Page 78 of Family Bonds: Alana & Brennan
“But I want a snack,” Becca said. “Before my nap.”
Which was another thing that pissed him off. Becca napped at one and would miss that now and be a bear later.
He understood the ferry schedule this time of year made it tight, not running as often. So Rene would have to be back on it by four or wait until six.
He would bet she’d be on it at four. At least that was his hope.
He looked at his watch. By the time they got home it’d be one, but they’d have to leave by one thirty to get to the docks.
“Why don’t we drop your stuff off at home and then we can go to the bakery and pick out a few cookies?” he asked.
Her eyes were wide in the rearview mirror, but it’d buy them time. Once he got the text Rene was on the way, he could explain more and they could head right to the docks.
“Yes,” Becca said, her feet kicking in the back.
The text came in when they were in line to pick out their cookies. His ex was on the way.
They got to the case, selected their cookies, sat in a booth and each had one.
“Your nap is going to be a little later today,” he said. “We have to pick someone up at the docks soon.”
“Who?” Becca asked. She had chocolate smeared in the corner of her lip.
“Your mother is coming over to visit. She’s got some Christmas gifts for you.”
He felt safe enough saying that since he’d seen the bag of them in the picture.
“Yay! I can’t wait to see her.”
He questioned whether Becca’s excitement stemmed from seeing her mother, the gifts, or simply another visitor.
“She’ll be happy to hear that,” he said.
“Did I get her a gift for Christmas?”
“We have something for her,” he said. He’d run out and gotten her a sweater this morning before he ran home to clean. His options were limited on the island and there was no way he was buying jewelry.
“What color is it?” Becca asked.
“Blue,” he said.
“Mom likes blue,” Becca said.
That was the color Becca always picked out for Rene. He wasn’t sure why but knew that it’d fit in this instance. This was more a bright cobalt blue and Rene did like bold colors.
He felt as if he was betraying Alana buying this when he hadn’t even gotten her a gift and told himself he’d take care of that this weekend.
They finished their cookies and made their way back to his vehicle, then drove to the docks, getting there in time to see it come to the port.
“Why don’t we get out and go wait for her so she can see you?”
“I want to wave as they come in.”
“You can do that,” he said, picking her up and carrying her. No need to worry about her running off or getting shuffled around in the crowd.
The wind was blowing, the chill more than he cared for having Becca outside, but she was bundled up with a hat on her head and mittens on her fingers.
As the boat docked, people began departing, with cars driving off to the side. His eyes were searching for his ex and he saw her.
