“Yeah, I think it’s as good as it’s gonna get.” I kiss her and then turn to the other girls. “Hello, ladies.”
“The girls and I are going to go get something to eat. Do you want to come, or I can grab you something?”
I stand and pull her into my arms. “You guys go and have fun.” We share a lengthy kiss.
“Ahem … there are other people here,” Nicole says with a smirk on her face.
“Uh … sorry, not sorry. Have you seen how hot my girl is?”
They leave, and I grab my laptop. I start looking at apartments in Beaverton and maybe I’m presumptuous, I know, but I even look at preschools for Ava. There are a lot of options for us.
I have until the end of the week to accept or decline the position. I can’t say no; this is an amazing opportunity. I just hope Laken is on board with my plan for us.
Chapter Twenty-six
Chance
Dad and I both hold onto one of Ava’s hands. Together we swing her back and forth and then dip her into the water. “Again! Again!” she squeals, and we do it over and over.
I won’t lie, but it makes me jealous that as soon as we’re done doing that, she wants my dad to pick her up and take her into the water. Dad thinks it’s hilarious and rubs it in. “Come on, Avalou. Let’s go for a swim.”
They walk ahead of me deeper into the water. Laken’s little water wings are bright pink with white daisies all over them, and they press against Dad’s neck as Ava holds on to him as they move through the water. He just laughs and the two of them have their own private conversation.
I turn back to the beach, spotting Mom, Laken, and Bree lying on the loungers, talking animatedly with each other. It makes me happy that my family has opened their arms and hearts to these two people that I love.
My eyes stay locked on Laken, and I swear my dick twitches when I see her in her little blue bikini. I quickly turn away before I sport a full-on erection. I step further into the water and move toward Dad and Ava.
“Chas, I’m swimming.” She reaches for me, and Dad lets her go. Ava kicks her little legs but goes nowhere. “Help!” I grab her hands and pull her to me.
“Are you having fun?” I ask.
This little princess squeezes me in a big hug and then kisses my cheek. “I am. I wuv you, Chas.” She lays her head on my shoulder.
I look up and Dad is watching us, smiling wide. “You’ve grown into a wonderful man, Son. I hope you know how proud your mom and I are of you. I’ve said it before, but Laken is perfect for you and so is this little munchkin.” He tickles Ava, making her laugh.
We spend the rest of the day playing in the sand and in the water. Everyone takes turns with Ava. By the end of the day a wave of sadness washes over me because this could be one of the last times I’m here with my family for a long time.
If I have it my way Laken, Ava, and me will be moving to Oregon this summer and beginning our lives together.
My plan is to talk to Laken after my parents leave tomorrow. They’re taking Ava back to her grandparents because we have final exams Monday morning, and they want us to be able to study and get a good night’s sleep. Of course I don’t know what’s going to happen after our talk, but I hope it’s that she can’t wait to move away with me.
We head back to the hotel. My parents rented a suite for all of us. While Ava naps, we all take showers. To do our part for the environment Laken and I shower together; at least that’s what we’ll say if we’re caught.
Once we’re done with the shower, and other things, I head out into the main sitting area where I find my dad standing at the huge window looking out over the ocean.
“Hey, Dad.” I walk up, standing next to him. “Gorgeous view.”
He wraps his arm around my shoulders, hugging me into his side. “Have you heard from Nike yet?”
“Yeah, but I don’t want to talk about it until I talk to Laken.”
Dad smiles. “Yeah I got you, Son.”
Laken comes out with a freshly showered Ava a half hour later—both in sundresses the color of watermelon. Ava runs to me, jumping into my arms. “Do Mommy and me wook pwetty?”
I kiss her cheek. “You do. You and your mommy look beautiful.”
Mom has her arm wrapped around Laken’s waist as they watch us. Ava is done with me and holds out her arms to Dad. She’s already got Dad wrapped around her finger because he grabs her from my arms and then shoves me away from them.
“Hey. What was that for? She loves me best.” I pout.
Laken comes toward me, hugging me close. “Yes she does.”
Once my sister comes out we head out for our dinner reservation. As we walk along the water, Mom and Dad have a hold of Ava’s hands, and she chatters happily.
Laken holds my hand and talks to my sister as we head toward The Lighthouse, a steak and seafood restaurant on the water. We follow my parents inside, and we’re led immediately to a table by the window.
It isn’t lost on me that women check both me and Dad out; of course, we ignore it. I’m sure Mom and Laken both hate it as much as we hate it when men look at them.
Dinner is loud and fun, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. By the time we
