Page 43 of We Can Forever

And I really, really want to keep that good feeling going.

“You could vacuum.” I turn back to her, knowing giving her a task will keep her happy. “That would be helpful.”

“Show me the way to the broom closet.” She nods confidently.

We get to work cleaning and setting up for class, catching each other up on the smaller details of life as we do so. While we talk at least a couple times a week, I haven’t told her much about the island. Mostly because I haven’t experienced it much.

“The bird sanctuary is supposed to be really nice,” I say as I fluff pillows.

Maybe Michael would like to go there sometime with me?

I smile to myself, recalling our parting kiss after lunch yesterday. We won’t get to see each other as often with my aunt visiting, but maybe that’s for the best. I don’t want to rush things and end up screwing it all up somehow.

“Do you have any flameless candles?” Carol asks. “That would add a nice touch.”

I’m about to answer when the front door opens again, and I look up in confusion. Beginner’s Crochet doesn’t start for another twenty minutes, and the sign is flipped to “Closed”—

I halt in the doorway, my stomach doing a somersault.

Because Michael and Katie stand on the rug, looking around. Michael seems slightly uncomfortable, his hands in his pockets and shoulders hunched up.

“Hey.” My heart races.

“Hi!” Katie bounces over to me. “My dad and I are here for the crochet class.”

I feel my eyebrows rise. “You are?” I ask Michael. “I didn’t know you were into crafting.”

He shrugs. “Katie told me crocheting is easier than knitting, and I need a new hobby. Working on the fire station kitchen is stressing me out.”

Katie nods sagely and turns to me. “And you said crafting is a great way of shutting your brain off and being mindful.”

“That’s right,” I murmur. “I did say that.”

Carol lightly clears her throat, reminding me that she’s even here.

“Michael, Katie,” I say, “this is my aunt, Carol.”

Carol advances on Michael, hand out and gaze sharp. “It’s so good to meet you.”

“You too,” he says warmly, shaking her hand. He turns to me. “I hope we’re not too early. We can go to the coffee shop…”

“No,” I nearly shout. “Please stay. And it’s great you both are here. Katie, do you want to go pick out your supplies for the class? They’re in the baskets over there.”

“I’ll come with you, Katie.” Carol’s love for kids emerges. “I need to pick out some for myself. What color do you think goes well with purple and blue?”

As soon as they’re on the other side of the room, Michael steps closer to me and lowers his voice. “Is this all right?”

It takes me a moment to answer, I’m so distracted by his close proximity. “Of course.”

“I just didn’t know how you would feel about Katie being…here…seeing us together.”

I blink at him. “That’s your call.”

His lips twitch into a soft smile. “She wanted to come to this class. Plus, I wanted to see you.”

“So, you’re not really interested in crocheting?” I chuckle, already knowing the answer.

He smirks. “Guilty as charged.”

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