Page 114 of The Summer We Started Over

Before that, she had to tell Dinah she wasn’t going to work for her anymore.

As if summoned by Eddie’s thoughts, Dinah came out of the kitchen, a glass of iced coffee in her hand.

“Good morning, everyone!”

For a few minutes, Dinah sat on the floor and played Legos with Bobby. Then she rose and sat next to Eddie.

“Could we talk for a moment?” Dinah asked. “We haven’t had a private conversation for days.”

“Of course.” Eddie wanted to act cool and slightly insulted, but instead she was achingly happy that Dinah was here.

“A lot has happened in the last few days. I’m taking Bill to view my new house today. I’d like to take you sometime.”

“I’d like that. I think my father is happier than he’s ever been.” Eddie picked up a porch pillow and ran her fingers over the piping. She couldn’t look at Dinah as she asked, “But what about you, Dinah? Do you really love my father?”

“Oh, yes. Please believe me.” Dinah smiled contentedly. “He makes me feel safe. He makes me feel beautiful, even without my makeup. I love him truly, Eddie.”

Before Eddie could respond, Dinah continued. “I know this is a huge change for you. I’m praying that you and I can still be friends.”

Eddie swallowed her pride. “But I won’t be your assistant anymore?”

“Oh, sweetheart, what a dear question. You are the best assistant I’ve ever had. I’ll never forget your enormous kindness in inviting me to live here when I was afraid of the stalker. I’d love to keep you on part-time, for social media. Bill will take over my calendar, bookkeeping, and tax files. He’s very capable with that sort of thing.”

“Heis?” Eddie asked. “That’s the most shocking thing I’ve heard today.”

“But what willyoudo, Eddie?”

Eddie felt herself blush. “Jeff and I will get married, but before then, Jeff and I must get his house ready for Bobby and me to move into. We’re hoping to do that soon. Elementary school starts September sixth. Jeff and I have been talking with the school and a lawyer who will help us through the complications of adopting Bobby. It’s going to be fairly streamlined since Dove has spoken to the lawyer and signed papers. Bobby seems happy to be with us. Jeff is working day and night to get his house in livable shape.”

“May I see the ring?” Dinah asked sweetly.

Eddie held out her hand.

“It’s beautiful.”

“We’ll have a wedding with all the trimmings, but we might need to get married in the courthouse first, so we can have Bobby live with us.”

A tower of Legos collapsed on the floor with a crackling sound.

Bobby looked up. “Auntie Eddie, I want to go swimming. Can we go to the beach now?”

“Sure, Bobby. Let’s go put our bathing suits on.” She knew Dinah wouldn’t want to join them, but Eddie asked, “Want to come with us, Dinah?”

“I’d love to,” she said. “Let me put on a swimsuit and find my sunblock.”

Eddie picked Bobby up and hugged him tight, kissing him all over until he giggled. She was so surprised and really thrilled that Dinah was going with them. She had to put her happiness somewhere, and as she held Dove’s little boy, Eddie thought maybe that was what children were for.

twenty-one

Barrett sat in her car, sobbing into a soggy Kleenex. This was the one place she could be alone. The one place she could keep other people out. All she had to do was lock the doors.

Paul rapped on the window. “Barrett. Let me in.”

He was the only person she wanted to be with, so she unlocked the door. Paul climbed into the passenger seat.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“No. I’m not okay at all. Dove is dying and Eddie is going to marry Jeff and they’re adopting Bobby and moving into the house Jeff built and Dinah is going to be Dad’s girlfriend and live in a big house on the cliff and I’m going to be left all alone with a dog and a horse.”

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