Page 14 of Santa Crush
Her words could be true except Asha didn't know and if he were honest, he'd admit probably unlikely where his mother was concerned.He'd never been neglected or anything, but his mother hadn't been demonstrative—verbally or physically—when he was growing up.She took care of him but didn'tcarefor him on more than a basic level."I'd like to believe that."
"You don't sound like you do."
Looking at Sarah again, he gave her a smile."My mother wasn't overly motherly, if that's even a word.By the time I was married I barely saw her more than a handful of times a year.If I'm ever lucky enough to have my own children, I'm going to be so in their lives they'll be telling me to go away."
"Ha!My parents, hell my whole family is like that, and while I don't visit them often, I talk to at least one of them every day.Even on this trip I've had numerous texts coming in.I told them I wouldn't have cell service and not to bother but they do it anyway.And as annoying as it can be I'd never tell them to stop."
"You're lucky."
"I am.You can share them."She grinned at him."I'll give mom you cell number."
He laughed."You do that and I'll make sure to keep them up to date on what you're doing."
"Oh, don't worry, they know."She rolled her eyes.
"Why did you move so far away from them?"he asked.
"I needed a change, but I loved my job so tried to find a similar one as close as I could to home.And now Winter Lake is home too, if that makes sense."
"It does.So, you don't see yourself moving back near them?"He had no intention of leaving Winter Lake and hoped she'd be happy to stay."If you get married and have a family I mean?"
"No.I like our town.It's the perfect place to raise a family."Sarah pinned him with her gaze."What about you?Do you want a family?"
"I did.Do.Although I figured after my divorce it was unlikely."
"Why?You're not too old."
"No, I don't think I am, but up until now I haven't found someone I’ve wanted to get serious with, never mind have children with."
"Oh."
Was that disappointment he could hear.Before he could investigate further there was a knock on the cabin door."That'll be dinner.Stay here, I'll grab it and bring it out."
He needed a minute to catch his breath.He'd known Sarah was young, would more than likely want marriage and children, and after their conversation he'd discovered another reason for his reluctance to pursue her.
He'd given up on having a family after his divorce and he was ashamed to admit he'd somehow twisted that to be hedidn'twant one.
Except he did.
He wanted a family.
And he wanted it with Sarah.
10
"Oh, god.Every muscle hurts.Even my hair hurts," Sarah whined as she slowly lowered herself to their bed.
They'd just returned from their latest shore excursion.This one at Amber Cove.As fun as the Adrenaline Zipline and Horseback Riding tour was it had been far more physically taxing than she'd expected.
Asha laughed."It can't be that bad."
"Says you, Mr.Fit-beyond-words."
"C'mon, it's not like I ride horses regularly.Or at all."
Sarah glared at him."Then why aren't you crying in pain?"
Shrugging, he said, "No idea.A hot shower should help.And maybe a soak in a hot tub.Want to jump in and wash off then get our suits on and go find a tub to spend an hour in."
