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She remembered Harry’s first haircut. He’d always had dark brown luscious waves. Even when he was an infant, the big, soft curls had been there. These days they were much thicker and tighter, but then they’d been so soft and sweet.
He’d sat on the barber’s chair with wide eyes, taking it all in. He didn’t make a fuss. That wasn’t his style. He’d always been such a sweet, easygoing boy. Unlike his sister, he didn’t let the world know when he was unhappy about something, but took it all in stride.
She missed him so much, it hurt sometimes. She’d think of him, or a memory would flash across her mind’s eye, and her heart would ache with a physical pain that she thought would never leave. But it did, and she was fine again. Usually she’d pick up the phone and call him when that happened, but most of the time he was in class or busy.
She was proud of him for moving out when he didn’t have to and starting a life of his own. He could’ve lived at home to attend university, but wanted to be independent. It was harder on her than it was on him, since she’d given up her own desires to raise her children and to be a loving wife. Now that they’d all left her behind, she had to rediscover who she was and what her life should look like.
Downstairs, a clatter came from the kitchen, and the delightful scent of fried bacon hung in the air.
In the kitchen she stopped short when she saw her brother, Bradford, seated at the dining table beside Dani. “Brad, wow. This is a surprise.”
He stood, all six-foot-four inches of him, and offered a lazy smile, one corner of his mouth turned up, the other down.
“Hey, little sis.”
“I’m the big sister,” she objected.
“Not in size,” he replied, coming over to hug her. His arms enveloped her and made her feel tiny.
“What are you doing here?”
“I heard you were in town and couldn’t miss the opportunity.”
“Did you take the ferry over from Airlie Beach?”
“I have my own boat,” he replied.
Bradford ran a successful charter fishing company out of Airlie Beach. He’d trained as an accountant and had a natural business acumen that’d seen his company grow quickly.
“Of course you do,” she replied. “How many do you have now?”
“We’re up to twenty.”
“Wow, amazing,” Dani said.
“I can take you out in one sometime,” he said, returning to his seat. “Show my little niece around the islands. I have a lovely catamaran that would be perfect. We can sail, swim, snorkel, even do a little diving if you have your license.”
Dani shook her head. “I don’t know how to dive. But I’d love to learn.”
“That sounds dangerous,” Bea said.
Bradford chuckled. “That’s rich, coming from you.”
“What do you mean?” Dani asked, her brow furrowed.
“Nothing at all. He doesn’t mean anything. I’m starving. We should eat.”
Brad arched an eyebrow at her, but didn’t respond.
“Oh, come on. I’m not a little kid anymore. You don’t have to protect me from all Mum’s antics. I can handle it.”
Brad raised both hands as if in surrender. “That’s up to your mum. I don’t want to cross any boundaries.” He leaned over to whisper behind one hand. “Later, okay?”
Bea crossed her arms. “Anyway, do tell — how are you?”
“I’m good. How long has it been since we spoke?”
She calculated in her head. “I think it’s three years.”
