She nods after a second. “We should make sure we don’t leave anything too valuable here, then.”
Right.
I hate that I almost wish something would go missing.
So far, they haven’t stolen shit, and that’s unsettling.
But she’s right, there’s no good reason to take any unnecessary risks.
“Pack up anything you don’t want to lose. Laptop, tablet, jewelry, whatever,” I say. “I’ll do the same for the kids and we’ll stow it in the trunk to bring with us. Can’t imagine anyone will try a vehicle break-in in these parts.”
“Yeah, okay.” She leans up to kiss my cheek. “I’ll be quick.”
She’s not wrong.
By the time I’ve packed away a few last odds and ends like Sophie’s telescope and put them in the trunk, Margot’s ready, and the kids are practically foaming at the mouth.
The rental place is just a short drive along the lakeshore. Once we get there, I grab us a bigger family canoe and we get out on the water.
Looks like a nice chance to explore the channels and the smaller connected lake that’s closer to this side.
Amazing what a difference one day makes.
We still have our burglar fuckwit hanging over us, along with our emotions, but I feel lighter every time I look at Margot Blackthorn. It’s easier to breathe.
I can’t stay pissy when I’m basking in her smile.
“Hey,” I say as she settles in next to me. Her hair is tied back and she’s wearing a bulky life jacket, but she looks ridiculously beautiful.
“Hey, yourself,” she says.
“Thanks for coming. The kids are having a great time.” I nod at where they’re sitting at the front of the canoe, chattering too fast for me to hear.
Every time they spot a small island, they’re making up stories about buried treasures and ancient dragon bones on the fly.
I miss having that much imagination.
And I’ve missed having a day this easy, bright and cool and soothing, one of the rare times that makes it worth living.
“Of course,” she says like it’s nothing. “It’s good to see them so happy—and even better when it’s you.”
“It’s been a rough season.”
“It’s over now. If you give it a chance, life turns over, just like the leaves out here.” She rests a hand on my knee. “Onward and upward, right? This is your year, big daddy. I can feel it.”
“Hope you’re right.” I watch them as I paddle along, steering us into one of the bigger channels next to a sandy beach. “That reminds me, I had something to ask you.”
I clear my throat as her eyes sharpen.
Why the hell am Inervous?
“If it doesn’t put you out too much, how’d you like to come visit sometime?”
She tilts her head, a tiny smile playing across her mouth. “I have an apartment in Manhattan.”
Of course she does.
That’s only a half answer and good reason to keep my poker face on.
