The Friendship List(113)

Ellen laughed. “It does and that makes me happy.”

The April weather was perfect in Maui—warm and clear with a light breeze. The rental property where they were spending their vacation had cost the earth, but it had been worth it. Not only so she and Unity could celebrate their birthdays together, but so both families could spend a wonderful week hanging out.

Unity and Thaddeus were in the main house with all the kids and Dagmar. Ellen and Keith were in the smaller bungalow, and enjoying every moment of what felt like a second honeymoon.

Cooper had gotten time off from work—he’d graduated with a degree in chemical engineering the previous year and was working with a biofuel company down in Houston. Lissa was wrapping up the final year of college and would be graduating with her nursing degree. After community college, she’d transferred to the University of Washington, so had moved to Seattle, but she came home at least a couple of times a month.

“Mommy, Mommy, I want to go in the pool.” Four-year-old Alana ran toward Unity and held out her arms to be picked up. “Daddy said to ask you if that was okay.”

Alana, already a beauty, dimpled as she spoke. “I knew you’d say yes.”

Unity swept up her daughter and held her close. “Did you?”

“Uh-huh. I’ll wear my water wings and everything.”

Unity laughed. “Then it must be all right.”

Thaddeus walked toward them, two-year-old Jason resting on one hip. “This one wants to go swimming, as well. You up for a little water sport?”

“My children are turning into fish,” Unity said with a smile. She looked at Ellen. “Sorry. Our girl time is going to have to wait.”

“I’m thinking we should let the girl time go until we’re back home,” she teased.

“Do you mind?”

“Of course not.” Ellen touched Alana’s cheek. “How about if I join you in the pool?”

“That would be the best!”

“I think so, too.”

They walked toward the large backyard with the huge pool and hot tub and a view of the ocean.

Dagmar lay in the shade, Lissa in the chaise next to her. Coop and Keith were playing water basketball, but put the ball away when they saw the younger kids. Coop scooped Alana up in his arms.

“How’s my best girl?”

Alana dimpled. “I’m coming into the water. Mommy said.”

“Are you? That’s great. Let’s go find your water wings.”

Her big, strong son handled the little girl expertly. He surprised everyone with his skill with both kids. One day, when he stopped playing the field and got serious about someone, he was going to make a great husband and father.

Keith pushed himself onto the edge of the pool, then stood. “You going to join us?” he asked her.

“Sure. I just need to put on my suit.”

He grabbed a towel from the stack by the chairs and fell into step. “Need any help?” he asked, his voice low and teasing.

She laughed. “I think I might.”

Interest brightened his dark eyes. He moved close, put his hand on the small of her back and guided her toward their bungalow. Ellen glanced over her shoulder and saw Unity’s knowing smile. Ellen grinned in return. Just the previous afternoon, she and Keith had watched the little ones for a couple of hours while Unity and Thaddeus had shared some “adult time.”

This, she thought happily as they stepped into the bungalow. This life, this love, was something of a miracle and she was both grateful and happy for all that she had. Her friends, her family and, most important, the man who loved her for who she was.

Keith closed the door behind them, then pulled her close. She went into his embrace and knew this was exactly where she belonged...for always.