Driftwood Lane (Nantucket #4)(44)

“Wow, that’s a lot of ice cream, kids,” Dawn said. “Sure you can handle it?”

“I got my cast off today,” Ben said.

“We’re celebrating,” Jake added.

Dawn’s eyes lingered on Jake longer than necessary and said clear as a bell she’d like one private celebration to go, please.

“Well,” Dawn finally said, “seeing as how your arm is newly healed, how about coming back to the kitchen and scooping your own ice cream?” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “I might even let you have an extra scoop.”

“Sweet!” Ben said.

“Can I come?” Max asked.

“Me too?” Noelle asked.

Dawn tucked her order pad into her back pocket, though Meridith wasn’t sure how she squeezed it in. “Aw, sure, why not?”

Because it was a health code violation?

The children bounced from the booth and trailed behind Dawn, leaving Meridith fully aware that she and Jake were alone. Painfully so. Not even a water to sip.

She tucked her hands in her lap and twisted the engagement ring around her finger. Pretended to be fascinated by the restaurant’s décor. Green vinyl booths. Framed Nantucket photos. Nautical artifacts. Lantern-style hanging lights. Behind her, someone’s silverware clattered to the tile floor.

She focused on her breathing. Three seconds in—the smell of fried onions and savory seafood—three seconds out.

“How are the kids doing?”

There was that confrontational tone again. What was up with him?

“They’re fine. You see them yourself. It’ll take time—grief is a process—but we’re managing.”

“How’s your fiancé feel about taking on three kids?”

None of your business was on the tip of her tongue, but she wasn’t making Ben’s celebration more tense than it already was. Besides, maybe if she made casual conversation, he’d drop his attitude.

“I haven’t exactly told him yet.” She flickered a look at his face, but he gave nothing away.

“Really.”

“You know, I just felt maybe I could ease into it.”

“Don’t think you can ease into parenting three kids. What did he think you came for, if not to take guardianship?” Jake spun the saltshaker in circles on the wood table.

“I came because there was no one else. I wasn’t planning to assume guardianship initially.”

The saltshaker stopped. “What do you mean?”

He’d lost the attitude. Those eyes bore straight into hers. The light overhead cast a warm glow on his face.

“They may be my siblings, but I’d never met them, and I knew they had an uncle they were close to. I only planned to stay until he returned.” She could hardly believe she’d been there almost six weeks. So much had changed.

“What happened?”

She shrugged. “He never returned, never so much as called. And the more I heard about him, the more I realized he wasn’t suitable. I mean, his own sister has been dead for almost two months, and he hasn’t a clue.”

Jake looked away. His jaw hardened, and a shadow danced in the hollow of his cheek. She felt spurred on by his reaction.

“The children could’ve used some familiarity, you know? Someone who knew and loved their parents. Clearly, he’s self-absorbed and irresponsible. I can’t leave the children with someone like that.”

She felt better just saying it. Better than when she’d told Stephen, who only seemed interested in the bottom line: when was she coming home?

“So you”—he cleared his throat—“initially planned to give him guardianship, then changed your mind when he didn’t show.”

“Well, that’s part of it. I don’t think he’s suited for the responsibility of three young children. He goes gallivanting over the states all summer, and what kind of life would that be for the children?”

“Maybe he’d settle down.”

“Eva and my father apparently didn’t think so. Besides, he hasn’t even called in two months. Why would I think he’d make a huge lifestyle change?” She twisted the diamond upright and folded her hands on the table. “Anyway, I’ve grown fond of the kids. It won’t be easy, but I’m not putting these kids through—”

“Putting them through . . .”

She’d almost gone too far, said too much. He wasn’t Stephen, she couldn’t confide in him, trust her wounds to him.

“They deserve a safe and settled childhood. Every child deserves that, and I’m more than capable of providing it.” Confident words from someone who’d often felt like she was crumbling these past weeks.

“What about your fiancé?”

The children were rounding the corner carrying their sundae dishes, mounded high with whipped cream.

“Stephen will come around.” Even as she said the words, she whispered a prayer that it was true.

Jake put the ball up and watched it swoosh through the net. Around him, the night was dark, but fortunately Wyatt had left the porch light on when he and Willow left.

Jake dribbled the ball around the court, faking to the left, then put up another shot. The ball bounced to the ground as Wyatt’s Dodge Caliber pulled into the drive. Jake moved aside as the garage door lifted and waved at his friends as they passed. Willow stepped from the car, stunning in a blue dress. “Hey, Jake, how are you?”