Page 151 of Summer Holiday Lifeline

Steven put his coffee down and turned to face him. “You’re really moving there?”

“I’m really going to talk to the kids about it and make sure it’s what we all want. But yes. I’m really going to see if it’s viable. I don’t how fast it will happen or⁠—”

Steven put a finger over his lips. “Stop. Talking.”

Myles nodded.

“I’m going to kiss you now.”

Myles nodded again.

“And probably make love to you again.”

“Yes, please,” he said around the finger.

“Sure you’re up for it?”

Myles nodded.

“Jet?”

“Can fend for himself. He’s a big boy.”

“Good deal. You’ll be busy for a while.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

When Myles pulled himself out of the car next to his best friend’s B and B on the last day of the year, he couldn’t help but compare the experience to the first time he’d done it, months before. Sure, it was colder now, but his body creaked less, and there was no anxiety over his welcome this time.

Lucky and Kreed both hugged him tight, and Scratch wagged his entire backside as he approached, but didn’t leap at him in a death-defying show of affection.

“You’re practically limber,” Lucky observed, despite the fact Myles had his cane in hand, just in case.

“I didn’t have to do all the driving this time.”

“I drove most of Alberta,” Jet informed them, puffing his chest out. “And some of the rest of the time.”

“You got your licence?” Wyatt appeared around the corner from the back of the B and B. “Dude. When can you drive us places?”

“Don’t get too excited there,” Myles warned them. “He’s still got months of only driving with an adult in the car.”

“Uncle Myles⁠—”

“Go.” Myles waved the boys off, and they didn’t look back.

“How is he?” Lucky asked, watching as the teens disappeared around the corner of the house.

“Much better. Although the baggage of a father who only showed up when he’s about to die…?” He shrugged. “That comes and goes.”

“But he has you.”

Myles nodded. “He has all of us.” He glanced in the car window at Shelly, asleep in her booster seat.

“I’ll get her.” Kreed opened the door and smiled at Shelly’s groggy greeting. “Heya, darlin’. I’m going to carry you inside. That okay?”

She nodded and hugged him around the neck as he brought her out. She patted his fuzzy cheek with a sleepy “Hi, Mr. Kreed,” then laid her head on his shoulder as he carried her up the stairs.

“I appreciate you putting us up,” Myles said to Lucky as he turned to follow.