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“From what she’s told me, she doesn't want to move—but, ultimately…she's eight. She’s not old enough to decide for herself yet.”
I shook my head. “Alright, so—let’s make this vacation be the best she’s ever had.” I spun my body to face Milo. He stopped and gave me that same smirk, one that I wanted to kiss and keep forever.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
-Milo-
The two-hour drive from Portland to Depoe Bay seemed to last longer with Holly in the car. We had planned to leave early, to arrive before lunch and check into the hotel, but with Holly making sure she crammed every single book and every single stuffed animal in her backpack, we were off to a late start. We packed up the truck as best we could, leaving space for the large husky that was going to shed all over my seat, and for everything Holly insisted needed to be with her in the backseat.
Madeline told me she was in charge of the music, setting us up for a “good country time.” “Holly has to listen to Josh Turner and Thomas Rhett. She can't grow up not knowing who those two men are.”
My girls.
Nothing was going to bother me this week. I had everything I ever wanted in the car with me.
My dad met us at his house, his arms wide and a large grin on his face. Holly jumped out of the car and ran into his arms, Niko barking behind her. Madeline and I chuckled and began to climb from the cab.
“You made it.” My dad smiled, lifting Holly into his arms. The last time those two had seen each other was her eighth birthday. “Oh, Holly. You’re getting so big!” He smiled. Holly giggled as she was lifted into the air, settling her arms around her grandpa's neck. “James! Madeline!”
“Dad,” I groaned.
“Oops, I’m sorry…Milo.”
I smiled at the correction. The only time anyone was allowed to use my given name was when I was in trouble, and I was rarely in trouble.
“So what are the plans this week, huh?” my dad asked, giving Holly his biggest smile.
My dad has lived alone since my mom passed twelve years ago. I helped him move to Depoe Bay and then made sure to keep in touch with him and visit on a regular basis. He still worked. His trucking days were behind him, but he still kept busy planning trips for others to take. He worked from home where he drank his coffee and watched the whales. He never remarried and to my knowledge never saw anyone else. He was content here, and for me that's all that mattered.
“Relax.” Madeline sighed, closing her eyes and lifting her chin in the air.
“I figured we would see the Sea Lion Cave at some point, see the whales…relax.” I glanced over at Madeline.
“And you’re sure you want to stay in that hotel? You know you're welcome here.”
“Dad, we’re just staying at the Travelodge, not far from you at all.”
“But with great views.” Madeline popped up, walked toward my dad to give him a side hug. “Good to see you again, Wallace.” She buried herself in my dad's arm. He smiled and kissed the top of her head.
I smiled. Both of my girls where in my dad’s arms.
Holly jumped free from my dad and ran to the truck, flinging open the door and grabbing her bag, “We can totally stay here, Grandpa Wally!”
“Holly…we are staying at the hotel,” I mumbled. She ignored me, pulling her bag on her shoulder and dashing into the house.
My dad watched in amusement, his hands on his hips as the door slammed shut behind Holly. “Burgers for lunch?” He motioned toward the house and followed Holly. Madeline smiled and followed, grabbing my hand to pull me inside.
Lunch with my dad was just as I remember it always being. Simple with flair. The plates were from my childhood, the mix-matched cups that were somehow still in one piece after the many times I knew they had been dropped. The silverware was sturdy, the exact ones I had used so many times. My mom had been so picky about the silverware. They had to match. If one spoon had to be replaced, she replaced all of them.
Even though my mom had never lived in this house, her presence was still there. My dad hadn’t thrown away anything of hers when he moved, so I swear her scent still lingered. Thekitchen table was the same with the floral table runner, and the photos that hung on the wall showed smiling faces and family. My grandparents and my cousins were all there on the wall. Her knick-knacks were spread on the fireplace mantel, and even though I had tried to get him to buy a new one, the couch was still the same. My dad wasn’t one for change, and when mom died—the biggest change of his life—he attempted to keep things as similar as possible, even though he’d moved hours away.
Holly ran right to the backyard after lunch, taking Niko out with her. My dad sat with his arms crossed at the kitchen table as Madeline stood to clear the dishes. He tried to stop her, but she insisted.
“I got it, Wallace. Thank you for the burgers,” she said sweetly, grabbing his plate and heading toward the kitchen.
I watched her, noticing the movements she made when she thought no one was paying attention. Her fingers held onto the plates carefully, and she walked with care, trying to be mindful of the porcelain, her mind focused on the task at hand. Setting the dishes down by the sink, she wiggled her fingers and looked from side to side, trying to find the soap, a little “ah” and a smile forming once she grabbed it from the counter.
“Are you done watching her, Milo?” my dad whispered, making me blink back to look at him.
