sit inside the bag. “Aww, that’s so sweet. Thank you.”
“Put them in.”
I meet Caleb’s gaze and he shrugs.
Handing him the empty bag, I take out the studs I usually wear and slide the new earrings in.
“They sparkle.” Jason laughs.
“They’re lovely. Thank you very much.”
I take the bag back from Caleb and drop my studs into it before placing them into my handbag.
“Who wants ice cream?” Caleb looks in the rear-view mirror.
“Me.” Jason’s hand shoots up.
Today gets simultaneously better but more exhausting.
We drive the short distance up the road to the Danish ice cream place.
Caleb parks at the side of the road, and after opening my door and helping me out, helps the others out of the back seat.
“There’s a playground.” Jason’s voice is full of wonder.
“Maybe after ice cream, you can go and run off some of that energy,” Caleb says.
“I’ll push you on the swings, Jase,” Kiera says.
