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“We can all buy houses here,” Knox says.
“That’ll kill my property value, for sure,” Ace jokes.
The kids come back with a bucket of all kinds of things they found from pieces of shells to a dead crab.
“The crab can be the moat monster,” Three suggests.
“I like it,” I say. “Every moat needs something scary in it.”
When we’re finished building everything, we pose for pictures behind it, along with the kids. Tillie leans into me and I place a hand on her shoulder. I don’t have any experience playing with little kids or getting to know them, but today has felt so natural.
“Thank you for helping us, Dar,” Tillie says. She looks up at me, and I know this little girl is going to burrow her way into my heart, just like her mom has.
“You’re welcome. I’m glad you asked me for help. I had so much fun.”
She smiles, showing her large permanent teeth that her face hasn’t quite grown into yet. I tap her nose and smile back.
“What do you say we see if your mom and Brutus want to go for a swim with us?”
She nods vehemently. “Okay.”
She skips along beside me until we reach Evie. I wrap my arms around her from behind, resting my hands on the expanse of midriff bared by her modest yet sexy-as-fuck bikini.
“Want to come swimming with us?”
“And Brutus,” Tillie adds.
Evie lovingly peers at me over her shoulder. “I’d love to.”
“Let’s go.” I hold one of her hands while Tillie holds the other one. The three of us run toward the ocean and don’t stop until the water level hits Tillie’s waist.
“It’s freezing.” Evie clenches her teeth.
“It’s a little cold on the twig and berries.” I wink.
Tillie doesn’t seem to mind the cold temperature. She’s too busy playing with Brutus to even notice. Evie and I move to the shoreline, watching the two of them run through knee-high water in front of us.
I position her so her back is to my chest and she leans into me. “You have a great kid. She’s adorable and so polite.”
“I’m glad you think so. And we’ve worked really hard on manners. I’m glad it’s paying off.”
“She called me Dar and it was the cutest thing. It made me feel special.”
“You are special, and my daughter can already see it too.”
“I’m having a wonderful day with you both,” I say.
“Me too. Your friends are so welcoming.”
“You’re feeling more comfortable now?”
She nods. “Absolutely. They’re easy to get along with. Thank you for bringing us.”
“I’m glad you asked me. I hope I get to spend more time with Tillie soon.”
She grins, flashing her teeth. “I’m pretty sure you’re not going to have a choice after today,Dar.”
* * *
