Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95816 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95816 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Gracie laughed. “I’d better be. I look forward to meeting Ashley.”
“I think you’ll like her.”
“I’m sure I will.”
Katy took Kylie, cuddling her close. She nestled into Grams, happy and content. I finished my coffee and sat back, looking around the table. I loved having my girls around me. I wished Penny were there with us, that all my kids were, but still, I was pleased.
“You all set to retire, Dad?” Gracie asked.
“Yep. Two meetings while I’m here, and I’m done.”
“Except I heard Maddox say you’d still consult for BAM and ABC,” Gracie pointed out.
I waved my hand. “That’s family.”
“And Jenna told me you said you were available if she needed you,” Heather stated dryly.
I shrugged. “More family. I can’t leave her in the lurch.”
They all laughed, and I grinned at their teasing. “I’m cutting back as much as I can. Your mother will be grateful when Jenna calls.”
Katy stood, rocking a slumbering Kylie. “Amen to that,” she said with a wink. “Now come on, girls, fill me in on all the news and the wedding stuff.”
I watched fondly as they walked away. I knew they would settle on the deck and talk for hours, catching up. I stood and headed to the Hub. I knew the BAM men would be there. Katy would join us when she was done with our girls for the day.
4
RICHARD
I walked to the beach, enjoying the fresh air and breeze. Long, lazy waves lapped at the sand, the peacefulness of the area always pleasing. The endless scope of water and sky. It was hard to believe this little piece of paradise existed so close to the bustling metropolis of Toronto. I loved it here, and I had always enjoyed the chance to recharge my batteries when we came to stay. I knew Katy wanted to come more often to be with our girls, and I had no objections to that. I turned and looked at the houses that dotted the landscape. Each one contained people I thought of as family. Having grown up in a dysfunctional house where I was ignored and cast aside, this group of people meant the world to me. This blended found family was a huge part of our life, and they meant as much to Katy and my kids as they did to me.
I climbed the steps to the Hub, opening the door, grinning when I heard the voices of Bentley, Aiden, and Maddox. As I came around the corner, they looked up, smiling in welcome. After rounds of hugs and grabbing a beer from the fridge, I shrugged off my suit jacket and sat down with them, rolling up my sleeves.
“A little overdressed for the beach,” Maddox mused.
I chuckled. “Haven’t changed yet. I was going to take Katy out for dinner.”
“I think Emmy already called her about joining us tonight,” Bentley said.
“We’re eating here,” Aiden piped up. “I ordered in Chinese.”
“Mrs. Yeo’s?” I asked, my mouth already watering.
“As if we’d go anywhere else. The kids are joining us.”
I took a draw on my beer, hiding my smile. That was hardly news. Often it was a free-for-all when dinner was ordered in—especially when we arrived. It was a time to catch up, hear the news, reconnect.
“Awesome.”
“How’s retirement?” Bentley asked with a wry grin.
“About the same as it is for you,” I responded.
We all laughed.
“I have a couple meetings to handle for Jenna, and I’m done. Katy and I are going to relax, enjoy the summer, go see Penny, then make some travel plans.”
“Sounds good.”
Maddox grinned. “I think Dee and Katy were discussing a cruise in the winter.”
I nodded, heading to the kitchen to look for snacks. I found a bag of my preferred chips, and I brought them to the table after dumping them in a bowl. I munched on the crispy, salty snack.
“Whatever Katy wants. I’m good with it.”
“Do you think you’ll move here?” Aiden asked.
I took another handful of chips, chewing slowly. “I think we’ll divide our time. With Matthew still in BC, and Graham and Laura, I can’t see us leaving for good. We may sell the house and get a smaller place or a condo. We’re not rushing into anything. I just want to enjoy the free time and go where we want for a while.”
“Good plan.”
The door opened, and Reed strolled in, his father Van behind him. I stood and greeted them both, shaking Van’s hand and hugging Reed. He was casual, dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, his wide smile firmly in place. He sat beside me after grabbing a beer. He dug into the bowl of chips, crunching loudly.
“Everything good?” I asked.
His eyes crinkled as he nodded. “Yep. Heather has it all under control. I’m doing exactly what I’m told and staying out of the way.” He smirked. “I was shocked when she agreed to marry me, so I’m not taking any chances she’ll change her mind. Whatever she wants, she gets.”