Gunner winces. “Bear isn’t going to be happy about that.”
He clears his throat before calling out to Bear. Then he nods to me. Bear nods, shooting me a glare.
I put on my helmet and turn on my bike before taking off. Bear is right behind me.
“They have paid pussy here,” Bear growls in my ear.
“Take it up with your pres. He is the one who requested you.” I snort.
He grumbles but doesn’t say another word as we set off on the fourteen-hour ride home.
I’m coming, Jane.
It’s a particularly warm October day today, and the kids know it. Ever since they woke up, they have been begging to go to the beach. While it does sound like a fun new experience for them, the idea of being surrounded by a lot of people has me second-guessing it.
Stepping out onto the back porch, I take a full breath. This is harder than I thought it would be. Well, I guess I never thought there would be an after. I thought leaving would be all there was. I didn’t think I would ever be able to settle down in a place long enough to relax—or that the charming neighbor would be the main reason I am even able to let my mind take a break.
“You look stressed.” His voice calls out, causing my eyes to pop open.
“The kids are being a bit much this morning. I feel so guilty saying that. For so long, they were quiet more than they were loud, and now that they can be loud, I feel like it is a bit much. How unfair is that?” I ask.
He walks over to my back porch, leaning on the railing next to me.
“It’s okay to feel like they are a bit much. They are kids. If they are being a bit too much, it means they are happy. They have a good life. It is also okay for you to need a break from them. You don’t have to be on all the time. You weren’t meant to do this alone,” he tells me.
“I am, though. I have to. I always have,” I admit softly.
He brushes his hand over my shoulder. “No, you don’t. You have me. The club. Sloane and Kelly. You have plenty of people who would gladly watch them if you need a break.”
I smile. “I don’t know if I’m ready for that yet.”
“That’s okay too,” he tells me.
“Mac!” Emily yells as she opens the door.
“Emily!” he yells back, smiling at her.
I love watching him interact with my children.
“I want to go to the beach, but Mommy won’t let us,” she tells him.
He looks to me.
“There are a lot of people.” I don’t need to say anymore.
“If you are okay with it, I know a place,” he tells me.
I consider it for a moment. He wouldn’t take me anywhere dangerous. I trust him. That’s scary, but I really do trust him.
“We will go get ready then,” I tell him.
He nods. “Meet me next door.”
“Tanner, we are going to the beach!” Emily yells, running to her room.
Tanner yells out his excitement, making me smile. He is more and more like a kid these days. I am grateful for it.
I quickly change into the bathing suit I bought at Walmart the last time we went. It was on clearance, and I knew I would need one eventually. I bought the kids some too. That’s probably why they are insisting on the beach.
