deep-fried pastries. “Telling them the truth is going to hurt them. It’s going to affect everything.” Especially their trust in their mother. She’d known that for a while. Kept her head in the sand, hoping she’d never have to deal with it, and yet, lived in daily fear that the truth would come out.
“You’re their mother. They’ll forgive you.”
“Will they?” They were part of the reason that Ronin still lived. She couldn’t kill their father.
The girls each got a hot pastry rolled in sugar. Since they still had time before they had to board, they walked the beach, the girls kicking at the waves as they ate their sweet treats. Portia hadn’t gotten one for herself, but Ted had splurged for a three-scoop ice cream cone.
She’d said no, but eyeing the melting, cold and creamy goodness, she regretted the decision.
“Want a bite?” he offered, having noticed her hungry stare.
She should say no. It was pure sugar. He’d licked it already.
Hmm. That wasn’t a deterrent, actually. She reached for it, wrapping her hand around his to draw it to her mouth.
She took a long lick, conscious that he watched, his gaze smoldering.
“My turn.” He angled it to bite at the section she’d just licked, holding her gaze the entire time.
Her next taste was openmouthed, over the top. She was pretty sure she heard him groan.
His free hand curled around her waist and drew her nearer. Part of the act, or did he feel the heat between them, too?
Was it just because it had been so long? Did she imagine the passion simmering within him? The ice cream stood between them, neither of them eating it, their gazes locked. What would happen if she kissed him?
If—
“Aaaawww!” The sharp shriek doused her with cold reality.
“Lin!” She shouted her daughter’s name as she whirled, her hand sliding into her pocket to the slit that gave her access to a small pistol. She lunged forward, ready to sprint, only to find herself grinding to a halt. She glared at the fingers hooked in the waistband of her shorts.
“Let go,” she growled.
“Don’t you dare pull that gun. The girls are fine.”
“But Lin…” Screeched again as a wave rolled onto the beach, and something slimy touched Lin’s ankle. Which led to Mae mocking her.
There was no danger, and yet Portia had almost pulled a gun in public. That wouldn’t have ended well.
“We need to go back to the ship.” At least, she did. Because Mae was right. Paranoia was ruling her decisions. And if she wasn’t careful, it would ruin their lives. “Can you watch them? I need to freshen up.”
She went ahead, but it wasn’t long before the girls joined her, Ted bringing up the rear. Small hands slipped into hers as they skipped.
“Why so sad, Mommy?” Lin asked.
“Not sad. Just tired and hot.” Her wan smile probably helped with that lie.
“Your mom just needs a good night’s sleep, I think.”
“Can we have dinner in our room tonight?” Mae asked. “We’re tired, too.”
Portia shook her head. “You’re just saying that because of me. We’ll go to dinner, and whatever tonight’s entertainment is.”
“Actually,” Mae said, “we were kind of hoping to go star watching tonight. We found out that we can borrow a telescope, and there’s supposed to be a meteor shower.”
“I guess I can—”
Mae interrupted. “Aunt Joanna already said she’d take us if it’s okay with you.”
“Can we?” Lin exclaimed, bouncing ahead and clasping her hands.
Portia’s first impulse was to utter a resounding “no,” but with what excuse? Joanna could watch over the girls. She was tired. And this was exactly the type of thing the girls enjoyed.
“Fine. But straight to your room after.”
“Yes, Mother. We’ll be sure to be quiet too so we don’t wake you or Daddy.”
There was nothing else to say, and she was quite relieved to find out that the man who’d talked to them that morning at breakfast had been put ashore. They’d be fine.
Still, as she paced the room, Ted couldn’t help but remark, “Helicopter much?”
“What?”
“Hover. Suffocate. Panic over everything.”
She scowled. “You wouldn’t understand. You’re not a parent.”
“No, I’m not. But look at you. What do you really think can happen on a ship?”
“Would you like a list?” Because she had plenty of suggestions.
“How many of the items on it are realistic?”
“The danger that my girls are in isn’t run-of-the-mill.”
“No, but at the same time, be careful that your protective actions don’t become worse than the thing you’re protecting them from.”
“Are you implying that I’m as bad as Ronin?”
“No. But