Page 37 of To the Moon and Back
After half an hour on his page, Ashley understood him a bit better. Brady seemed dedicated to his job but otherwise without anyone important in his life. Not even God. She sighed, closed out of Facebook and took her laptop into the house. She set it on the kitchen table and looked at the pantry. Time to get the sweet potatoes in the oven. She was doing that when the boys got home.
They left their muddy boots by the back door and came in like a rush of sunshine, talking all at once and laughing about something. As they entered the kitchen, Ashley saw they were all three drenched.
“Dad did it.” Cole shook his head. He was still laughing so hard he had tears in his eyes. “We were in the canoe, almost back to the shore.”
“And Dad sees an eagle.” Devin leaned against the counter, catching his breath. “You know how Dad always thinks he can talk to animals?”
“His talent works with Toby.” Ashley felt the afternoon get so much lighter. At the sound of his name, their one-year-old Labrador puppy came trotting into the kitchen. His paws were muddy, his coat as wet as the boys. Ashley took a step back and grinned at Landon. “So what happened?”
“I was calling the eagle.” Landon shrugged.
“You know, Mom. ‘Ca-CAW . . . ca-CAW!’ ” Devin slapped his knee. “Only Toby thought Dad was calling him.”
“So the eagle flies off and Toby jumps to that side of the canoe and—”
Cole made a splashing sound and threw his hands in the air. “The canoe flips and we’re all in the water. Just like that.”
“Don’t worry.” Devin grinned. “We all had life jackets. Dad said that part would make you happy.”
“So there we were. All your boys in the water.” Cole patted Landon on the back. “At least we were close to the shore.”
“Yes.” Landon raised his brow at Ashley. “Guilty as charged.” He winked at the boys. “I still say the eagle would’ve come closer if it wasn’t for Toby.”
“I wanna hear more about it. But maybe go shower up first.” Ashley laughed. “Another adventure for the books.”
“Definitely.” Landon leaned close enough to kiss her, all while keeping his distance so she didn’t get wet. “I’ll be back.”
After he left she stared for a minute at her computer. She needed to tell him about texting Brady and looking him up again. She really meant to. But there never seemed to be the right time. Besides, Landon would understand. Ashley was sure.
She stood and followed him to their bathroom. While he showered she did her hair and makeup.
Thirty minutes later she was ready for the show, sitting at the kitchen table when Landon returned. The kids were still upstairs and they had time before they needed to leave. Landon grinned at her. “You look gorgeous.” He walked over to her.
She stood. “You, too.” Ashley hesitated. Her nerves were struggling. Everything was so good about this day. Why ruin it by— Before she could finish the thought, he came to her and kissed her again. This time with his body against hers.
“Mmmm.” She loved moments like this. “I wish I could’ve seen the canoe flip.” A giggle crossed her lips. “You’re such a good dad, Landon.” She brushed her cheek against his. “Did you catch any fish?”
“Four.” He laughed. “Lost them all when the boat tipped.”
Ashley winced. “A memory for sure.” She put her hands on either side of his face. “At least we weren’t counting on fish for dinner.”
“Whatever’s cooking smells a whole lot better.” Landon put his hand gently against her cheek and searched her eyes. “What did you do? Besides miss us?” He pointed to her computer. “Email?”
“No.” She hesitated. “Right. I was just going to tell you.” Ashley took a step back and folded her arms. “I went to Brady Bradshaw’s Facebook page again. Just, you know, looking for clues.” She paused, gauging his reaction. “In case there was something more about Jenna.”
“Oh.” Landon’s smile fell. He blinked, his expression frozen for several seconds. Then he slid his hands in the pockets of his black jeans. “I guess I thought you were past that.” He leaned against the kitchen counter and searched her eyes.
“I was.” She looked at the floor and then at him. “I mean, I was before. But I just . . . What if I can help him?”
“And why is that your job?” His eyes clouded. “The guy’s a complete stranger, Ash.”
“I know, but . . .” Frustration colored her tone. “Someone has to help him. I keep thinking maybe God wants me to do this. Have you thought about that?”
“No.” Landon gave a single laugh. “God doesn’t ask married women to befriend single men.”
“I’m not befriending him.” She shook her head and dropped to the chair nearest her laptop. “I can’t believe you’re mad.”
His expression was a mix of hurt and anger. “So what’d you learn? That you didn’t learn last time.”
