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“I can’t either. But I figured I’d waited over a year already.”
“Seriously?” he asked. “If I had seen you out I wouldn’t have waited that long. I would have made my move.”
“I know most don’t think I’m shy, but when it comes to men, I’ve never been one to take the first step.”
“Because of your father and upbringing?”
“Yes,” she said. “I told you all of that. Then I break a finger and there you were.”
“There I was,” he said. “And here I am.” They pulled down the long driveway and he waited while Laine got out and put the code in to open the gate. She hopped back in the car.
“Hereweare,” she said, her hand on his, the other on her belly.
“Tell your parents about the babies,” he said.
“You don’t think it’s too soon?”
“Does it matter if it is?” he asked. “You’re here. When are you going to see them again? Have you made plans for Christmas yet?”
“No,” she said. “I needed to know if you were working.”
“I don’t know. My point is, we are here together with your parents. We might not have a chance to do it again. We don’t have to tell my parents yet if you don’t want to, but let your father know. Maybe change the course of the conversation from what they think will happen.”
She sighed. “You’re right. It’s not my business why my father made the choices he had in life.”
“It’s not. Maybe he’s not even sure why he did.”
Carson was positive it was Caleb being noble, but pride could only take you so far.
He learned that the hard way himself.
“He knows why he did it,” she said. “Whether he admits it more to anyone, that’s on him. I think it was wrong. I think it was stupid. And I think a lot of people got hurt in the process.”
“Your father was probably hurt the most,” he said.
“Maybe he feels it was his penance for that decision,” she said.
“You won’t know. As you said, he probably won’t tell you even if you asked.”
They pulled in front of her childhood home and got out. Mario met them at the door.
“I’ve got dinner cooking. Your mother called to say they should be leaving within thirty minutes and Stewart is going to meet them there to help get your father in the car,” Mario said.
“Thanks, Mario. I appreciate it,” she said. “What’s for dinner? I’m starving. I don’t suppose there are extra I can bring home tomorrow? I think if it’s okay with Carson, it might be best to stay the night.”
“Your room is ready for you,” Mario said. “Or you can go to the other house.”
“No need to go to the other house,” she said. “We are fine here.”
“I was going to suggest we stay too,” he said. “We’ve had a long day.”
“Good,” Mario said. “I’ve got roast beef and mashed potatoes and all your father’s favorite sides. What would you like me to make so you can bring back tomorrow?”
“Well,” she said. “There is a pilot who let us grab a quick flight to Boston. His boss is a little annoyed he didn’t get much either.”
Mario laughed. “I’ll make sure there is plenty to bring back. Your father will want me to so that you can get a flight here anytime you want.”
“If you keep feeding Lincoln and my cousin, one of them might kidnap you and bring you back to the island with us.”
