Page 4 of To the Moon and Back
“Agreed.” Kari stared toward the water. “Even when it seems they’re growing up right before our eyes.”
Ashley appreciated the time with Kari. Sure they saw each other at family dinners and holidays, at Clear Creek Community Church each Sunday and on the occasional day at the nail salon. But there was something very special about having a week together.
Kari stretched her legs. “I wish the others could’ve come. I really thought Brooke might.”
“It should be a law—all spring breaks must be on the same week.” Ashley uttered a light laugh. “I guess that’s not very likely.”
Kari shaded her eyes and nodded toward the kids. “They love playing together.”
“If they don’t kill themselves!” Ashley laughed. Devin and RJ were running up and down the shore, trying to push each other into the water. Just at that moment they both wound up in the lake, splashing and dunking each other. Ashley sighed. “At least it’s all in fun.”
Kari laughed. “Boys.” They were quiet for a moment. “What’s the story with the new movie for Dayne?”
The setting sun was warm against Ashley’s shoulders. Perfect after the chilly start to spring. She filled her lungs with the fresh lakeside air. “Dayne said he’ll produce it, and he and Katy will star in it.”
“Really?” Kari looked surprised. “They haven’t done that in years.”
“They miss it.” Ashley smiled at her sister. “They think this one will be big. Not just at the box office. Dayne said the message is just what our country needs. It’s called Shades of Blue. About healing after abortion.”
“Wow.” Kari faced the water again. “Powerful. I’m glad they’re working together.”
Ashley was happy for Dayne and Katy, too. “I only hope they don’t stay in L.A. too long. Their kids love Indiana.”
“True. They’re crazy about their cousins.” Kari grinned.
Ashley stood and stretched. “Come on. Let’s join the kids.”
“I was just thinking that.” Kari smiled.
The sand felt warm on Ashley’s toes. Everything about Table Rock Lake reminded her of Lake Monroe back home and the dozens of beautiful times their family had shared there. She glanced at Kari. “One of these days we’ll get all five of us and our families together for a family vacation. Somewhere at the beach. Florida, maybe.” She paused. “Even if we need to plan it a year in advance.”
“I agree.” Kari smiled. They were almost to the shoreline. “Can you imagine? So fun!”
Cole was the first to run to them, a football in his hands. “I’m next on the Jet Skis. Jessie, too.” He tossed the ball to Ashley. “You and Aunt Kari should play catch.”
Kari laughed. “Last time I caught a football I jammed my finger.” She shook her head. “It’s Frisbee for me.”
Devin must’ve heard the conversation. He was Cole’s Mini-Me, an almost exact, younger, blond replica of his older brother. His eyes lit up. “I’ll play with you, Mom!”
Ashley wasn’t very good at throwing a ball, but for Devin she would try. They found a spot a few yards from the others and Ashley gave it her best effort.
“Mom!” Devin snagged the ball from the air. “Look how good you are! You’ve been practicing!”
Everyone laughed, and Jessie and Annie high-fived. “Yay for Aunt Ashley!” Jessie jumped around, her hands in the air. “You should play for the Colts!” She skipped closer and fist-bumped Ashley. “I’ll be the cheerleader!”
This was what Ashley loved about vacations together. No clocks. No reason to leave the beach. Just fun and family and laughter. And on this occasion, even a little football.
Ryan and Landon pulled up on the Jet Skis and turned the machines over to Cole and Jessie. Landon came up the beach and watched Ashley. The sun glistened on his bare arms as he brushed the water from his shorts.
Ashley could feel his admiration without looking at him. She caught the ball, repositioned her fingers on the laces and threw it back to Devin.
“See, Dad?” Devin grinned. “Mom’s crazy good at this!”
Landon closed the gap between them and kissed her cheek. He winked at Devin. “I taught her everything I know.”
Amy was building a sand castle with RJ. She yelled out her approval, too. “You taught her good, Uncle Landon! Just watch her!”
Ashley held on to the moment. The sun almost to the horizon, the sky still warm and clear and blue. Diamonds of light dancing on the lake and her family gathered around her. Everyone whole and healthy and happy.
