Page 110 of Almost Always

The women had gone back into the house, after loud announcements about refilling the jugs of booze they’d made earlier. He knew better, as did his new friends, because all of them wentuh huhbefore cracking up as the ladies vanished out of sight. Cal was in the shallow end of the pool with Lachlan, who was attempting to teach him how to do a handstand. Jackson, Milo and Gavin were in large inflatable animals, either asleep or drifting into the land of nod. Oakley was sitting at one end with his feet in the water, while he doodled in his notebook, something he’d been doing quite often that trip.

Smiling at how content everyone looked, including his son, Rafferty hoisted himself out of the pool and grabbed a towel. He could hear muffled conversation as he headed to the kitchen door and paused when he realized they were talking about him. Well, the women were interrogating Daisy about him.

“How’s the sex?” someone asked, making everyone else gasp.

He took that as his cue and stepped inside. “It’s fantastic, thanks for asking,” he said, drying his hair before draping the towel around his neck. They spun to face him and he saw Daisy’s cheeks turn pink as he smirked. “Wanna go for that walk, sweetheart?”

“Yeah. I’ll get my hat and cover-up and meet you out back.” She walked over with a silly smile and kissed him before going to get her things.

Turning to her friends, he smiled. “Thanks for inviting us this weekend. Cal’s never had aunts or uncles and he’s loving the attention.”

Frankie laughed, waving him off. “You’re Daisy’s family, that makes you part of ours too. And we’re glad you two could make it, everything feels complete now.”

Family. He’d grown up with the best family in the world, so he wasn’t lacking that. But to be Daisy’s family and to be so easily welcomed into this one? He was speechless, but he offered them quick nods of appreciation and walked out. With his heart and soul full, he picked his shirt off the lounger and put his cap on as Daisy joined him holding her large sunhat.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, noticing the wetness on her cheeks.

“They called you my family.” The words came out softly.

“That’s what we are, Hero. You, me and Cal, we’re a family.”

She nodded and he drew her towards him. “It felt so good hearing someone else say it.”

His lips brushed against her forehead. “It did feel good. I’m so grateful that your friends are incredible and caring.”

“They’re the best.”

After a quick press of lips, he took her hand and started around the pool. Now, Cal was on Oakley’s shoulders while the other men looked like they were defending the net. His son was laughing loudly, the joy on his face so beautiful that it took his breath away. He threw the ball and it hit the back of the net before falling into the water. The guys groaned and cheered as Cal turned to them with a wide grin.

“I’m winning! Did you see that goal, ma—Daisy?”

He felt her tense beside him before she nodded, pride replacing shock on her face. “I did and you’re so good.”

Oblivious to what his slip-up did to her, Cal returned to the game as the ball landed in his hands.

“I got you,” Rafferty whispered, rubbing her back. “Just breathe.”

She nodded, leaning into him as her breath came in slow bursts before she finally relaxed. “I’m okay.”

“We’ll talk to him tonight, if you want.”

“It was a slip and it’s fine.” She shook it off and frowned when he didn’t budge. “You’d be okay with him calling me that?”

“Yes,” he said simply.

“Raff.”

“You love him like he’s your own, darlin’. He loves you the same. You and me, we’re in this, yeah?” At her nod, he grinned and tapped the tip of her nose. “Then so is he. Cal and I are yours, just like you are ours.”

“Yours,” she whispered.

“Yours,” he echoed.

While their friends continued to play with his son and make tons of noise, the two of them walked along the beach. That morning, Daisy had suggested they escape for a stroll before the fireworks and he had no reason to refuse her. It felt good, the two of them enjoying a quiet moment as they listened to the waves crashing against the beach and their toes sank into the sand.

He could tell that she was distracted by the way she chewed on her lip and frowned as she kept looking out at the water.

“What’s on your mind, Daze?”

---