Carly cringes. “Don’t worry, she’ll crash after dinner and then should be back to her normal self tomorrow.”
Fletcher laughs. “She’s doing great. My nephew is still not over the jet lag.
“Tomorrow, we can have all the kids meet up,” he adds.
“I’m sure she’d love that,” Carly says with a smile.
“OK, I’ll leave you to it. See you in a bit,” Fletcher adds as he walks to the door and leaves. Ava is still running up and sliding down.
“I need coffee,” Carly groans.
I walk into the kitchen and find a state-of-the-art cappuccino maker. Opening the fridge, I laugh.
“What?” Carly asks as she leans over the balcony and looks down into the great room.
“It’s fully stocked. I’ll make us something,” I state as I get to work figuring out how to make coffee.
Carly settles Ava after getting her into a clean outfit. Ava is on the sofa, engrossed in a show on her tablet. I hear a shower running and then, fifteen minutes later, as I’m pouring coffee into mugs, Carly walks down the stairs.
My breath hitches at the sight of her in a flowing sundress. Her long brown hair is down and flows over her shoulder as if styled. But I know my best friend, and her hair is naturally gorgeous. She doesn’t have to do a thing to it. So many times I have wanted to run my hands through it. It’s thick and wavy. I close my mouth, realizing I’m gawking at her.
“You look nice,” I manage.
She grins. “Is that coffee? I’m beginning to feel more awake.”
I pass her a mug, and my finger brushes her hand. Her skin is soft and warm. She looks relaxed for the first time since our vacation last winter. I like seeing her this way.
“Let me change, and we can head up to brunch,” I say after I realize I’m staring again. But she doesn’t seem to notice.
“OK,” she replies as she walks over to Ava.
I watch her sit down, and Ava curl up against her. Fuck, I love those two. I wish life was different and we were a couple. What I wouldn't give to have them as my own? I couldn’t dream of a better partner and child. But the thought of losing them is too much to bear. What if Ava were to get sick like Lanie did? I couldn’t handle it. And that alone makes me horrible dad material.
Maybe I do need to get on an app and just go for a date. My colleagues were teasing me again about that this week. Perhaps Italy is the place to try it.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Carly
It feels like we’re living in a movie. The adults are sitting around the longest table I’ve ever sat at, while children run around us playing with a ball. Vineyards and rolling hills stretch for miles in all directions. The table is filled with a feast of cheeses, meats, vegetables, and wine. It’s decadent, yet homey.
I can see why Vito and Drew love it here.
“More?” Bray asks as he lifts a bottle of red wine.
I nod, feeling slightly buzzed, but also content to drink more. We have nowhere to go and nothing to do today except relax and acclimate to our new surroundings.
I sip the wine and smile. I needed this. I only have one more week back at home, and then I have to start getting my classroom together. I’m not sure where the summer went, but it flew by while I was busy working. I wish I could have stayed home and spent time with Ava.
Bringing the glass to my lips again, I drink to forget that last thought.
“Whoa there, slow down,” Bray teases.
I roll my eyes. “I’m an off-duty mom. I need this,” I groan.
He chuckles and puts his arm over the back of my chair. I lean my head on his shoulder and close my eyes. I feel warm and safe. Bray feels like home.
“You falling asleep?” he asks as his thumb absentmindedly rubs my shoulder.
