Samantha and Parker squealed in delight as they ran back and forth through the streams of water that shot from the ground in regular intervals. They were soaked from head to toe, and it was obvious that they were loving every minute.
This is nice,Erin thought as she pulled out the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches from the picnic basket. The kids weren’t ready to eat yet, but she was famished. She handed one to Logan. “Hungry?”
Logan grabbed the sandwich from Erin. “Starving.”
She took another sandwich out of her basket and took a bite as she watched her children play. As people walked by, she wondered what they might be thinking. People who didn’t know her probably thought Logan and Erin were picture-perfect parents watching their children play at the park. The people whodidknow her might judge her for moving on too fast, even though that wasn’t what was happening with Logan.Either way, she was filled with guilt for enjoying this time with Logan. She wondered if her time might be better spent looking for a new job or talking to Aunt Betty about possible options to rent-to-own.
And still, she didn’t want to leave. She was thankful for the beautiful weather, thankful for time with her children, and thankful for the companionship she had with Logan.
Erin still had so many questions. The best way to have them answered was to have the difficult conversation she’d been putting off with him. She worried that bringing up old memories would mess up the peaceful balance that had developed.
When she looked over at Logan, he was looking back at her, a smile touching his lips.
“What?” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear feeling self-conscious beneath his gaze.
“I’m just thinking this is a perfect way to end the last couple of days.” He looked down at his sandwich. “This is nice.”
Erin smiled down at her own sandwich. “It is nice.”
“I’m glad I’m here.”
If Erin was being honest with herself, she was glad too. She’d gotten used to Logan’s presence and had started to lean on him. There would definitely be a day of reckoning, but for now, she was content to enjoy this afternoon.
