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 head back to the hotel, Ava’s in my arms with her head on my shoulder fast asleep. She had a busy day; I’m not surprised she’s already out.
My parents didn’t squawk about Laken and me sharing a room. Of course we have Ava with us, so it’s not like we’re going to be doing the nasty.
I lay Ava down on the king-size bed in our room. Everyone is pretty tired after our day at the beach and our big dinner.
When I’m ready for bed I turn off the lights and slide into bed behind Laken, wrapping my arm around her waist. She’s got her arm wrapped around Ava. I smile in the dark when Laken grabs my hand and laces our fingers together, and together we hold Ava.
***
I pace back and