"No, but we got some lunch and brought it home. And Grady sent something for you."
"That was kind. I like him. He's a good daddy to Ava." She paused. "Did you know he's not really her daddy?"
"Oh, that's right." Her voice caught as she remembered. "He's her uncle. But he adopted her so that he can be her dad."
She had to turn away and squeeze her eyes shut against the sting behind them. Becca had told her that Grady adopted his niece after her mom—his sister—died.
"Are you okay, Mom? Should we go and get you the lunch you brought home?"
She inhaled deeply before blowing it out slowly. "Yeah, we should." She forced a smile. "And we'll see what Grady sent for you as well."
"Maybe I can go and play with Ava again one day soon."
"Yeah. We'll figure something out."
Chapter Seven
When Reaves arrived at the house on Saturday morning, Zia was already out front, sitting halfway down the steps that led from the front door. He laughed out loud when she tried to wave at him but couldn't quite manage it, since she was already wearing her water wings. Somehow the water wings, her huge sunhat, and long flowy dress didn’t look like an odd combination—they were perfectly Zia.
"Prince Daddy!" she cried, as she ran down the steps to greet him. "Are you excited to see Peanut and Butter?"
"I am. I can't wait."
"They're my friends, you know."
"I know. They love you to pieces. They're my friends too, but I think they love you more."
She stopped just before she reached him and tilted her head to the side as she frowned. "I don't think that's true. I don't think doggos work that way. I think they have lots of love, enough for all the people that they choose. Just because they love me a lot doesn't mean they don't love you a lot too. And of course they love Sunshine King." She grinned. "And everyone loves Lady Sunshine. She's the best. She's my friend too, you know. My forever friend."
He chuckled, relieved that she'd given him a way out. "I do know that. And I know she's looking forward to seeing you. Just like Peanut and Butter. And Ollie." He caught himself. "I mean, Sunshine King."
She gave him a sassy little smile. "It's okay, you can say their real names. I know their names. But I think my names suit them better."
"I'd have to agree with you there."
They both turned to look up when Alara appeared at the top of the steps.
"Oh, hey, Reaves. Sorry, I didn't realize you were here already. I think I have everything now. We can go if you want." She stopped. "Oh, wait—no. Do you want to see your dad before we leave?"
"That's okay. I'll talk to him later when we get back. And besides, I'm sure he'll…" He cut himself short. He'd been about to say that his dad would probably be glad of some peace after his exertions yesterday.
He jogged up the steps to her and reached for the bag she'd brought out, but she picked it up before he could.
"That's okay, I've got it, thanks."
He didn't insist. He knew she was used to doing everything for herself.
"Should I go and grab Zia's car seat and get it set up in the back?"
She hesitated when they reached the bottom of the steps. And instead of heading for his Land Cruiser, she turned toward her Suburban.
"Do you know what? Since her seat's already in there, why don't we take mine?"
"I was going to drive. I don't mind, I…"
"I don't mind either." She shot him a sideways glance as Zia ran ahead of them to the Suburban. "You could have a couple of beers with Ollie that way. And with everything that's going on, I'd kind of like to feel as though—" She stopped.
She didn't finish, and he didn't need her to.
