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Spencer crossed his arms and muttered something unintelligible about women and making him crazy.
“But back to this other guy, Derek,” said Grace. “She only met him on Saturday. Does she really like him?”
“Well, you know Charlie. It takes her a while to make up her mind. But she did say it was possible she could fall in love with him, if he was around long enough.”
Hmmm.... This news was particularly unfortunate. She was counting on the ski trip to throw Charlie and Josh back together. Now, she and Olivia would have to make sure Charlie and Derek didn’t grow too close while on the trip.
“SO DEREK IS GOING ON the ski trip?” asked Steven.
“Yes, and I think this is such a great sign. Charlie’s usually so careful about starting a new relationship she doesn’t give the guy a chance. She must like this Derek a lot if she’s willing to take him on the ski trip.” Anne hummed as she packed her suitcase.
“He seems to be a great guy, and he’s smart, too. Charlie told me he made the law review.”
“If this works out, he’d be a great match for Charlie.”
“Now Anne, don’t start interfering. You need to let things happen on their own.”
“If Gram had let things happen on their own, you and I would never have even met. I think God has just the right person out there for everybody, but sometimes they need a little help getting together. I’m not interfering—I’m assisting.”
Steven shook his head. “I’m not convinced God actually needs or appreciates your help.”
Chapter Eight
JOSH, JACE, AND CHLOE rode to the airport with Grace and Brad. Jace was so excited he’d hardly slept on Friday night, which also meant Josh had barely slept. He hadn’t even had a full week as a father, and already he was more fatigued than during medical school. But his initial commitment to love Jace and Chloe had already evolved into a matter of the heart. He couldn’t imagine his life without them, and he dreaded having to let them go after the ski trip. He’d contacted the ad litem to request his time with them be extended if possible. He was hopeful he could at least keep Jace through Christmas, if not Chloe as well.
But he was looking forward to the ski trip for a lot of reasons. He’d already been assured by all of his friends they would help with the kids while he was on the trip. Gherring had arranged for private childcare for the three two-year-olds at the ski resort, and Charlie had insisted she would be Jace’s private ski instructor. Just knowing others would be sharing in the childcare responsibilities provided a sense of relief.
He realized how his sister must have suffered as a young single mother, and once again regretted his harsh judgment of her. When he’d reconnected with her, she’d responded with enthusiasm, even inviting him to family holidays. But he’d refused to participate, instead nursing his hurt and anger over his own mistreatment as a child, although he knew in his heart she was by no means culpable. If only he could go back and relive the last year. How he wished he’d known he was throwing away his only opportunity to get to know his sister. His sigh was audible. He couldn’t change the past, but he could make a difference in the future. He’d pledged to love his sister’s children as his own, partially out of guilt, but mostly out of a newfound appreciation of the importance of family. And he intended to follow through with that pledge, whatever it took.
When they arrived, Olivia, Hannah and Claire were already on the private jet, along with Anne and Steven Gherring and the twins.
“We can all be seated,” said Gherring. “Emily and Spencer are on their way.”
“What about Charlie?” asked Grace.
“I’m right here,” she answered, emerging from a door in the rear with someone walking behind her. When she moved forward, Josh recognized the other person as Derek. He was surprised by his presence and extremely irritated. He didn’t like the man at all. Derek was tall and muscular, although Josh felt certain he could beat him in any physical competition. Surely he wasn’t disciplined enough to exercise during law school as regularly as Josh always had. Why would Charlie bring him on the trip? It was supposed to be a Gherring/Marshall family ski trip. Not that Josh was really family, but he would be if he married Olivia. Derek was an outsider... Unless he was planning to marry Charlie. No way. He chuckled to himself. Charlie was way too cautious. Derek would soon discover he couldn’t even get to first base with Charlie. At best, they were friends. And if he tried anything physical with her, she’d probably slap him. After all, that’s exactly what she’d done to Josh the first time he’d kissed her. He smiled at the still-vivid memory—it had been so worth the slap he’d received.
“Aunt Charlie!” Jace called. “Come sit by me!”
Derek picked up her hand with a flourish and pressed his lips to the back of it, closing his eyes as if savoring the touch of her skin. “You can sit by Jace. I’ll be lonely, but I’ll survive a little while without you.”
Josh forced his clenched fists open, allowing the blood to flow back into his blanched fingers. He was sitting directly behind Jace, with Chloe strapped into a booster seat next to him. Since Anne and Steven were each sitting beside one of the twins, and Hannah and Claire were together, Olivia and Derek were the odd ones out. They sat in the seats behind Josh and Chloe. He didn’t like Derek sitting beside Olivia, but for some reason found he preferred it to the thought of him sitting next to Charlie.
Olivia only gave Josh a cursory glance as she took her seat. “Derek. I’m so glad you’re coming on the trip. Are you a good skier?”
“I’ve skied quite a bit. What about you?”
“I’ve only been a few times. Maybe you can give me some lessons.”
Derek sounded confused. “I figured you’d be getting lessons from Josh.”
“Why would you think that?”
“Aren’t you getting married soon?”
“Oh no,” said Olivia. “That was all a big misunderstanding.”
“Well okay. But I’m here with Charlie, you know,” said Derek.
