It was a fair question and one that deserved an honest answer. She thought about something Elsie Gregson had said: good men don’t always make your heart race the first time you meet them, but they’re there for the long haul.
“Do you remember earlier in the year when we ran into each other at the coffee shop over the river?”
“You were speed dating?”
She nodded. “You walked in and Zadie told me you were cute in a shaggy dog sort of a way and maybe you’d make a good project.”
“Next time I buy coffee there, I’m not tipping.”
“It gets worse. I said I didn’t want a project, I wanted a fully functional man.”
“Ouch.”
“But that’s the thing. You look a bit scruffy and sometimes you annoy the pants off me, but underneath you’re one of the most functional men I know. You encouraged me to go back to drawing. You quietly dealt with my hot flashes and me crying all over you without making me feel foolish. You listened when I needed advice and when I arrived unannounced at your house with three kids in tow, you danced with me.
“I thought I wanted someone who just accepted me saying ‘yeah, all good’ when they asked me how I was. At first, I hated the way you dug just that bit deeper and how sometimes you seemed so serious, but when you went all old school taciturn on me, I missed you.”
Alice interlaced her fingers with his. “I’ve missed the silly photos, the very precise and grammatically correct texts and even the number jokes, although I only get half of them. But most of all, I’ve missed you and the way you’re in my corner. Love snuck up on me somewhere between that first hello on the pier and our rock pool ramble.”
He was grinning up at her. “So that’s a yes on loving me?”
“That’s a yes. But I want a do-over on the date with the serious yet often very entertaining Harry Waxman.”
“You’re on.” He kissed her.
Suddenly, the mattress dipped and Brutus’s face appeared above them.
“If it isn’t kids, it’s hungry dogs,” Harry grumbled.
“It’s the rich tapestry of the life I want.”
“And you’re sure? Because the kids—”
“Don’t need any more heartache and disruptions. I get it, Harry. I don’t want those things either. I’m willing to do everything to make us work, including dealing with this dog who is really taking advantage of you. Brutus! On your bed!”
The dog gave her a melancholy stare before reluctantly jumping down.
Harry laughed. “You look like a sprite but you’re remarkably tough, aren’t you?”
“I prefer ‘resilient.’ So how are we going to handle this with the kids? I mean, they see me as their friend not your lover. Remember how upset they got when we said we ran into each other in Bairnsdale? They might not be so thrilled that we’re dating.”
“They only got upset because they thought I’d gotten to spend time with you and they’d missed out.”
“But outings are different from everyday routine. I’m not fun Alice all the time.”
He stroked her hair. “We’ll take it slowly with them, but that said, they don’t get to call all the shots. We’ll work it out together. Meanwhile, lucky we both work flexible hours because, initially, school hours are about the only time we’re going to be alone.”
“Summer vacation starts in three days.”
He wrapped himself around her. “I told you my life was chaos. Are you still in?”
“I’m there with bells on.”
New Year’s Eve was in full swing on the waterfront and although it was still daylight, the carnival’s Ferris wheel was lit up as brightly as the massive Norfolk Pine the council decorated each year with Christmas lights. The scent of hot oil and sugar wafted in the air from barbecues, food trucks and the ubiquitous cotton candy machine. Locals and tourists mingled among the family-friendly festivities, enjoying the summer night.
Hunter bounced up and down in excitement. “How long to the fireworks, Dad?”
“About an hour. Let’s play some Finska to pass the time.”
Holly, who was sprawled on the picnic blanket and full of dinner, groaned. “Do we have to?”
“No, but don’t blame me if Hunter and I break your winning streak,” Harry teased.
Holly shot to her feet. “Bet you can’t.”
“You in, Alice?”
She inclined her head toward Libby. “I’ll be there in a bit.”
“Okay. See you soon.” Harry kissed her on the cheek.
“Dad!” Holly looked scandalized. “You’re too old to be kissing outside where people can see.”
Harry laughed and caught Holly around the waist before trying to plant a kiss on her cheek. She shrieked and squirmed away.
“They’re always kissing now,” Hunter said matter-of-factly to Karen. “I think it’s gross but Dad’s happy.”
Karen tried to keep a straight face. “Are you happy?”
“Yeah. Alice and Dad took us go-karting. And next week we’re going on one of Nick’s boats. Alice says she knows all the good fishing spots.”
“They’re top secret, Hunter,” Peter said. “You’ll have to fish blindfolded.”
Hunter gave him a sideways glance, then grinned and took off after his sister and father.
“Who’d like a ride on the Ferris wheel?” Peter asked.
“Me! Me!” Indi and Lucy jumped up and down.
“Twinkle lights go round,” Leo said solemnly.
“Come on then.” Karen lifted Leo out of Libby’s arms. “Little girls, hold Da’s hand. Big girls, we’ll be back soon.”
“Be good,” Libby called.
“Will Nick make it back in time for the fireworks?” Alice asked.
“He texted ten minutes ago. He’s pulled the hapless tourist off the sandbar so he should be back in twenty minutes.” Libby started packing up the leftover food from their picnic dinner. “I really like Harry, Al.”
“Me too.”
“And he got through a Hunter-Pirelli Christmas and he still wants to be here.”
“Yep, he’s a keeper.”
Libby’s week sailing the quiet waterways of the lakes had started the slow process of coming to terms with Jess’s death. She and Nick understood the impact of grief better now and they’d talked a
