But Patricia had always struggled with the day-to-day chaos of parenting. Even when they'd been married, she'd seemed more comfortable once the kids outgrew the toddler stage and could clearly articulate their needs. She loved them fiercely, but she'd never been the type to get down on the floor and play or spend hours at the pool just because it was fun.
Terry understood the demands of her job. He got called out at all hours too and had to take work calls during family time. But because the kids primarily lived with him, he'd learned to make those everyday moments count. Patricia saw them a weekend per month and one week during the summer, which meant their time together often felt rushed. She tried to pack too much into too little time.
He knew she was missing so much—the quiet conversations, the silly jokes, the way Emma got thoughtful when she was working through a problem, or how Toby's whole face lit up when he mastered something new. But that was Patricia's choice, and Terry had long since stopped trying to change it.
What mattered now was that Sandra seemed to genuinely enjoy those moments. She didn't just tolerate his kids, but she celebrated them.
His phone buzzed with a text from Sandra.Beach day. Kids are having a blast. Drive safe.
Terry smiled and pressed down on the accelerator a little harder. Twenty minutes later, he pulled into his driveway and made quick work of unpacking. He tossed his dirty clothes into the washing machine, put his toiletries away, and changed intoswim trunks and a T-shirt. The drive to Baytown Beach took another fifteen minutes, but it was worth it when he spotted Sandra's familiar figure in a beach chair near the water's edge.
The early spring weather was perfect—warm enough for swimming but not crowded like it would be in summer. Terry could see Emma and Toby splashing in the gentle waves of the Chesapeake Bay, their laughter carrying across the sand.
Sandra had a book open in her lap, but it lay face down as her sunglasses-covered eyes tracked the kids' movements. She was wearing a simple blue one-piece suit, her hair pulled back in a messy bun that somehow looked effortlessly beautiful.
Terry dropped down into the sand beside her chair and leaned over to kiss her before she realized he was there.
Sandra squealed in surprise, then immediately threw her arms around his neck. "You're early! I thought you wouldn't be here for another hour."
"I drove a little faster than I should have," he admitted, breathing in the familiar scent of her sunscreen and shampoo. "Missed you guys too much to take my time."
"Dad!" Toby's voice carried across the water as he spotted Terry. "Come swimming! The water's perfect!"
Terry waved to a few friends he recognized before jogging toward the water. Emma and Toby met him at the shoreline with enthusiastic hugs that nearly knocked him over.
"Did you learn lots of police stuff?" Emma asked, bouncing on her toes in the shallow water.
"I did. But I want to hear about your weekend first. Sandra said you had quite the adventure yesterday."
"She makes the best breakfast, even if we burned some on the first try," Toby announced solemnly. "And she didn't even complain when I did a cannonball at the pool and the lifeguard blew the whistle at me."
"She's brave," Terry said, lifting a brow. He fought a smile but would talk to Toby later about cannonballs in the pool.
They spent the next hour in the water, Terry and Toby having an elaborate game of keep-away while Emma eventually searched for shells and sea glass with Sandra. The bay didn't have the dramatic waves of the ocean, but it was perfect for swimming and playing. Terry found himself relaxing for the first time in days, the stress of the conference and the ongoing investigation melting away in the warm water and his children's laughter.
Eventually, Emma and Sandra headed back to spread a towel next to Sandra's chair. Terry and Toby stayed in the water a while longer, tossing a foam football back and forth.
"Okay, buddy, I think we should probably head home soon," Terry said finally. "Sandra's been taking care of you guys all weekend. She probably wants to get home and rest."
"But she's staying for dinner, right?" Toby asked anxiously.
"We'll see."
They gathered their things and loaded up the cars. Toby immediately claimed shotgun in Terry's SUV while Emma climbed into Sandra's car, chattering about something that made Sandra laugh.
Back at the house, they all took turns showering off the salt and sand. Terry was last, and when he emerged from his bedroom in clean clothes, he found Sandra in the kitchen starting dinner while the kids finished getting their school things ready.
"You don't have to cook," he said, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. "We could order something."
"I don't mind." She leaned back against his chest. "Besides, I promised them tacos. Can't disappoint my sous chefs."
Terry kissed the side of her neck. "Have I mentioned lately that you're amazing?"
"Only about a dozen times this weekend." She laughed.
Dinner was chaotic and perfect, filled with the kids' stories about their weekend and Terry's highlights from the conference. Afterward, they all settled in for a movie, but Terry found himself watching Sandra more than the screen. The way she automatically handed Toby the popcorn when his bowl was empty and how she helped Emma untangle her hair elastic without being asked. It all felt so natural, like she'd been part of their family for years instead of a short time.
When it was time for bed, both kids hugged Sandra good night as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
