Page 42 (1/2)

"In all the best ways We figured ait to tell Nicky, if you’re okay with that It’s early days, and ninetime"

"Good idea" Ethan had never made a misstep as a parent, not so far as Parker could tell, anyway

"So are you doing okay, Parks?" he asked gently

"Yeah I’ood The house is listed, and now that it’s spruced up a bit, I’et an offer"

Ethan nodded He was quiet for a long minute "How’s your father?"

Parker paused "I don’t know We’ve had a few tortured conversations in which neither of us saysto James, he’s fine"

"Have you been to see hi drive About four hours fro about him Wanted to know if he could visit"

Parker paused "I’d have to check the place first"

"Your call But he’s curious" Ethan stood up "Okay, I’onna hit the hay," he said "I was alone in the car with your son for eight hours today I’m whipped Your son can talk, Miss Welles"

It was their habit to refer to Nicky as "your son" whenever discussing his, ah, less-than-stellar"Wheels on the Bus" for thirty-nine straight et that from your side of the farandson"

"And Althea’s, let’s not forget You guys have a good visit, by the way?"

"We really did It was different Nice"

"Glad to hear it See you in theto Lucy She went into Nicky’s rooht of his little form there in bed filled her with such a rush of love that her knees eak Beauty was snuggled at his side, her irl, Beauty," Parker whispered She wondered if Beauty sensed that Nicky was hers The dog hadn’t let Ethan near her, slinking behind so when he approached But she already loved Nick, thank goodness

Three weeks was too long She ain until he was, oh,brother She’d known it would co of envy bounced around in her heart with her genuine happiness

She lay down next to her little guy, stroked his silky hair The band of worry and loneliness that had been tight around her heart loosened as she listened to his breathing He was back with her, and all was right with the world

Even so, she wondered how Jaht He’d see in hand Hadn’t seemed melancholy at all, whereas she…well This was a dopey train of thought to pursue

She got under the covers and snuggled closer Nicky didn’t stir The kid could sleep through a h a pretty fair hurricane last year and then had been quite confused as to why soShe kissed his neck, breathing in the sether, mother and child She shouldn’t want more

THE NEXT MORNING, Ethanto teach Beauty "She could juh my hula hoop She could catchboard! She can sith ed a look "Well, on’t be living in a house with a pool anymore, remember, honey?" Parker said

Nicky’s face fell "Oh Yeah" He looked around the kitchen "Is this our house now?"

"Nope This is just for a couple weeks A little vacation Then we’ll go back to Rhode Island and live near Daddy and Lucy"

"We’ll move in with you, Daddy," Nicky said as Ethan put a plate of scraave Ethan a look that said, Helpto have your own house, and you’ll spend half the time there, and half the time with me Just like always, Nick"

"I want to live with Beauty all the time"

"Well, Beauty can rinned at Parker; the enormous cat would be more apt to eat Beauty than befriend her, but there was always hope

"They will be," Nicky pronounced "They’ll be best friends Except Beauty’s scared of you, Daddy You have to be nicer to her"

At that moment, a knock came on the door, and Parker’s heart seemed to roll over in her chest "Co," James said as he came down the hall

At the sound of his voice, Beauty left Nicky’s side and streaked over to hiainst his leg, the better to get an ear scratch

"Hey, Beauty" Ja, then stood up "Ethan Good to see you again" The reat, thanks for asking How are you?"

"No coaze dropped to Nicky "Hi"

Nicky stared back soleht?" Parker asked "Mr Cahill? Grandpa’s friend?"

"Yes," Nicky said suspiciously "I remember"

"Can you also remember your manners?" she prodded

"Hi, Mr Cahill"

"Did you have fun on your vacation?" James asked, rather solemnly

Nick nodded

Not his usual chatty self Of course Maybe her son sensed so steadily at Parker

Jaet to work on the stairs to the dock"