“You stinker,” Merry said, but the other adults laughed.
A crew member came down the steps from the plane carrying three largish boxes.
“Here they are.” Walt hurried over to help. “I believe this one is for Alex.” he handed the boy a wrapped package. “But don’t open it yet. And this is for Grace.” He glanced at Sandra, who nodded.
“I know,” the little girl said primly as she accepted the large box. “I mustn’t open it yet.” Grace shot her brother a smug glance, and he rolled his eyes.
Eb watched Rue, who stood quietly, her hands clasped to her chest, eyes wide as she gazed at the third box expectantly. Walt took it from the attendant.
“And I believe this one is for Sandra.”
All anticipation disappeared from Rue’s little body. Sandra must have also been watching his daughter because she was already taking the box and kneeling down before the child. “Why do you look sad, Miss Rue?”
“Because Mama sometimes forgets,” she said, her words soft.
“Well, I’ll tell you a secret,” Sandra said in a loud whisper. “Ineverforget. This is for you.”
“Thank you!” Rue tried to hug her, but the box got in the way.
“I’m ready for dinner,” Nigel grumbled. “But if you insist on opening the packages here, I’m tired of standing.”
Carlisle signaled for a young woman to come forward. Eb hadn’t noticed her before, but she pushed one of the airport wheeled chairs over and helped the old man to sit.
“Yes, you can open your presents.” With Walt’s words, the three children ripped off the wrapping followed by squeals of delight.
“Thank you for doing this,” Eb said, giving Sandra a one-armed hug.
“It’s been my pleasure.” Sandra smiled, resting her head on his shoulder as she watched Rue’s delight.
Bemused Eb simply enjoyed the moment. Though, he wished he knew what it meant. Did it mean she was coming to look at him as more than a friend? It felt natural to have her at his side, watching happy children. It filled his heart with gratitude his daughter had such a friend.
And for the first time in too long, he could see a bright future for himself.
* * *
Sandra hadn’t meantto do more than touch Eb’s shoulder in acknowledgment of his friendly hug. But she wassotired, and it felt good to be there beside him. And he smelled yummy.
“Oh, thank you, Miss Sandra,” Rue said and buried her face between Eb and Sandra’s legs.
She looked up and moved to put a hand on the little girl’s head, but she’d already picked up the box again and run over to Grace to show it to her.
“MissSandra?” she asked, not wanting to turn her head to look at Eb since he still had his arm around her waist.
“Rue started calling you that when we went to the pool for the first time. She told me you were special too.” His chuckle made his chest rumble. Eb seemed like a different person than he’d been two weeks ago.
“We’re hoping you two will join us for dinner,” Merry called as she steered the children toward the terminal.
The thought of staying awake through dinner had Sandra shaking her head. “I would love to, but I’m about to fall asleep on my feet.”
“Did you overwork her again?” Linda accused her husband, who shrugged.
Grace broke free from her mother. “Oh, Miss Sandra, you must come help us design our tree for the festival. It’s going to have fairies.”
“I love fairies. Please come,” Rue added.
“The woman is tired. Leave her be,” Nigel commanded, and both children ducked their heads. “Rue will see Grace when she and her father come for dinner. For now, they will see Sandra home.” He waved his hand like a monarch proclaiming a ruling and expecting it to be obeyed.
“We’ll see you guys later then.” Merry took her daughter’s hand, and they turned toward the others.
