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In the evenings, we all swam in the pool, and Moira and I sat in the hot tub, letting the jets work on our sore legs while reliving the best parts of the day. I can honestly say I’ve never been this happy in my life. From the time I wake up until I go to sleep, I feel like I’m in exactly the right place, doing exactly the right thing, with exactly the right people.
The only downside of staying so busy is that Moira and I don’t linger after the kids go to bed. There’s no kissing and hugging—no canoodling at all. We’re both so tired, sleep is the only thing that calls to us. I’m hoping to change that today.
Today’s plan is to lounge around the house for the better part of the morning, then hit the beach in the afternoon. Crashing surf is the perfect antidote for the overstimulation of theme parks. But first, Prisha is coming over for brunch so she can see everyone again. She and I stayed at Moira’s house last year, so she knows the family.
I’m a little nervous because I’m sure Prish and Harper have been talking nonstop about what’s going on between me and Moira. While we’ve done our best to keep our feelings for each other private, Harper has made it clear she’s not buying the “casual” that I’m selling. Therefore, I’m sure Prisha is going to have a lot of questions. And since she lacks a filter, some of those questions could be awkward.
Moira and the boys are playing cards outside on the patio table, and I’m in my office catching up on my writing, when the doorbell rings. I call out to Sandra that I’ll get it, and when I pull the door open, Prisha is standing on the front step with a big grin.
“Hello, you,” I say as we give each other a quick hug.
“So? What’s this I hear about you turning into a family man overnight?” she asks before even stepping inside.
Unable to stop myself, I smile down at her. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
She gives me a quizzical look. “Is this why you decided to take your sabbatical in Gamble? Because you were hoping something would happen with Moira?”
“I went to Gamble to write a book,” I tell her. “A book which, you may be interested in knowing, is so good it’s practically writing itself.”
She rolls her eyes. “Yeah, yeah, you’re Stephen King himself.”
“I think you mean John Grisham.”
Tipping her head to the side in a very “I’m over this conversation” kind of way, she says, “I don’t care if you’re the Easter Bunny. All I’m saying is that I think you had bigger plans than just writing when you flew off to Alaska.” Her whole body seems to shiver at the very thought of the Last Frontier. “Now, where is everyone?” she demands.
“Follow me,” I tell her, leading the way to the backyard. She stops at the kitchen island, where Sandra has set out an amazing spread of fruits and pastries, along with a chafing dish over a burner. Prisha plucks a strawberry off the platter and pops it in her mouth. Pointing to the covered dish, she says, “Sandra’s famous waffles?”
“Of course.”
“I’m going to woo that woman away from you if it’s the last thing I do,” she threatens. She’s been saying that for years, but the truth is that Prisha’s wife would never let that happen. Sheila fancies herself the only domestic diva needed in their household.
When we get outside, Moira and the boys are all laughing as they watch Ash do a little happy dance in his chair. He looks up at me. “I won the whole pot, Ethan!”
“I didn’t realize you were playing for money,” I tell him.
“Pennies, so I probably only made enough to buy a pack of gum, but I still won!”
Moira stands up and walks in our direction. “Prisha, it’s wonderful to see you again.” She opens her arms.
Taking the offered hug, my friend says, “You, too, Moira. You look great. California is clearly agreeing with you.” Then she turns her attention to the boys. After some fist bumps and hair ruffling, Prisha asks, “Have you guys had a chance to try Sandra’s waffles yet?”
When they shake their heads, she tells them, “Well, they’re ready and they’re ah-maz-ing.”
“Can we eat now?” Colton asks while he starts trotting toward the house.
“Of course. Let’s go into the kitchen and plate up, then come back outside to eat.”
Wyatt walks next to Prisha. “Ethan’s place is the best. He’s got a pool, a screening room, and we always get to eat outside. I’mnevergoing to want to go home.”
I catch the expression on Moira’s face, which seems to be a cross between happiness and despair. When she notices me staring, she offers me a small smile and a wink. If I had to guess, I’d say she’s worried about how the boys will feel when they go back to their regular lives. Which honestly is something I hope will only be until my sabbatical ends. Then we’ll all come back to my house together.
Sandra is putting out a plate of bacon as we walk into the kitchen. I smile and say, “Thank you. It must be more fun to feed a group than just me.”
“The only reason I came to work for you is that you promised I’d eventually have a family to take care of.” She eyes the kids meaningfully. “Nice work.”
“Do you come to work even when Ethan is in Alaska?” Colton wants to know.
Sandra nods her head. “To tell you the truth, it’s not much different than when he’s here.”
