we’re going to the aquarium.”
Keeping her voice calm and reassuring, Shawn said, “I don’t think he planned on seeing us.”
“Because he’s with that pretty lady?”
“Yep.” Forcing a smile, Shawn added, “I’m sure Daddy’s still taking you tomorrow and that you’ll have a great time.”
Mary packed wet sand in her pail. “Are you going to come?”
“Probably not. Daddy likes having the three of you to himself.”
“I don’t think so.” Mary widened her eyes. “He says when we’re all together, we’re like a pack of wild animals.”
“Y’all can be—but only sometimes.” Ruffling Mary’s wispy hair, she said, “Other times I think you’re just fine.”
“But you still love us?”
“Always. Daddy loves you, too.”
Standing up, Kit looked knowingly at Mary and Elsie. “Daddy loves us, he just doesn’t want to live with us no more.”
“Daddy doesn’t want to live with me,” she gently corrected. “Daddy and I are the ones with the problems. Not you three.”
Kit frowned. “That’s what you always say.”
“I say it because it’s the truth.”
As the girls pondered that and stared at their daddy—who seemed oblivious to them—Shawn did some pondering herself.
What had happened, anyway? First they were living the dream. Next it felt as if they were constantly fighting. He’d come home exhausted and only want to sit and watch TV, instead of helping to get dinner on the table.
His patience with her hadn’t been at an all-time high, either. He got frustrated when he came home to a messy house and crying kids. Even though he well knew she couldn’t be perfect if she’d tried.
For a little while she had tried real hard—but then she’d lost the baby and nothing seemed to matter.
However, in her heart, Shawn knew she still loved him. There was something about him that struck her fancy and held on tight.
And, oh, but he could kiss.
And he was certainly capable in a crisis. Four months ago, when they’d been spending the weekend at the beach and Mary had contracted a fever, she’d called him, asking if he could run to the store for Popsicles and another bottle of children’s Tylenol. He’d ended up staying until all three girls fell asleep.
They really should’ve known what was going to happen. One hug had morphed into one kiss—which had never been enough. Before her mind could put a stop to shenanigans, their clothes had been off and they’d been sprawled sideways on her king-size bed.
“Mommy?”
“Sorry. What, Kit?”
“Daddy’s coming closer!”
There was no reason for her heart to start pounding. No reason for her to care at all. Everything between them was over. O-v-e-r.
It was just such a shame that she couldn’t turn those feelings off.
Swallowing hard, she firmly told herself to move on. It was time. It really was. “Well, girls, let’s see what happens when he notices us. I bet he’s going to be real surprised.”
Mary beamed. “I’m gonna say ‘Boo’ and then he’s gonna jump up high and be surprised! That will be real fun to see.”
“Yes, it will,” Shawn agreed, brushing back a tender wisp of hair from her brow. “It’s going to be a sight to see, I just know it.”
“EDDIE, AREN’T THOSE your girls? I swear they look just like the girls in the pictures you showed me.”
Eddie turned away from admiring the way Jayne’s thick blond hair curled on her shoulder to glance in the direction she was staring. “Yep. And with them is my ex.”
“Shawn?”
“Uh-huh. That’s her.”
Crystal-blue eyes looked faintly accusing. “You didn’t tell me she was so pretty.”
“She’s okay.” Eddie knew he was lying. Shawn was downright beautiful, even after three kids. Long tan legs. Soft feminine arms and shoulders. Rounded hips. A waist that practically yelled for hands to encircle it.
Even after everything they’d gone through, he was still drawn to his ex. Some days he’d wondered if that tender feeling—that attraction—would ever go away.
Some days he wondered if he even wanted it to. From the moment he’d first talked to Shawn on the phone, she’d made him feel more alive. Those feelings had intensified during their courtship and marriage.
And then, of course, it had dissolved into only a shadow of its former self.
Jayne’s steps slowed. “So…those really are your kids?”
“Yes. All girls. I told you I had three.” For a moment the statement hit him hard. Once, they’d been going to have more.
“They’re so close in age.”
Pulling himself back to the present, Eddie nodded. “I know.” He and Shawn never had been good at spacing things—not schedules, not arguments, not babies. When Jayne still looked at them warily, he did the inevitable. “We can turn around if you want.”
“We can’t do that—what if they saw us?”
“They haven’t.” If they’d seen him, his girls would be on their feet, and Shawn…well, Shawn would be looking him and Jayne over without an ounce of shyness.
Jayne steeled her shoulders. “I’d like to meet them. Meet all of them.”
“All right, then. Come on, I’ll introduce you.” When Jayne stepped a little closer and possessively slipped her hand in his, he forced himself to relax. Jayne was great. Jayne was perfect for him. And though he hadn’t planned on introducing Shawn to her anytime soon, there was no time like the present. But he had a feeling this was going to get awkward.
“Daddy, you did see us!” all three of his daughters cried as they jumped to their feet.
He looked at his ex. “I did?”
“We’ve been watching you two,” Shawn explained. “The girls were wondering when you were going to notice them.”
“We surprised you, Daddy!” Mary squealed. “Though I was gonna get you good and say ‘Boo!’” She tickled his waist for emphasis.
Eddie pretended to jump in fright. Mary laughed. The joyful sound was so contagious, he couldn’t help but chuckle, too. “You got me good. I’m glad to see you.” By the time he hugged all three girls and kissed
