I do love
the way that woman eats up the floor.
You look at her just the way you did a year ago, at your wedding.
Megan tucked
her hand in his as they walked out of the lobby and onto the stone terrace steps.
It's
nice.
She's...
He searched for a word, then settled on the simplest truth.
Everything. I'd
like you to be as happy as I am, Megan.
I am happy.
A breeze flitted through her hair. On it carried the sound of children's laughter.
Hearing that makes me happy. So does being here.
They descended
another level and turned west.
I have to admit I'm a little nervous. It's such a big step.
She saw her son scramble to the top of the fort in the yard below, arms raised high in victory.
This is good for him.
And you?
And me.
She leaned against her brother.
I'll miss Mom and Dad, but they've already said that with both of us out here, it gives them twice as much reason to visit twice as often.
She pushed the blowing hair from her face while Kevin played sniper, fighting off Alex and Jenny's assault on the fort.
He needs to know the rest
of his family. And I.. .needed a change. And as to that she looked back at Sloan
I tried to get Amanda to show me the setup.
And she told you that you couldn't sharpen your pencils for a week.
Something like that.
We decided at the last family meeting that you'd have a week to settle in before you started hammering the adding machine.
I don't need a week. I only need
I know, I know. You'd give Amanda a run for the efficiency crown. But orders are you take a week off.
She arched a brow.
And just who gives the orders around here?
Everybody.
Sloan grinned.
That's what makes it interesting.
Thoughtful, she looked out to sea. The sky was as clear as blown glass, and the breeze warm with early summer. From her perch at the wall, she could see the small clumps of islands far out in the diamond-bright water.
A different world, she thought, from the plains and prairies of home. A different life, perhaps, for her and her son.
A week. To relax, to explore, to take excursions with Kevin. Tempting, yes. But far from responsible.
I want to pull my weight.
You will, believe me.
He glanced out at the clear sound of a boat horn.
That's
one of Holt and Nate's,
Sloan told her, pointing to the long terraced boat that was gliding across the water.
The
Mariner.
Takes tourists out for whale-watching.