Page 12 of The Lighthouse at the Cove
But Brynn did have a thing for helping those in need,the voice whispered.
He couldn’t deny it. When Brynn was alive, she’d organized volunteer committees at their church to serve in the community. Each Thanksgiving she and Reid would hand out pieces of pumpkin pie at the Coral Cove soup kitchen. They’d helped out at shelters for the homeless and even built homes through Habitat for Humanity.
Reid smiled as he thought of his late wife. Then he sighed. His feelings were always so complicated when it came to starting a new chapter without Brynn. In many ways, she still felt so close to him, like she could walk through the front door at any moment. They’d never talked about what would happen if one of them lost the other so young. Imagining a life without each other seemed like a problem that was decades away. But Reid knew that Brynn wouldn’t have wanted him to be alone forever. After all, he’d want the same for her if the roles were reversed.
And for the first time since his wife had passed away, Reid was interested in someone. It had to mean something, right?
What would Brynn think of all this?he wondered.Honestly, she’d probably be happy you’re finally getting back out there after four years.
He could almost hear her say,It’s about time, Reid!
He shook his head. Maybe he was making too much out of this attraction. After all, Kaiah would be back on the road working on her story, and he’d never see her again. And that would be that.
Just chill, man. She’ll only be here for a few days. Just be kind and courteous to a stranger in need, and leave it at that.
After ordering a pepperoni pizza and garlic knots through A Slice of Heaven’s app, Reid moved to the doorway of Piper’s room and rested his shoulder on the doorframe. Kaiah sat on the corner of his daughter’s bed with a mermaid doll on her lap while Piper talked on and on about mermaids and swimming in the waves. Kaiah’s lovely face was fixated with a serious expression, her brows furrowed while she nodded along with Piper’s story. She appeared completely fascinated with his daughter. He tried to ignore the warmth blooming in his chest.
Then Kaiah turned and grinned at him.
He returned the smile before focusing on his daughter, who had stopped talking about mermaids and started showing Kaiah her best dance moves.
“Piper?” he asked.
His daughter stopped flailing about and spun to face him. “Yeah, Daddy?”
“The pizza will be here in thirty minutes.”
“Yay!” Piper whirled around again, her dark hair fanning around her.
“Need some help in the kitchen?” Kaiah offered. “I can set the table.”
“No, thanks,” he told her. “I got it handled. Paper plates are my friend.”
She grinned at him again, a twinkle in those bright, intelligent blue eyes that seemed to keep drawing him in.
“Miss Kaiah!” Piper rushed over with a book. “Have you ever readThe Mermaid Sisters?” She pushed the book into Kaiah’s hands.
“No, I haven’t.” Kaiah beamed at his daughter. “Should we read it together?”
“Yes, please!” Piper snuggled up next to Kaiah while the cat beside her began to quietly give herself a bath.
Before the scene warmed his soul too much, Reid backed out of the doorway and moved to the linen closet. He retrieved a set of sheets and a stack of towels, then set the pile on the end of the kitchen counter before grabbing the paper plates and setting the table for three.
He stood by the counter and peered at the table. Memories of the last time the table was set for three brought a familiar stitch in his chest.
His phone dinged with a text, and he peered down and grinned at his twin’s name on his screen.
Becca: Who’s the pretty blonde? Do you have something to tell me?
Reid shook his head. He should’ve known his sister would want all the details.
Reid: Damsel in distress. Needed a place to stay.
Becca: Um, tell me everything. NOW.
Reid: Can’t talk now. Piper invited her for supper, and pizza’s coming soon.
Becca: A pizza date? Hmm! I’ll let you off the hook for now, but I want details at supper tomorrow.
