Page 23 of Moonlight Feels Right
"It was great," Olivia answered for all of them.
Liam laughed. "Good to know. I might have to get some later." He paused. "By the way…I have a five- to seven-year-old body surfing class tomorrow morning at ten, if Olivia has any interest. Paige is bringing Henry. It will be gentle and fun, just to get the kids used to the water. Parents and guardians are welcome to participate as well."
He hadn't been thinking of himself as a parent or a guardian, more like a temporary babysitter.
"I want to do that," Olivia piped up. "I want to go in the ocean. I know how to swim, and I swam in the pool without my floaties this summer."
"That's good, but we have all the kids wear a life vest," Liam put in. "No pressure, but you're welcome to come."
"I don't know. I don't want to take any risks with someone else's kid," he said.
"Daddy would let me do it," Olivia said, giving him an irritated glare.
"Sorry, I should have asked you when you were on your own," Liam said, giving him an apologetic smile.
"I'll think about it," he said.
"Sounds good. See you later."
As Liam walked away, Olivia said, "I want to go surfing with Henry. He's my age. If he can do it, I can do it."
He looked to Emmalyn for guidance.
She shrugged. "It's your call, Hunter."
"What would you do?" he asked her.
"I honestly don't know. Maybe you can talk to her mother before then?"
"I've been trying all day to get a hold of her. I'll think about it, Liv," he added, seeing the stubborn glint in her eyes that once again reminded him of Gary. He didn't know what call Bree would make about this body surfing class, but he knew that Gary would have been the first to sign up with his daughter. He'd believed in trying new things and having adventures. He'd want the same for Olivia.
"I really want to go," Olivia whined.
"All right," he said, giving in, because he also didn't want to spend the night with an angry little girl. He would keep her safe. Everything would be okay.
"I didn't take you for a pushover," Emmalyn said with a smile as they stood up to leave.
"I weighed my options, and this seemed like the best one if I want to make it through tonight."
"You're probably right."
"What are we going to eat for dinner?" Olivia asked, moving on to the next subject. "Can we go out somewhere?"
"I can make us something at home," he said.
"Can you eat with us?" Olivia asked Emmalyn.
As she hesitated, he said, "You're welcome to join us. Even though I don't know what dinner looks like yet."
"I'm sorry, I can't."
He shouldn't have been surprised by her refusal. He'd been taking up a lot of her time, but he was disappointed by her answer, and so was Olivia.
"Are you sure you can't come?" Olivia asked her.
"I wish I could, but I have other plans tonight."
"It's fine," he reassured her. "Are you going out with your friends?"
