“I love you, too.”
“Good! Time for breakfast.”
“You know where to find it.”
He flew up the stairs and disappeared around the corner. Marcus watched him go.
“He’s unexpected, but in a good way.”
She smiled. “I agree. We got him when I was about twelve. He was in really bad shape. Underweight, plucking his feathers. He looked awful. I spent the whole summer with him.”
“ReadingJane Eyre?”
“Among other books.”
“You’re his human.”
She nodded. “He’s very friendly and likes being around people but I’m his special someone. And he’s mine.”
“Did the ex mind?”
“Harris was mostly neutral when it came to Ramon. He never lived with us—the bookstore is his home, but there were times when I wasn’t willing to be gone and Harris wanted me with him.” She paused. “You know he used to play baseball, right?”
“Yep. I’m not a big fan of the game but I knew he played.”
“He was on the road for months at a time. I was tied here with the bookstore and Ramon. It was a complication.”
“Is it the reason things didn’t work out?”
“No. We were living here several years before the divorce.”
“At least the kids weren’t getting used to a new place when you two split up. Less stress on them.”
“It was. And now they’re the ones who stay in the house while Harris and I go back and forth every other week.”
“I remember. And Harris wants to change the parenting plan so he can...” He paused and grinned. “Should I get Ramon to say it for me?”
She laughed. “Please don’t. But maybe I wasn’t giving Harris enough credit. After I told him there was no way that was happening, he hasn’t brought it up again. I’m kind of surprised. He doesn’t usually give up that easily.”
“You said he’s a good father. Maybe he realized you were only looking out for your kids.”
“I hope so.”
She excused herself to go to her office. That morning she had to double-check her orders for the summer. Once June hit, the town would be flooded with tourists. To keep them happy, Jax made sure there were plenty of appealing items to be purchased along with, of course, books. There were displays of sunscreen, hats, beach towels and flip-flops along with books on the area and a couple of walking-tour maps. She’d just finished ordering in two hundred rechargeable portable fans when her office phone buzzed. She picked up the receiver.
“What’s up?”
“There’s someone up front asking to talk to you. I don’t recognize her.”
“I’ll be right there.”
Jax wasn’t sure what to expect but when she walked toward the front of the store she saw a pretty blonde standing there. She was in her mid-twenties with an overeager smile.
“You’re Jax,” she said, her tone almost gushing. “Hi. I’m Shawna Cipriani.”
Shawna as in— Oh, Shawna. The girlfriend.
“Hi.” Jax smiled at her. “Nice to finally meet you. I’m surprised it hasn’t happened before.”
