“No. He’s giving her a bath, then they’ll be out.”
“I’ll go collect the mail then,” Joyce said.
By the time the chicken and veg were done, Kyle and Ruthie had joined them.
“We’re here!” Kyle carried Ruthie to her swing chair and put her in it. Bunny, who’d followed them from the bedroom, sat nearby. “There you go, sweetness.”
Ruthie reached out, fingers wiggling.
“What do you want, Ruthie?” Kyle asked. “You want me or Auntie Beryl or Auntie Joyce?”
Beryl brought the salad dressing to the table. “I’m sure it’s you she wants.”
Joyce couldn’t say anything. She was still processing Auntie Joyce. Didn’t that have a lovely ring to it? She cleared her throat softly, finding her voice again. “Maybe if you sit, Kyle, and pull her swing closer to you.”
He grabbed a soda from the refrigerator, then took his seat, easing Ruthie’s swing next to him as Joyce had suggested.
Ruthie patted her hands on the little tray in front of her and let out a happy squeal.
Joyce nodded. “That’s what she wanted. To be close to Daddy.”
Kyle helped himself to the salad. “Maybe she wanted to be close to all of us.” He looked at Ruthie. “You love your aunties, don’t you?”
Ruthie smiled at him, making funny little noises and laughing. Even Bunny got closer, tail wagging.
Beryl brought over glasses of water for her and Joyce, then took her chair. “This is lovely, innit? Like a little family meal.”
Kyle nodded. “It’s exactly like a family meal because itisa family meal.” He lifted his can of soda. “Here’s to family, blood or not. I love you guys. Thank you for looking after Ruthie. And me.” He laughed and looked at Joyce. “And especially Dad.”
Joyce inhaled, trying to keep her emotions from getting the best of her. She raised her glass of water. “You’re most welcome.”
She wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Chapter Fifty-Five
Frankie looked away from her painting to check the time again. It was nearly eleven a.m. and Harper should be getting home soon. There was no reason for her to be so mindful of her sister getting in other than Frankie had missed her.
She was also concerned with how Harper was doing. How she was coping with the loss of her mom. That was no easy thing, and even if Harper had been anticipating it, actually experiencing the loss was very different.
She wanted to be available to Harper in whatever way her sister needed her. If she wanted to be left alone, that was fine, but if she wanted to sit and talk, Frankie would do that. Whatever Harper wanted. For as long as Harper wanted.
Frankie went back to work. Willa and Jack were out at the pool. Now that the paparazzi were gone, he was able to relax, get outside, and enjoy himself.
Willa had gotten the email with the list of classroom supplies she’d need to start the school year. Jack had told her he’d take her shopping this afternoon, promising again that it was all going to be on him.
He was such a kind man with an amazing heart. And that wasn’t just because he’d presented Frankie with the completed throw this morning at breakfast. It was beautiful, but it was truly special because it was handmade. Not to mention, made by some pretty famous hands.
She had a feeling he wouldn’t be here too much longer. It was a shame the paparazzi had pestered him so much. He could have enjoyed his time here so much more.
She wished Lucas had been able to throw his big dinner party like he’d wanted. He’d told her last night that Angie had promised to return in the fall and the dinner would definitely happen then.
She smiled, thinking about their date last night. They’d gone to a little Thai restaurant. It was no secret that Lucas loved Asian flavors. The restaurant had beentiny. Eight tables with three chairs at a small bar near the back.
Once again, the owners had known Lucas and greeted him warmly. They’d plied the two of them with more food than they’d been able to eat, all of it fresh and delicious. Frankie wasn’t familiar with the cuisine, having only eaten it once years before.
Now, however, it was one of her favorites. She’d already told Lucas she wanted to go back. After dinner, they’d gone to a local gallery that was having a small show.
It had been a real eye-opening experience for Frankie. She’d never thought about doing a gallery show. She still wasn’t sure about such an undertaking, but it was interesting to think about.
