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“Don’t worry, he’ll change afterward. They’re better than swim shorts, but once they’re wet, they’re still not the most comfortable thing to wear. You’re okay if I bribe him, right? Because everyone loves ice cream.”
“Pulling out all the stops this time?” She smiled. “But yes. I don’t mind. Sometimes it’s the only way to get him to do as I ask.”
It felt good to laugh. And it felt even better to succeed at my task. Callie was doing great and even helped encourage Teddy to get in. After a few laps around the pool in the car, he warmed up to the idea of getting a little wet. From there, it was easier to talk him into getting in. He wouldn’t leave the steps, but he sat and kicked his legs in a straight up and down motion.
I could feel Tina’s eyes on me, and when I looked over, she was beaming. Her expression was pure joy, with maybe a little admiration mixed in. In that moment, it was like the light that had disappeared the night I got shot was peeking out from behind a dark cloud, and it sucked the breath from my lungs.
Chapter Eight
TINA
“ShouldI grab Teddy’s car seat from your car?” Kyle held the door open as the kids and I walked out onto the front porch.
“He just has a booster.”
“Okay, did you want to put it in my truck? Or are we taking two cars?”
Oh. I cocked my head to the side and shrugged. Of course he wanted to drive. He seemed like the type.
“I’m fine taking your truck. I’ll grab the seat from my car.”
Callie had done a great job in the pool, but now she stood by his truck with her arms crossed and a scowl on her face. Awesome.
I gave her a wide smile and wrapped my arm around her shoulders. “Bet I know what flavor you’re going to get.”
“Why can’twejust go? You, me, and Teddy.” She pulled away. “Why does Kyle need to come?”
“Because this was his idea. He wanted to do this for Teddy.”
“He’s not part of our family.” Her glare spoke volumes and put me at a loss for words.
I needed to be more careful. As much as I enjoyed spending time with Kyle, I had to remember that Callie was still mourning the loss of her dad and adjusting to our new life in Half Moon Lake.
“Callie, it’s okay for people to do nice things for us.”
With a roll of her eyes and a huff, she spun and climbed into the back seat next to Teddy.
Once the kids were buckled, Kyle backed out of the driveway. I peeked back at Callie, noticing how she fidgeted with her paracord bracelet.
“The Shack has the best ice cream.” Kyle glanced over at me, a smile tugging on one corner of his mouth as he headed north. “My family’s been going there since I was Teddy’s age.”
“This is stupid,” Callie mumbled from the back seat.
“Callie,” I scolded, my face heating. “This is for Teddy, and it’s very nice of Kyle to offer, so don’t be rude, please.”
“Teddy barely got in the water. He just sat on the steps, kicking his feet. He shouldn’t even get ice cream for that.”
“I do get ice cream. Kyle say I did a good job,” Teddy said, his little mouth turned down in a frown.
“You did a great job, buddy,” Kyle said as I turned and shot a glare at Callie.
She crossed her arms and huffed out a “whatever,” then shifted so she was facing her window. Her teenage years would be fun. I was sure of that.
With a sigh, I stole a glimpse at Kyle and mouthed,sorry.
He reached over and squeezed my hand but just as quickly pulled back and kneaded his fist into his left thigh.
What was that?
