When she looked back, Reaves was throwing a ball for Zia and the dogs to chase. They did that a few times, but when they lost interest and went to examine a patch of daisies instead of bringing the ball back, he came and sat down beside her.
"Thank you," she said.
"Hey, you don't have to thank me for playing with her. I enjoy it just as much as she does. Probably more."
She chuckled. "I can see that. And that's not what I meant."
He raised his eyebrows.
"I mean for today, Reaves. This has been the best day."
"I'm glad. I think so too."
"And not just for today. For everything."
He nodded. "I hope you know by now that I feel the same way. Thank you for everything that's happened so far."
He rested his hand on the arm of her chair, palm up. She only hesitated for a moment before placing hers in it.
He gave her a wink as he squeezed her hand. "Thank you for everything so far. And everything that's still to come. And in case I haven't been brave enough to make it clear yet—I'm hoping there's still a whole lot more to come for us."
She inhaled sharply, wondering if he'd picked up on her fear without her ever naming it.
He held her hand tighter before she could pull away. "Shit. I didn't mean whatever you're scared of. I mean…" He shook his head. "I mean no matter what."
She relaxed her hand in his again. As he released his grip, she tightened hers.
"Thanks, Reaves. I'm sorry I haven't been sharing with you. But to talk about it, I'd have to face it. And I don't want to yet."
He nodded. "I figured as much. But as long as you know that whenever you're ready to face it—whatever it is—you don't have to do it alone."
She nodded, suddenly struggling to remember why it had seemed so important to keep him out.
"Mommy! Prince Daddy!" Zia called as she came running to them, the dogs flanking her.
"What is it, Z?" she asked, quickly letting go of Reaves's hand.
Zia stared at the place their hands had been for a moment before straightening up, looking slightly puzzled. "Peanut and Butter want to know if we can go for a walk."
Alara looked up at Reaves. She didn't feel up to much of a walk herself, and she didn't know what was normal for Ollie and the dogs. Reaves would have a better idea than she did.
"Are you sure they said they want to walk?" he asked. "They told me earlier that they'd like to swim again."
Zia grinned. "Oh. Maybe they said swim. I'd like to swim again. Are you coming in this time, Mom?"
"No. I don't think so."
She hated to disappoint her daughter. And she could go in—she loved to swim, and it wasn't as though she got the chance often. But she felt too self-conscious. She was wearing her swimsuit under her dress. She'd seen herself in it this morning when she put it on. There was nothing of her. She'd always been a little on the skinny side, but now…
She looked at Reaves, hoping that he might help her out.
His nod was almost imperceptible as he stalked toward Zia and scooped her up. "It's probably best that your mom stays safe and dry," he told the giggling girl. "Between you, me, the dogs, and Sunshine King, there's going to be a lot of splashing. Are you ready?"
"Yay!" Zia squealed.
"Want to jump in with me?"
"Yes! Let's do it."
