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A moment later, she sat Ethan and Nat in the play area, a large playpen with a sandbox and a baby pool in the middle, and let them play in the shade of a huge maple tree. The older kids swung and slid, while their dog lay next to them, supervising his young masters through half closed eyes.
“Tim, you can go home. I’m sure you want to work and rest. We’ll be good here. The children are well behaved and playing quietly. Chip will keep an eye on them.”
“I know, but I enjoy staying with the crowd. I’ll work here.” He sat at a patio table and pulled out his laptop.
A moment later his gaze roamed over the children playing in the backyard, the lovely woman dozing next to him, and the babies napping in their strollers. This was the definition of happiness. He promised himself he would do his best to keep them—his loving family, content, pleased, and comfortable.
Teresa returned just before five, a blissful smile on her face. “Did you have a good time, Mom?”
“Wonderful.” Her smile spoke volumes, but Erin wanted details.
“Where did he take you for lunch?”
“We stayed home. He has such a beautiful house. We sat in the kitchen, a big, modern one that no one uses. I cooked lunch. We ate and chatted and laughed like old friends. He said I’m so easy to talk to.”
“Ah… When are you going back?”
“If it’s up to him, he would bring me to his house every day. But I explained that the twins need me—”
“Only this week, Mom. Tim is registering them for camp for the next month.”
“Fantastic. I’m sure they’ll have a lot of fun. Now, I’ll fix dinner.”
“You must be tired, too,” Tim protested. “I’ll barbeque burgers and hotdogs for everyone.”
“Great idea.” Erin rewarded him with a radiant smile. “I’ll prepare a salad.”
“We’ll have chocolate cake with strawberries. I made it at Russell’s house.”
Erin left them to shower and dress for work.
“Teresa, I’m taking Erin to my house after her shift.” He spun his head toward her after lighting the fire in the grill.
“She mentioned it. It’s time for her, and for you, to turn the page and start living again.”
“Thank you, Teresa. We count on you to take care of the babies in the morning.”
Teresa arched her eyebrows and shrugged. “My dear boy, I’ve been taking care of the babies since they were born. Now, you’d better take good care of Erin.” She wagged her finger under his nose.
He laughed. “I promise I will.” He put the patties and hot dogs on the grill and soon called the children. “Boys and girls, dinner is ready. Wash your hands, then come and get it.”
Two minutes later, the children settled at the heavy wooden picnic table and benches. Tim distributed their food onto paper plates, and Teresa handed out plastic cups of juice.
As they finished dinner, Erin joined them and filled her plate. “Did you have a good day?”
“Very good, Mom,” they responded.
“Can we go again tomorrow?” Debbie asked.
“Yes, we’ll go tomorrow and after-tomorrow, and every day until you start camp next Monday.”
“Yes,” the kids screamed.
“Brianna, I have to leave now—”
“Daddy, please, I wanna stay here.” He wanted her here too and didn’t protest. “As long as you’re well-behaved, I’m sure Ms. Erin will keep you.”
Brianna sent Erin an imploring gaze. “Can I, please?”
