Cadence of Cranberries - Valerie Comer Page 0,63

around her. “What’s going on?”

“Catch you in a few, Mom.” Landon grinned and darted out onto the Ribbon, Michael close behind.

And that left her with Charlie’s hand cupping her elbow as he looked down at her, his Scandinavian knit sweater showing off his broad shoulders. “Skate with me, Winnie?”

Dominic grinned, put his arm around Katri, and they glided off.

There was nowhere to look but at Charlie as he tugged her into motion. Just like a few weeks ago, they quickly fell into stride. “I don’t understand,” Winnie said as they circled the Ribbon once more. “You’re in cahoots with my kids. And yours.”

“I hope you don’t mind.” His blue eyes searched hers. “They had a day off, so I flew them out.”

She didn’t want to ask why again, but it was on the tip of her tongue.

“Did Michael like the basketball?”

Winnie took a deep breath. “He did. I’ll make sure he says thank you.”

“He did. I’ve been talking to all of your kids the past few days.”

He had? About what? Suddenly, Winnie wasn’t sure she wanted to know. Except she did.

“I realize we haven’t known each for all that long…”

“About that. I shouldn’t have thrown that at you, about not trusting you with Michael.”

“No. You were right, and I was wrong. I didn’t even think about that aspect of parenting. I’m sorry.”

Winnie’s heart lifted just a little. “I could’ve been nicer.”

“And I shouldn’t have sprung it on you.” Charlie squeezed her hand against his side as they skated half a loop.

Finally, she looked up at him a little. “How long have we known each other? Do you count all the times I bought coffee from you?”

Charlie chuckled, and the sound warmed her from the inside out. “We could count that, I guess, but I didn’t even know your name until the final Night Market. And then, not even your whole name.” He squeezed her hand where it rested in the crook of his elbow. “But then things kind of exploded.”

They skated past the seven young adults who stood off to the side in the pond area near the café. The kids waved and grinned and offered thumbs-up. Landon whistled.

“You said you talked to Michael?”

“I did. Stopped by the basketball court yesterday and chatted with him and his friends a few minutes. Ran into your brother-in-law, too. Ray.”

Winnie’s words failed her. “Oh?”

“Here’s the thing, Winnie.” He glanced down at her, a tentative smile crinkling his eyes. “I messed up with the trip. I’m sorry. But I want you to know I did it because I love you.”

She dragged him over to the edge of the rink as other skaters flowed by. “You… love me?”

Charlie grasped both her mittened hands in hers and looked her full-on. “I love you, Winnie Santoro. I know we need a little more time before making permanent plans, but I want you to know, I’m in it for the long haul.”

“And the kids?” Michael?

Skates ground into the ice as the family gathered around them. “Finally,” said Brittany.

“Also, they’re going to kick us off the ice if we keep standing here, blocking the Ribbon.” added Gabriella.

But Winnie’s gaze was still locked on Charlie’s as he bent his head and offered a short, sweet kiss, his gaze promising more for later.

“Ew.” But Michael’s mumble seemed without rancor.

Charlie’d suggested heading to a restaurant after the skating party — Morley’s was open late — but he was overruled by the slew of teens and young adults. Ava said she was heading back to the apartment, since she had to work early in the morning.

Winnie’s daughters dragged Katri into the kitchen to make popcorn while the guys set up a video game.

He met Winnie’s gaze across the room. This hubbub was crazy, but he’d started it, so he figured he needed to go along with it. With any luck, it would soon be his hubbub.

“Want to go downstairs?” She thumbed toward the open stairs.

He hesitated, but she wouldn’t have suggested it if she thought it was a problem, so he followed her down the carpeted steps into a recreation room holding a Ping-Pong table, a set of weights, and a couple of comfy-looking couches. A short hallway with several closed doors lay to one side.

“The teen hangout?” he asked.

“Yes.” Winnie’s hands knotted together as she looked down.

“I’m sorry if I sprang that on you—”

She gave her head a quick shake. “I have something to say.”

“Okay.”

Winnie took a deep breath. “I’m sorry, Charlie.”

“For…” His gut clenched. Was skating with him only something she’d