Page 12 of Honeymoon for Seven

“It hit the whole family hard. Even though it feels like everyone has adjusted and moved along, whenever I see Monica practically strangling the stuffed bunny in her arms, I know things still aren’t quite right.”

“I don’t think I follow. What’s wrong with having a favorite stuffed toy?”

“Absolutely nothing. That toy in particular was the last gift Chuck gave Monica. Sometimes she hangs on to the thing as if it could bring her father home again.”

“Oh, that is sad. Though I suspect it also gives her great comfort.”

“I’m sure it does, but what do I know. I’m not a child psychologist, just an uncle.”

“An uncle who cares.”

“That I do.” He nodded slowly, then heaving a soft sigh, leveled his gaze with hers. “Tell me more about your family.”

Where to start explaining her big, crazy, Italian family? “In my house, if you forget someone’s name, just call out Toni. Whether it’s an Antonia, or Antoinette, or Antonio, they’ll all answer to Toni.”

That made him chuckle. “You don’t roast goats in the front yard, do you?”

His reference toMy Big Fat Greek Weddinghad her chuckling again. Smiling and laughing was so easy around him. “No goats. No front yards. Plenty of back yards and lots and lots of pasta.”

“I like pasta.”

So did she, and unfortunately, so did her hips.

“There’s still time till Phoebe wakes up. What do you say we hit the concierge again? See if there’s more news.”

“I suppose we could try.”

His mouth suddenly dropped open and he shook his head. “I’m sorry. You’ve been so helpful, I forgot you might actually like to do something fun on your vacation.”

“Oh, no. I mean, well, yes, that is, I’m glad to help out. I just don’t think there’s going to be much new information yet.”

“Then I’d better get back and check on Mom and Phoebe.”

“Yes.” What she didn’t know was if she was included in his plans or not. She was still considering what she should do next as they made their way down the stairs rather than wait for the elevator. If only he’d take hold of her hand again. She’d gladly follow him anywhere for the rest of the cruise.

How thoughtless of Nick to assume that Ginnie would want to continue spending time helping him corral his family and care for his mother. Having her at his side most of the morning had seemed so natural that he’d actually forgotten, they were practically strangers. Even though he barely knew her, somehow being around her felt more normal than being on a ship with his sister and her family. None of the usual awkwardness that creeps up when meeting someone new made an appearance. When he’d grabbed her hand earlier to beat the crowds to lunch, not till they’d reached the top of the stairs had he noticed he was still holding on to her. Letting go had taken way more effort than it probably should have.

On top of that, he had to fight the urge to reach out and cover her hand resting on the table. Now that they were out the door and on their way downstairs, he opted to put his hands in his pockets rather than snatch hold of hers again. She hadn’t shown any objection the first time, but why push his luck.

Once they reached the correct deck, two of the cruise staff were parked in front of the main entrance to one of the many ship lounges. The female shifted to one side and holding on to a card, stopped in front of Ginnie while her male counterpart did the same to him.

“Here to play Bingo?” the young woman asked with a smile way bigger than it should have been for accosting strangers passing by.

“We’re on our way to the front desk for any updates on the weather and the passengers left behind,” Ginnie spoke up.

The young man shook his head. “There’s nothing new. The passengers are being accommodated on the island and the weather is still with us.”

Not what he’d wanted to hear. At least not the weather part, but he would have loved to have more specific information on his sister and her new husband.

“We’re giving one free Bingo card to get you started.” The young woman was still grinning.

“It’s good for three games,” the young man added. “And there are lots of fun prizes.”

“Yes.” Somehow the woman’s smile grew larger. “There’s a dinner at a specialty restaurant, several hundred dollar jackpots, and a day at the spa.”

“Spa?” For the first time since they hit the landing, Ginnie looked interested.

Since he wasn’t going to get any more info from the cruise line, his niece still had another hour or so to nap, and he didn’t want to say goodbye to Ginnie, he looked at her and shrugged. “Want to give it a whirl?”

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