kids’ favorite, but I don’t make it that often, even though it’s easy.”
“And stuffed wontons. You’d make that dipping sauce for them.” He closed his eyes for a moment. “Okay, now I’m starving.”
She reached in her cooler and handed him a PB&J.
“No.” He pushed it back toward her. “I’m fine. Besides, the kids will be hungry.”
“Eat it. We can walk over the hill for more provisions. You look fit enough to make it.”
He snagged the sandwich and took a bite, then handed her the other half.
“Thanks.” They ate in silence and watched Hailey and Jesse play. They’d come over and inhaled a sandwich between them so they could hurry back to what they were doing.
It was nice to have company and not feel like she had to fill every second with conversation. It was even nicer that it was with Paul. She’d missed him, but in an odd way like he had to be gone, too, because Jack was. It was strange having half the duo. She snuck a glance his direction. He and Jack looked less similar than she’d remembered. Paul’s face was less angular than Jack’s.
Paul pushed his sunglasses on top of his head and lay back, propped on his elbows. “It’s peaceful out here.”
“It is. I feel like I can breathe easier.” She turned and looked at him as he rested there with his eyes closed, enjoying the sun. “You’re welcome to join us anytime. Or don’t join us. Just come out here.”
“Be careful what you ask for. I might be here every day.”
Strangely flattered, she peeked at him again, watching him relax. “I can think of worse problems.”
His eyes opened and he sat up. Something passed between them, and then—thank goodness—he made a joke. “Like that running toilet.”
“Even that.” She drank in the comfort of his familiarness.
“Mom!” Hailey skidded to a stop in front of her, holding her hand as if she were in agony.
“It was an accident,” Jesse insisted. “I didn’t mean to step on her hand.”
“Let me see,” Amanda said, taking her daughter’s hand into her own. And like that the moment was gone. “You’re fine, sweetie. It was an accident.”
She turned to Paul. “I think someone’s tuckered out,” she whispered as she stood and started gathering things to leave.
Tired and sweaty, they all walked back over the dune with not much to say. The kids hosed off outside, and then Jesse announced he was sleepy.
“I know how you feel, little man,” Amanda sympathized. “The sun really saps it out of you, doesn’t it?”
“Why don’t y’all take naps,” Paul suggested. “I’m going to look at that toilet and see if we need any parts.”
“You promised to just evaluate. Don’t you be spending money I don’t have.”
“I know, I know.” He walked toward the back door. “Do you have a screwdriver?”
“I do. Drawer next to the fridge.”
She heard the back door slam against the frame. After brushing the sand from their things, she joined them inside.
Paul was already walking back into the kitchen. “It’s better than it was, but we can fix it right for less than twenty bucks.”
“I’ve got twenty bucks,” she said. “Let me get my purse.”
“No, I’ve got it. I have a couple errands to run anyway. I’ll stop by the hardware store and come back for dinner. A home-cooked meal has got to be worth twenty bucks.”
“You don’t have to do that. I’m not broke.”
“It’s a fair trade,” Paul said. “I’ll see you in a little while. Text me if you think of anything you need while I’m gone.”
“Okay.” Her heart hitched as he walked out. “Come on,” she whispered to the kids. “We can all take a catnap on the bunk beds. Go grab my pillow, Hailey.”
They piled onto the lower bunk in a heap. She programmed her alarm on her phone, then set it to vibrate. With any luck the kids would nap longer and she could start dinner without them underfoot.
20
Amanda lay there unable to nap. Instead, all she could think about was Paul. She slid out from under Hailey’s leg and Jesse’s arm, wincing with every tiny movement and hoping she wouldn’t wake them. When her foot finally reached the floor, she let out the breath she’d been holding and tiptoed to the door. The loud hum of the AC helped cover the sounds from the creaking floor.
She closed the door behind her, then gave an enthusiastic fist pump. The quite time had refreshed her, and now she had a few minutes to herself.