Page 99 of Moonstruck Kiss

“Okay.”

It doesn’t take long before several Mooners come to help. It’s what’s good about this town. We always have each other’s backs. Emory has even sent some breakfast for everyone, apologising she can’t help because of work.

Before long, the barn is spick and span, and the room dividers are in place. I put my paintings up again, grateful to Brax for protecting them from the storm.

He should be coming today with Ollie’s artwork. I’ll speak to him then.

My heart skips. I have to admit I’m looking forward to it.

Soon enough, I see the Quinns’ car arriving. I quickly tap the camera app on my phone and put it on selfie mode, ensuring I look presentable.

“Joey!” Ollie calls, running to me.

I open my arms to him and my heart melts when he jumps into them. I hug him tight. “I missed you! How are you this morning?”

“Good. Grandpa and I are gonna hang my paintings.”

“Oh. Where’s your dad?” I look up to see Evan smiling at us.

“He left Moonstruck Cove,” Ollie says with a pout. “He has work to do.”

I send Evan a questioning look.

“Yes, he has to attend to some work,” he answers, his eyes sad. “He’ll be back to pick up Ollie.”

My chest compresses. That means they’ll be heading back home to Manhattan shortly after he comes back.

He’s probably done trying to find proof of his innocence. Maybe his heroic efforts to save my paintings were his way of assuaging some of his guilt.

I guess he never really wanted a future with me.

Chapter

Twenty

BRAX

I makea beeline for the lodge’s swimming pool after leaving my carry-on luggage at reception. At this time of the morning, Ollie is most likely having his swimming lessons or pottering in the garden with his grandparents.

I hadn’t warned them I was coming back. I was too nervous to tell them of my decision, so I decided to wait until I got here to start the conversation.

“Good job, Ollie!” I hear my dad say as I approach the pool. “That was longer than last time.”

“And faster, too,” Mum adds.

“Proud of you, bud!” I call out, grinning.

Ollie’s eyes widen. “Dad!” He swims the short distance to the stairs.

I’m by the pool deck when he comes out and I lift him up in my arms, not caring that he’s dripping wet. “I missed you so much,” I say as I hold him tight.

It’s only been five days since I left, but it felt like an eternity being away from my four-year-old. I can no longer imagine my life without him in it. And all I want is to give him the best life I could possibly give him.

“I missed you, too, Dad.”

“You happy I’m back?”

He nods enthusiastically.

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