Page 85 of The Lighthouse at the Cove
She took a few more photos before they took their place in line. “Your dad was so sweet to keep the girls today so we could tour the gardens.”
“My dad loves to have the girls to himself. He likes to show them ‘boy things,’ as he says.” Becca made air quotes with her fingers.
“What are ‘boy things’?”
“Oh, you know,” Becca began, waving her arms around. “Taking them to car shows, showing how to use a screwdriver, stuff like that. I walked in on him once with the hood of the car open. He was showing them how to change their oil.”
Kaiah laughed. “It’s never too early, I guess. I’m definitely not good at keeping up with car maintenance. Maybe your dad can show me a thing or two.”
Becca laughed too. “I think my dad was hoping for a grandson, but he won’t admit it.” She faced the front of the line, and her smile flattened for a fraction of a second.
Kaiah held her breath. The journalist in her wanted to ask her what she was thinking about, but the friend in her wanted to respect her privacy. “My sister Kam just found out she’s expecting.”
“That’s awesome news.” Becca’s wide smile was back. “Her first?”
Kaiah nodded. “They’ve been trying for a while now. I’m so happy for her.”
“I love that for her.” Becca fiddled with the large diamond and gold band on her ring finger. “Brynn always said she wanted a dozen kids, but Reid said he’d only agree to a half dozen.”
“A half dozen, huh?”
Becca chuckled. “You don’t like kids?”
Kaiah held her hands up. “I didn’t say that. But as the middle of five, along with another four stepsiblings, I can assure you big families can be chaotic. And sometimes... sometimes kids get lost in the shuffle.”
“That makes sense.” Becca pulled out a tube of lip balm and smoothed it over her lips while the line inched up a few steps. “I’d just like a couple more.”
Kaiah felt a twinge in her chest for her friend. “Don’t give up hope.”
“I won’t.” She stuck the lip balm in her pocket. “I’ve gotten all kinds of advice.It happens when you least expect it, blah, blah, blah.” Her lips tipped downward. “I just hope ithappensat some point.”
Kaiah rubbed her shoulder.
“Now that I’ve brought the conversation down...” Becca gave her a somber smile. “What’s new with you?”
“Hayes texted me again.” Kaiah blurted the words out without thinking.
Becca’s dark eyes narrowed. “For real? What did he say this time?”
Kaiah grimaced and summarized the text messages. “He’s still trying to apologize, and he’s practically begging me to talk to him.”
Becca’s dark eyes scrutinized her. “Does he know your email address?”
“Of course.”
“I know you want him to reach you if he has a story lead or wants to return George. But what if you told him you’re blocking his texts? And he canonlyemail you?”
Kaiah released a long breath in defeat. “That’s a good idea.”
“Seriously, block the jerk. If he really needs to find you, he’ll email you. And if you see his emails show up in your inbox, you can scan the subject line and delete them if you need to.”
“Good point.”
They moved forward in line and purchased tickets for the garden tour, along with a map.
“I’m so thrilled with how this turned out.” Becca pointed to the map. “This is Mrs. Waterson’s garden.” She leaned toward Kaiah and lowered her voice. “She’s known for her roses. Personally, I think my mom’s roses are even more spectacular. But promise you won’t quote me on that.”
“I won’t.” Kaiah chuckled. “Let’s go through all the gardens, and I’ll take photos.”
