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That was an understatement. For all they knew, someone had killed Michelle, dumped her body in Lake Superior, then driven her car out to the forest to get rid of it. That seemed a more likely scenario than Michelle herself driving it out and wandering off somewhere. “Hopefully we’ll get some information tomorrow. The more we dig, the more convoluted this gets.”
Jon glanced at Kylie in the back seat. “Mind if I bring Dad along for a while tonight?”
Annie tensed. “You’re not going to tell him tonight, right?”
“Not yet. But he likes kids, and I thought I’d watch him interact with all of them. Maybe I can learn something that will help me.”
She took his hand. “Don’t rush it, Jon. It will come.”
Her words sounded hollow, even to herself. Plain and simple, Kylie didn’t like him. Annie didn’t know what it would take to change her daughter’s mind.
***
Was this what married life would be like? Jon couldn’t tear his gaze away from the homey dinnertime scene in Annie’s living room in all its messy kids’ glory.
The gluten-free pizza had been a big hit. Did kids always talk with their mouths full and consume that much food? Jon watched Annie navigate the questions and demands with a smile and a calmness he admired. He scurried around handing out juice boxes as the three children scarfed down a large pizza all by themselves. It was a good thing they’d ordered an extra one for the adults.
Martha Heinonen had driven his dad out to the cottage and had stayed with him. Jon couldn’t decide if it was because she couldn’t bear to leave Dad or if she was trying to be helpful. Either way, watching them interact with the children was eye-opening. His dad’s gaze never strayed far from Martha’s elegant figure, reminiscent of Queen Elizabeth when she was in her middle years.
After dinner, his dad challenged the kids to charades. Jon remembered playing it when he was a kid, and the children were eager to play. By the time the girls’ team beat the boys, Kylie was sitting on his dad’s lap, and Bree’s twins were nestled on each side of him. Of course, they had probably seen him some since they lived next door to Martha’s bed-and-breakfast.
What kind of magic had they used to reach the kids like that? Jon didn’t understand it. Both his dad and Martha had a natural ease around them. They teased, laughed, and joked with the children almost like they were kids themselves. Jon didn’t know if he could ever emulate it. Was it too late to learn?Maybe he’d missed the window of opportunity when he was in his twenties.
While his dad turned on a new kids’ movie, Jon moved to the kitchen to scoop up the paper plates with the remains of pizza and empty juice boxes. He shoved it all in the trash and bagged it up to take outside. Annie followed him into the attached garage, where he stashed the garbage bag in the can. The garage was as clean as the inside of the cottage. Neatly organized shelves held paint and cans of oil. Bikes hung on racks on the walls, and the painted concrete floor was swept clean. Annie seemed to do everything well. He didn’t deserve her.
“You seem a little sad tonight, Jon. You okay?”
He put the lid back on the can and turned toward her. “I don’t think I’m getting anywhere with Kylie. Did you see how she’s already smitten with my dad? She flinches when I touch her shoulder, but she’s in there sitting on his lap watching TV right this minute. If I tried that, she’d glare a warning at me to keep my distance. If I only knew the secret. I’m a failure as a father.”
Annie moved closer and stepped into the circle of his arms. The sweet scent of her hair wafted to his nose, and he drew her close against his chest. He felt so right with her in his arms, complete and whole. His inability to get close to Kylie had to bother her as much as it did him. Would she turn away from him when she realized what a failure he was?
“You’re not a failure unless you give up. And you’re not a quitter. I know it’s hard when she makes you feel rejected. Things will get easier the more you’re together.”
He pressed a kiss against her hair. “It hasn’t gotten better so far. It took my dad and Martha about fifteen minutes.”
“Kids are naturally drawn to the grandparent types. I thinkit’s that the older generation enjoys kids for who they are—they don’t have to live up to anything special to feel appreciated. There’s a relaxed attitude most of them have around children. They experience the wonder of childhood all over again through the kids’ eyes. It’s hard to explain, but watch them and notice how they enter into a kid’s world without judgment.”
“Parents have to correct and guide, right? So how do you do that and still have your kid love you?”
“Unconditional love,” Annie said. “Kylie knows even when she messes up, I’ll still love her. She knows the only reason I discipline her is to help her in the end. I’ve told her many times that it’s my job to make sure she becomes a good human. One who cares about other people and has good character.”
“Easier said than done.”
Annie pulled away and stared up into his face with intent blue eyes. “You could take her on an outing, just the two of you.”
“What kind of outing?”
“Maybe surfing. Or fishing. She’s asked to go kayaking at Pictured Rocks for a long time, but it’s a full day to do it, and I haven’t had time. Maybe visit a copper mine. Or go out to Isle Royale. That’s another place I’ve wanted to take her.”
The thought of being all alone with Kylie and trying to keep her happy made his forehead bead with sweat. But he had to try, didn’t he? Annie was right—he’d never quit anything in his life. He’d finished college and med school in record time. If he could do that, he could win the heart of his own daughter.
“Let me do some research and figure out what she might like. I’m starting to get to know her better. I’d like to think about it and pick the perfect day.”
She hugged him again. “Just don’t think everything rises orfalls on one day with her. I’ve had a lifetime with her. You missed out on so much, and it wasn’t your fault.”
“It was, though. I was young and stupid. It’s hard to get past the mistakes I’ve made.”
“I’ve made the same mistakes. We share the guilt equally.”
