Aggie walked into the lounge room, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. “Arlo? What’s he up to now? Someone shake him out of seclusion did they?” She kissed the children and walked over to hug April. “Hey, didn’t expect to see you here tonight.”
“I was railroaded into dinner and no, Arlo isn’t here.” April blushed when Drew walked over and slipped his arm around her waist. Even after all their time apart, he still had the ability to make her hormones stand up and take notice. Keeping that from her friend and the family was going to be difficult and with that single move, Drew had made his intentions clear.
Aggie blinked, then looked her in the eye. With a waggle of her eyebrows, she turned toward her father. “So, that’s the way things have turned out. Interesting.”
“Don’t go getting carried away, Agnes. Let them be to find out how they fit in their own time.” Atticus sprinkled fresh herbs over his salad creation. “And for your information, your other big brother is doing just fine.”
“It’s not normal, Dad. He should have outgrown that by now.”
“We all have our problems, honey. and Arlo is managing just fine with his. He likes being on his own and I for one am happy to let him live his life how he wants. Understood?”
“I hear you, Dad.” She picked a couple of olives off the salad he had arranged on a large platter. “Have you heard from the twins lately?”
“I sure have. Lincoln is desperate to come home as soon as he graduates, but Snowden sounds like he’s planning on staying away forever. I miss those two boys.”
“Isn’t Snow doing something with I.T.?” April put her glass down and stepped away from Drew. She didn’t want the children to think she’d suddenly fallen for her boss. It would be too hard to explain to them when she didn’t even understand it all herself. She wanted to ease them into a relationship. That was if it worked out.
“They both are and doing well too. Linc’s already sold a series of interactive games, made himself a nice little nest egg in the process too. But my youngest son hates being away from the island. It’s been a tough few years for him at college, but he promised me he’d finish his course. Snowden, on the other hand, is in no hurry to settle down. If he had his way, he’d be a traveler for the rest of his life. Nobody would think those two were identical twins the way they act.”
Atticus opened the cutlery drawer and passed Drew a handful of knives and forks. “Tilly, you can carry the salad to the table please, and Leo, you can take the condiments for me.”
The children hurried to help out, arguing about who sat where before they each nabbed a chair either side of Atticus. He had fast become a favorite and April couldn’t blame them. He’d been her go to person when she was younger and she didn’t feel any different about him now.
Gigi opened the oven, pulled out a baking tray, and placed it on a carving board. She peeled back the foil from the whole fish she’d baked, letting the steam out before she transferred it to a plate for serving. The aroma of lemon, peppers, and the salty tang of the ocean wafted out into the air. With a flourish, Gigi added cut wedges of lemon and lime to the edge of the plate and it was ready.
“That smells so good.” Drew took it from her and placed it on the middle of the table. “Grubs up, everyone.”
He held out a chair for April and she took her place. “Thank you.” She glanced at the children. “Did you two wash your hands?”
A chorus of, “Yes, Mom,” rang out and she smiled.
“You relax and don’t worry about the children, April. Enjoy your dinner.” Drew passed her the fish. “You deserve it after today.”
“Thank you. It was worth staying back to meet Cora. Such a brave girl.”
Drew nodded his head in agreement. “She is. Nasty accident out camping, but she should be fine if she takes good care of herself. So much easier for the family now she’s back home.”
Gigi helped herself to a slice of fish as Atticus held the platter for her. “I have a batch of waffles ready for dessert, and some nice local honey to drizzle over them too if you’d prefer that over maple syrup.” She smiled at April. “I have a friend who keeps bee hives, April, and there’s a jar of runny honey on the counter for you to take home.”
Drew coughed and looked down at his plate. April slapped him on the back. “You okay?”
“Went down the wrong way.” He coughed again while Gigi laughed.
“Mom says that’s impossible.” Leo looked at Drew, his eyes narrowed. “She says that’s a poor excuse for being caught not chewing your food enough.”
“Leo.”
“That’s what you said, Mom.” He dropped his bottom lip.
“That’s enough.” She watched Drew for a second and then spoke to Gigi. “Thank you, that’d be lovely. Nothing like honey on hot toast with a cup of tea for breakfast. I feel like a kid again when it runs between my fingers.”
* * *
Drew choked again on the sexual innuendos coming from his aunt. She loved to tease him about her mystery friend and April unwittingly played along. He would have to have a word with her when they were alone. It was all too much for him to take in.
Of course his father and aunt were allowed to have relationships, but he didn’t have to know about it. There was something uncomfortable about them sharing details with the rest of the family. It was enough to scar anyone.
A knock on the door interrupted their dessert. Drew looked at the front porch. Even in the waning evening light he could see who it was. Trina Locket stood waving and smiling in his direction.
