Page 96 of Wilde Ride

I found Rhett sitting on Vivianne’s lap in the living room area, his eyes half open as she read him a story. I walked up and bent down.

“Hey, buddy, you ready to head home?”

Rhett shook his head. “I want to stay here, with Ms. Vivianne and Ms. Emeline.”

Vivianne smiled as she hugged him tightly. “Camp is over, bud. Time to head on back home. I’m sure your grandmother and grandfather have missed you.”

Rhett sat up and rubbed his eyes. “I’ve missed them too.”

Vivianne laughed as she helped Rhett down. “You were such a big help this week, Rhett. Thank you.”

I swore my son’s chest puffed out. “I had so much fun!”

Leaning forward in the chair, she took both of his hands in hers. “I’m glad you had fun! And I’m glad you were able to come to camp and meet new friends.”

Vivianne stood and reached out for a hug. “And thank you, Levi, for all the help this week. The kids all loved your talks.”

“I had a lot of fun myself. I’ll check the vet clinic’s schedule for your next session. I’m sure I’ll be able to break away at least once or twice and do it again.”

She smiled. “That would be lovely. You were the second-favorite camp guest.”

I lifted a brow. “Who was the first?”

With a soft laugh, she said, “Lilibeth’s candle-making and perfume classes!”

“I’m not surprised. I had a great time when Emeline, Caden, and I went to her shop.”

She reached up and kissed my cheek. “You boys drive careful now. Tell your mother and father I said hello.”

“Will do.”

Vivianne reached for the book she’d been reading to Rhett and started walking toward the kitchen area. Right about then, Emeline walked out of the kitchen, a towel in her hands. She and her mother exchanged a few words before Vivianne slipped into the kitchen. Emeline looked tired. When she caught sight of us, she perked up and made her way over.

“You gentlemen heading home?”

With my hands on Rhett’s shoulders, I replied, “We are. This guy was falling asleep on your mom’s lap as she read to him.”

Emeline crouched and got on Rhett’s level. I noticed she did that with every child she spoke to. And she never broke eye contact when she did so. She had a way of making you feel like you were the only person who existed when she talked to you.

“I don’t know what we would have done without your help this week, Rhett. Thank you for helping your cabin counselor. He said you were the best helper he’s ever had.”

Rhett beamed. “I really liked helping!”

She hugged him, and my body jolted at the sight. Not in a bad way, but more in longing. I couldn’t help but wish that Rhett’s own mother had shown him such love and easy affection.

“Maybe you can help at the second camp?”

Rhett looked at me with hopeful eyes.

Chuckling, I said, “We’ll see.”

“If you guys are too tired for dinner, I completely understand,” Emeline stated as she stood and looked at me.

Rhett perked up. “You’re having dinner with us?”

“I was thinking we could go out to dinner. You, me, and Emeline.”

I watched as Rhett let those words settle in his head. He started jumping up and down. “Yes! That sounds awesome! Where?”