“Are you going to turn it down?” She nodded at the golden grilled cheese she’d handed him.
“No way.” He sat and ate the sandwich in just a few bites while Davey showed him the drawing he had made.
Hunter babbled and ate the Cheerios Erica put on the table for him, and the adults talked casually about events and people around town, and it was cozy and warm, like family.
Amber loved it. She was supposed to be such an adventurer, always portrayed herself that way to other people, but in truth, she had a big homebody side. Although she liked excitement and travel, she was happiest when she was taking care of people.
All too soon, Paul stood. “Come on, Davey my man,” he said. “We need to take Sarge back home. We’re heading to the park this afternoon, but first, we both need a little rest.”
“Okay, Daddy.” Davey sounded surprisingly amiable.
Father and son thanked Amber, and then the pair of them, with Sarge at their side, walked back toward their cottage.
Amber stood at the window watching them. Paul kept a hand on Davey’s shoulder and tilted his head so he could hear what the little boy was saying. When they got to the house, Davey grabbed a small rubber football, one that looked like it was meant for the dog. He threw it, and Paul jumped up and caught it while Sarge barked.
Amber smiled. Paul was upset, but he was still able to be a good dad.
“You’ve got it bad, don’t you?” Erica sounded amused.
“Shut up,” Amber said. “Can’t I admire the view without you making a big deal of it?”
“Sure you can.” Erica came to stand beside her. “It’s a very nice view.”
“I really like Davey.” It was a dodge, but it was also true. Davey was a sweet kid, and motherless, and it brought out Amber’s protective side.
“Paul seems like a good guy.” Erica returned to the table, where she used a napkin to wipe off Hunter’s mouth. “But he’s sort of screwed up, right?”
“Well...yeah, he is.” Amber sighed. “Through no fault of his own, he’s had a lot of bad things happen to him, and they’ve affected him.”
“Uh-huh.” Erica watched her and just listened, one of the things Amber loved most about her sister. “And what does that mean to you?”
Amber thought. “It means he’s complicated, and he has a precious little boy who’s had a complicated life, as well. And there are all kinds of reasons why I should keep that in mind and stay away from him.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
MARY ALWAYS DID good business during the By Golly, Be Jolly Christmas Shopping Night, traditionally held the first Monday in December. Tonight was no exception, so she was glad she’d gotten all five of her employees to come work part of the evening. That way, everyone could fit in a break to enjoy the festivities and do a little shopping of their own.
She stepped outside herself, felt how brisk the air was and went back inside to grab her cape and hat before heading down the street. All the little trees in front of the shops were lit up with white lights. Down where Main Street dead-ended into Beach Street, a group of carolers sang. At the other end of the block was the big train display, so popular with the kids.
She wanted to take in the peace, think about the reason for the season, enjoy all the friends and acquaintances who greeted her. But she just wasn’t feeling it. Was it the plans for Victory Cottage, or was it Imogene? Either way, her anxiety about the past had amplified until it was a constant ache in her stomach.
“Mary!” Amber came over and greeted her, her nephew, Hunter, on one hip. She wore a bright red cap, and her color was high. She looked healthy and happy. “How’s business tonight? Come get a hot mulled cider with us!”
“I’d love that, dear.” So many people were in family groups during the holidays and at events like this. Mary rarely felt bad about being single and basically childless, but if she were going to feel that way, it would be on a night like tonight. So it was nice to have a friend to walk around with.
“There’s Drew and Ria.” Amber gestured toward a small group coming out of the clothing store, the man holding a white cane in one hand and his wife’s arm in the other. Drew had lost his vision in a police accident. When he’d come to the Healing Heroes cottage to help one of his daughters through a hard time, he’d ended up reconciling with his ex-wife. That made Mary happy.
“Sophia will want to see Hunter if she looks over this way.”
“Why...oh.” Of course, since Sophia, Drew and Ria’s older daughter, was Hunter’s biological mother. “Is that hard on you and Erica?”
Amber shook her head. “No, I think it’s nice. Good for everyone. Especially this little peanut.” She kissed the top of his bald head, making him chortle.
“I think I see Paul and Davey down by the trains,” Mary said. “Should we hurry up and try to catch them?”
“No,” Amber said quickly. “We shouldn’t.”
Mary looked sideways at Amber as they walked along. The attraction between her and Paul was so obvious that it shimmered in the air between them every time they were together. “What’s the barrier?” she asked, knowing she was being blunt. But Amber was always blunt with her.
“It’s complicated.” Amber looked down the block toward Paul and Davey then, and the longing in her eyes was so intense it made Mary’s heart hurt. “But there are barriers, big ones. So the less time I spend near those two, the better.” She bounced Hunter. “I need to focus on this guy, anyway. I’m aiming to be Aunt of the Year.”
“There’s something to be said for that,” Mary said. “Enjoy the child and then give him back to his parents when he gets fussy. And don’t forget to buy him
