As Parker and Samantha talked about the new game they’d come up with, and all of the rules, Erin registered Logan’s presence behind her. He didn’t sayanything or rush her but she had the feeling that he was lingering for a reason.
Her attention went back to her children as they continued. Their excitement was contagious, and she loved listening to every detail. She could see little reminders of Jake in the way they picked up some of his mannerisms before he died. There were a lot of hard things in this life, but she was so thankful the Lord had given her these two precious gifts. They were such a joy in her life, and she was thankful for the way she still felt connected to Jake through them.
When they had finished talking, Erin pulled them close once more to give them another hug. “That sounds like so much fun. I’m so glad you told me about it.”
Samantha and Parker beamed back at her.
“Are you finally done with the wedding?” Samantha asked.
Erin knew her children felt the pressure of the event, and all the drama that came with it, as much as she’d tried to shield them from it. She needed a break. Her children needed a break. And Erin knew of a great—and free—way they could enjoy the rest of their day since it was still early.
“I know you’ve been playing outside all morning, but how would you feel about packing some sandwiches and going down to the park for a little while?”
“Have they turned on the water?” Parker asked, his eyes wide.
Erin nodded, a grin spreading across her lips. “They have.”
“Yay!” He quickly ran to the house to get his things. The water feature at the park was one of his favorite things to do, and he knew exactly what he would need without Erin telling him.
She looked down at Samantha. “Do you want to go too?”
Her daughter nodded eagerly.
“Great. Go get your things. I’ll make some sandwiches and we’ll head down in just a few minutes.”
Samantha ran up the porch stairs and disappeared inside the house.
Now that it was just the two of them outside, Logan made his way toward Erin. “I’m sorry about today.”
“I’m just glad it’s over.”
He shoved his hands in his pockets. “I think the park will be really fun for you and the kids.”
“I think some time with them is just what I need after everything.”
The two of them stood looking at each other in an uncomfortable silence. There was so much to say, but Erin was too tired to voice most of it, especially when her children were packing for a park trip and would be back any minute. Conversations about what was growing between them and what would happen when he left would have to be put off for now. “Thanks again for all your help,” she said, trying to keep things simple.
“You’re welcome.” He gave her a timid smile. “Have a great time with your kids.” He started to walk past her toward the guest house.
“Wait.” The word was out before she knew what she was doing. It was possible this was a bad idea. From the way her palms sweated, she was sure of it. But now that Logan was facing her and watching her as he waited for her to continue, there was no going back. She took a deep breath and forced the next words out. “Would you like to come to the park and have a picnic with us?”
Logan stared back at her like he was examining some difficult problem he couldn’t solve.
Erin’s cheeks warmed. She immediately regretted asking. Not only had Logan spent the previous night helping her remake a cake, he’d gone to the country club and Good Eats with her today. Helping her and the kids wasn’t the reason he was here. He had plenty of other things to do before he left. It was a mistake to invite him.
“I-I’m sure you have other things to do. And really, I can only make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Maybe some chips. It?—”
“It sounds perfect,” he said. His voice was firm and even. His eyes found hers and held her gaze.
She couldn’t argue when he looked at her like that. Didn’t want to. “I just need a few minutes to pack.”
“I’ll help.”
“Okay.” Erin let him follow her to the kitchen andhelp pack lunches. Soon, both Samantha and Parker were bouncing around the small room, asking if it was time to go yet.
Erin chuckled as she put the last of the food inside the wicker basket. “Okay, okay. Let’s go.”
Fifteen minutes later, Logan and Erin were sitting in the shade of a tree. There was a light breeze in the air, and the clouds in the sky were just enough to shield everyone who played in the water from the harshness of the sun without making the day gloomy. It was perfect.
