“We should do something fun,” I blurted out. “The three of us.”
Both turned to look at me.
“Like what?” Tyler asked.
“I’ve always wanted to go on a whale watching tour,” Hunter said.
“You have?” For some reason that surprised me.
“Mom and I went on one a long time ago. Do you remember that?”
I nodded. “Yes, we took all five of you older kids. Madison was a baby and stayed with a sitter. We saw a whale really close up. It was a magical day.”
Tyler laughed at the memory. “Grace cried, saying it was the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen. She was always crying back then. Robbie went on this whole whale kick for like six months. He was driving us crazy with whale facts.”
“Mia brought her drawing pad and captured the moment,” I said. “She was only ten years old but she could already draw.”
“She’s an unbelievable artist,” Tyler said.
“What did Annie do when she saw the whale?” Hunter asked.
He knew Annie was the only one we hadn’t mentioned. I didn’t realize he even paid attention to the kids, but I was clearly wrong.
“Annie’s dad had died about six months before that trip,” Tyler said.
“That’s right,” I said. “Gillian suggested a whale watching expedition as something fun to distract Annie and Delphine from their grief. It was such a sad time. Esme had kicked useless Jeff out of the house. Lila’s husband had just left her for a much younger woman. Jon had taken his own life. But I remember it being a wonderful day. It was the first time I’d seen Delphine smile since we’d buried Jon.”
“Yeah, Annie was quiet that day,” Tyler said. “And she’s a baller, you know, so that whole time was weird.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Hunter said.
“Like I said, hard time in our little family,” I said. “But we got through it together, like we always do.”
“It’s a blessing to have found family,” Hunter said.
“That’s exactly right,” I said. “Theyaremy sisters.”
“Has Delphine been subjected to the dating app scheme?” Hunter asked.
“I think she and Dorian are a match made in heaven,” I said. “But she refuses to even entertain the idea.”
“She might come around eventually,” Hunter said. “Even those of us who have sworn off love can’t resist it when it comes knocking again.”
Hunter and I locked eyes for a moment, and everything fell away. I took in the softness of his gaze, the tilt of his head, hishazel eyes clear and intelligent. And I had sudden clarity. This was no longer a crush. We were falling in love.
Good God. What was I supposed to do now?
After dinner,while Hunter and I cleaned up the kitchen, Tyler looked for whale expeditions. “I found one for this Saturday. Should we book it? I don’t have a game that day.”
“That’s the day Ivy’s supposed to get here,” Hunter said. “But Wes can entertain her until I get home.”
“Would she want to come with us?” Tyler asked.
“No. Not because she wouldn’t want to, but because it’s kind of a hassle for her to go to public places lately,” Hunter said. “She wouldn’t want it to ruin our time together by being so conspicuous.”
“She could wear a hat and sunglasses like in the movies,” I said.
“No, this is a day for the three of us,” Hunter said firmly. “Book it, Tyler. We’ll have our first adventures together … as …” He trailed off.
