13
WE ALL LOOK KIND OF RIDICULOUS in our puffy orange lifejackets. All of us are wearing them, with the exception of Blake who is apparently too cool for lifesaving wear.
“You’re not setting a very good example for the kids,” I tell him.
He shakes his head. “I keep one in the canoe. If we start going down, I’ll put it on, Mom. Now help me lug this thing to the water.”
We both lift up the huge red canoe and I struggle a bit, but I’m determined to not let it show. Although, in my defence, Iamabout half Blake’s size. The kids are running around, excited.
When we finally get the canoe to the water’s edge, my job is to hold it while Blake and the kids get the supplies; the snack cooler, the oars and Blake’s life jacket. Thankfully, he’s on top of things again. I’ve come equipped with a hat, sunglasses and my phone.
The kids are wearing their Tilley hats and cute shades. They’re also slathered in sunblock. Marilyn would be proud of me. If it were up to Blake, they’d probably burn.
I laugh at the sight of them, full of gear. In no time, the canoe is filled with our stuff. “Okay, who wants to go first?” Blake asks.
They both jump up and down and stretch their arms. Blake smiles. “Okay,” he says. “I’m thinking about a number between one and ten. The closest guess gets to go in first.”
“Five,” Jake yells.
Maddie purses her lips. “Eight.”
Seven, I think.
“Maddie wins,” Blake announces. “It was seven.”
He grabs her and plops her right in the middle of the canoe. “Okay, you know the drill,” he says. She sits down cross-legged on the floor of the canoe.
I smile at the sight of Jake who is pouting, but he’s all smiles when Blake grabs him under the arms and swings him around. He sits across from his sister, happy as a clam.
I smile. “My turn.” I stretch out my arms, joking around. My heart stops for a second and I’m taken for a whirl when Blake grabs me and drops me in the front of the canoe. I waddle and practically topple over, almost taking everyone down. I hang on to the sides, steadying myself. “I was kidding,” I say, breathless. “I can’t believe you just picked me up like that.”
He laughs. “Don’t rock the boat, Freckles. Stay steady.”
I settle my rear down on the seat. The kids are sitting comfortably in the middle. “I know how to sit in a canoe, thank you.”
Blake climbs effortlessly in the canoe and grabs the oars. He gives me one. “I don’t need much help but let’s see how you do.”
I roll my eyes – he’s so condescending sometimes. I turn around and assume my position – not being able to look at him is actually a good thing. I paddle softly. The lake is gorgeous and calm. It’s a beautiful sunny day and I spot a few kayaks and canoes in the distance. I inhale the fresh air, and try to remember the last time I did this. Why haven’t I done this more often these past years? I’ve completely lost sight of myself, of the girl I used to be. Sure, I love my life in Burlington. I love… loved my job and apartment overlooking the town, I like hanging out with my friends, reading, journaling, shopping, and dinners out with Peter, and seeing the occasional play. But this… nothing beats this.
Even the kids are quiet as they take in the sights and sounds around them. They both love this kind of thing… they often go canoeing and fishing with their dad and their uncle.
Blake doesn’t utter a single word for the longest time. So this is it, this is how I get him to shut up… canoe. Good to know.
“See that island up ahead,” he calls out. “That’s where we’re going for our picnic.”
The kids both cheer, excited. They’ve been chattering the whole time about kids’ stuff; the beer bottle cap collection they have going, a video game they’re both playing, and last weekend’s fishing trip.
I’m excited at the prospect of lunch too. I can’t wait to sink my teeth into the salami sandwiches I made with Momma’s homemade bread. Peter would never eat processed meat with white bread, not in a million years.
We work in unison as we come to the shore and pull the canoe in. The kids are better at this than I am. I suppose they have more experience.
Blake pulls out the tablecloth from the cooler and stretches it over on the patch of flat land in the shade, on top of the rocks. It’s perfect. “You’ve done this before,” I say.
He smiles. “Yeah, I’ve come here before. It’s a great spot.”
We dig the staples out of the cooler; sandwiches, potato chips, grapes and baby carrots, and a jug of iced tea.
I sit cross-legged and grab my sandwich. The first bite is delicious. As I chew and swallow, I stare down at my shoes – they’re so dirty. Why did I do that? Now, I’ll have to buy another pair. I look up to find Blake looking at me. He does that a lot, watches me when I’m not looking. He doesn’t avert his gaze or jerk away. He’s not embarrassed at all. I’m the one who’s blushing.
