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They were beyond that now.

“She’s not carrying it alone.”

He turned, his dark eyes so soft, so full of understanding and caring. “No, she’s not. And I need someone to understand that. I don’t need to ask if you do. I can see it in your eyes.”

She smiled and squeezed his fingers, and that was enough for them both.

19

YOUR INITIATION

Colson was positive he was going to have a blister tomorrow, but he’d be damned if he admitted it to Marly. Or the girls.

They’d only call him a wuss.

“Where do you want to go to dinner?” he asked.

He’d picked up subs for them that they ate at the house before they left over four hours ago.

The last thing he thought was that they’d get so lost in walking two hours, then had to turn around and go back. More than he’d thought it’d be.

Though he had to admit that the time flew.

The girls had fun; he and Marly talked the entire time.

It started serious, then turned to just life. The fun part that maybe they were missing out on.

The things that were passing them by because of their jobs. And that maybe it was time to step back.

That when they had the time, to enjoy it to the fullest, they had to disconnect the rest.

“Is Marly going to dinner with us?” Bella asked.

“I’d like that,” she said. “If you don’t care.”

“This way I can talk to you more,” Bella said. “And find out more about you.”

Oh boy. That was what he was afraid of.

But since it was the first time Bella was meeting someone he wanted to add to his life, he couldn’t discourage it. He’d just have to suck up anything that might come off as not flattering.

Who the hell knew what could come out of his sister’s mouth?

“Well, then,” she said. “I’m all for questioning.”

“Where do you want to go?” Bella asked. “You’re the guest.”

“She has manners,” Marly said, nudging his arm.

“I’ve got manners,” he argued. “Have I ever not had them?”

“You have. I’m just teasing. I’m up for anything.”

“Do you work out?” Tiff asked. “Your body is smoking.”

He pursed his lips and lifted his eyebrow, trying hard not to agree. That might come off wrong in front of impressionable teens.

“Why, thank you. I do Pilates and yoga five times a week. I tell myself it’s more to relax me at the end of the night rather than a workout. That keeps me going back for more.”