feet before you go down to Winifred’s.” Humans had silly rules about shopping barefoot.
* * * *
Jim and I fed the boys breakfast, then cake, before helping them with their shoes so we could go on our wildlife trek. It was cooler in the trees than in the yard, and both boys enjoyed the freedom of running. Their wonder over every rock, twig, and creature we pointed out reminded me of the confinement in which they’d lived before coming here.
When our time was up, we made our way back to the house and played in the yard.
“Can we do that again tomorrow?” Liam asked me.
“Any time you want.”
Jim pushed them both on the swings while I made a stack of sandwiches. We sat in the shade of the porch and ate. Jim stole my sandwich twice and had Aden laughing so hard the little man’s face turned red. It was such a good day that it made my stomach hurt. I needed to know they’d stay here forever. That we’d always be able to keep them safe and make them laugh. I needed Michelle to say yes to just one date.
I took everything back upstairs and was washing the dishes when I heard Winifred’s car turn onto the driveway. Excitement coursed through me.
Did Michelle have a good time?
She enjoyed herself but had frequent bouts of worry, which I expected. After what she’s been through, trusting her brothers with anyone had to be hard.
I wiped my hands and was just moving toward the door when I heard Michelle on the porch with Jim.
“Hold on. You can’t sneak in without showing me,” he said.
“What are you doing?” I asked, knowing he’d hear me. Silently, I started down the stairs.
“Very nice. Now the dress,” he said.
“How did you know?” Michelle sounded amused. I wasn’t.
“Jim, you’ve ticked Nana off way too often recently for her to intervene when I start kicking your tail,” I said when I hit the second landing.
“Emmitt told me his contribution to your day. It’s why I thought you’d want your nails done. Better hurry, I hear him coming.”
“I don’t know if anyone will get to see me in this dress,” she said, worrying me.
“Day’s not done yet,” he said.
“We’ll see. Thank you for the lovely day.”
I was on the last flight of stairs and saw them as she stepped forward and hugged Jim tightly. And the ass returned the hug, giving me a thumbs-up behind her back.
I couldn’t stay silent anymore.
“You keep that up, and he’ll be treating you to spa days with Nana Wini every week.”
She released him and turned toward me. “Thank you for the dress,” she said.
Jim moved away from us and headed out to the boys, who were still regaling Nana about what they’d done.
“You’re welcome. Just don’t let Jim see it before I do.”
I didn’t miss that she made no move to hug me.
“I think it might stay in the bag for a while.”
“I hope not. I was wondering if you’d consider going to dinner with me.” Her scent changed with her panic. She probably didn’t want to leave her brothers again.
“Next Saturday,” I said, hoping it would help calm her.
“A date?” she asked, doubtfully.
“If you’re not too busy.”
She shrugged and smiled slightly. “I’ll see what I can do.”
She moved past me, carrying her things inside.
“You coming back outside or going to research again?”
“Both. I’ll bring the tablet out here.”
I watched her walk away, then looked toward the swing set. Winifred met my gaze as she listened to the boys tell her about the things we’d done today.
I know, I sent her. Give it time.
No. I was going to tell you I’d keep an eye on the boys while you hand Jim his tail.
I laughed out loud and went to occupy the boys so Winifred could carry her things inside. It didn’t take her long before she was back on the porch, sipping a glass of tea. When Michelle reemerged, she sat next to Winifred.
Jim managed to stay inside for maybe ten minutes before boredom brought him back outdoors. He knew he was on my shit list because he kept a healthy distance between us when he came over to play with Aden. Still, I managed to get a few whacks in when the boys and Michelle weren’t looking. Winifred caught every single one, but she didn’t say a word.
After a while, Michelle stood and went into the house.