Page 82 of The Shell Collector
“Don’t tell me your mom hasn’t taken you ghost-crab hunting.” Paul glanced at Amanda, a surprised look on his face.
“We don’t hunt.” Hailey’s lips pursed into a perfect tiny bow. “That’s just horrible. Look what happened to Bambi’s mom. I’ll never hunt. Animals are precious.”
He laughed out loud. “Oh my goodness. She really has thought this out.”
“She knows her mind.”
“Well, little miss, I don’t go hunting, either, but I think you would love ghost-crab hunting, because no crabs are hurt in the process. It’s an adventure.” He blew a flurry of bubbles, then pulled in Hailey and tickled her until her face went pink. “Everyone comes out alive.”
“Okay, stop before she spews.” Amanda waved her hands above her head. “Whoa, it’s bedtime for you and Jesse. Get those teeth brushed and get in your jammies.”
“Mom?” Hailey had her puppy-dog eyes working overtime.
“Yes. You have to. There’s always tomorrow. I’ll be in there in a minute.” Amanda watched them leave, then turned to Paul.
He rubbed his hands together. “What a day! Thanks for letting me be part of it.”
“Are you kidding? You made it. Thank you for spending your time with us.”
“Could I come over one night next week and take them ghost crabbing?”
“It’s an actual thing?”
“Oh yeah. It’s fun. I’ll bring the headlamps, buckets, net, and shovels.”
“That’s quite an inventory. This sounds like an archaeological dig.”
“Nah. Way easier than that. It’ll be a blast.”
“You’re on.” She motioned toward the back door. “Want to help me tuck them in?”
His eyes lit up. “I’d love to.” He reached for her hand.
She peered at it with hesitation but placed hers in his. “Okay.” They walked inside together. There was an awkward do-si-do of sorts at the door, but she let him hold it for her and he followed her back to Jesse’s room.
“You two share bunk beds?” Paul walked over and pinched Hailey’s nose. “I loved the top bunk when I was growing up.”
“I have my own room,” Hailey said. “I just like being in here with Jesse. He needs me.”
“You are a very good sister.”
“I know. We can say our prayers without help.”
He nodded, crossing his arms in front of him. “Okay, let’s do this.”
Hailey started and Jesse stayed about a word behind her the whole time. “Now my lay me…”
Amanda had never had the heart to correct them. Hailey had always said it that way, and when Jesse learned it from her, it was too sweet to fix. Someday she’d tell them, when they had their own kids. Or maybe not.
“Sleep tight,” Paul said while backing out of the room. Amanda walked over and kissed each of them on the forehead. “I love you both so much. Happy dreams.”
She closed the door behind them.
“I will get out of your hair,” Paul whispered over his shoulder as he moved down the hallway. “Thanks again.”
“Anytime, Paul.” She followed him to the front door so she could lock up once he left.
When they got there, he turned and dropped a kiss right in the part of her hair, then squeezed her shoulders. He pushed the door open and jogged off.
