Make a Wish (Spark House #3)(13)

“She has an easy personality. She was only ever fussy when she was uncomfortable.” My mind goes back to that night all those years ago. She’d had such a hard time sleeping, and Gavin had been so under-rested. And emotional. For months, I replayed that one night over in my head, experienced the mortification time and time again, felt buried in the embarrassment and guilt of it all. If I hadn’t gone into the kitchen, would everything have been different? Would they have stayed? Was it better that they left?

“The sleepless nights when she was teething were always the hardest.”

“Thankfully that stage doesn’t last too long.” My voice is pitchy again. While I might want closure, I don’t want to relive that night more than I already have. I’ve done that enough on my own.

He’s quiet for a few seconds before he murmurs, “That’s true. While you’re in it, it seems as though it’s never going to end.”

“And now here she is, almost ten. She’s just so grown-up. Before you know it, you’re going to have a teenager.” I give him a playful elbow in the side, hoping to lighten the mood and adjust course.

His eyes widen in mock horror. “Do not use the dreaded t-word. She’s already asking about a cell phone. She’s not even ten. Why don’t they come with a manual?”

“Eh, the manual would be useless anyway, since none of them are the same model or make.”

“So true.” He nods, then gives me a sidelong glance. “You look the same but different.”

“I didn’t get any taller. I still barely make the height requirements at most amusement parks. Not that it matters, since I’m forever a Tea Cups over roller coaster girl.”

He chuckles. “You were always so easy to be around. That hasn’t changed.”

“Thanks.” I refocus on the play structure. “How are you both adjusting to the move? Are you happy to be back?”

“I think we’re doing okay, so far. Lynn and Ian are close by, which is good for both of us. It’s nice to be in the same city with them again, and Peyton will be going to the same school as Claire, so she has a friend, which is good. They’re very different kids, though. Claire is sporty and Peyton is artsy.”

“She mentioned that, about her and Claire being different.”

“She did?” He’s suddenly alert.

“More as an observation than anything else. It’s good that she’s so self-aware. And school will make a big difference.”

“Mmm.” He nods his agreement. “It made sense to move in the summer, but it’s a challenge to keep her occupied until school starts.”

“Do you mind me asking why you moved back?”

He rubs the back of his neck. “A bunch of reasons, but my dad wants to retire, and Ian has been running the Colorado Springs branch of Greenscapes since I moved. It’s a bigger outfit now than when I relocated to help open the branch in Boulder. Dad needs me to come back and take over the architectural side of things, so Ian can manage the crews full-time.”

“Is that good for you? Were you happy in Boulder?” This is good, I can make polite conversation without things getting overly awkward.

“Workwise, sure. I love the job, and I could have stayed there, but I love working with my dad too.”

I give him a quizzical look. “Am I reading into things if I say it sounds like there’s a big old but in there?”

He smiles somewhat sheepishly. “Not really a but, more that I needed a change and a bit of space. I’m grateful for everything my in-laws have done for me and Peyton, but with Peyton getting older and my dad retiring, it made sense to move back. My mom is retiring as well, so they can both help after school when it’s needed, and her new school has great extracurricular programs. Peyton is excited about joining their theater group, and those often run several days a week, so I won’t have to put all the after-school care on my parents. And because I’m still working with my family, I’ll maintain flexible hours.”

“That’s great.” Gavin was always very dedicated to his job and helping grow the family business, and clearly nothing has changed in that department. “That must mean Greenscapes is doing well.”

“It’s grown a lot in the years since I moved to Boulder.” He folds his hands on the table. “Speaking of family businesses, tell me about Spark House. I did a little internet creeping, and it looks like it’s doing amazing. Are you working there full-time now? Are birthday parties your gig? When did you start doing that?” He holds up a hand. “Sorry. That was a lot of rapid-fire questions.”

I chuckle and relax in my seat. I’d forgotten how easy Gavin is to talk to, although it’s been years since we spoke. Some nights after Peyton went to sleep, we’d hang out in the kitchen, make a snack, and talk about life. Spark House was always a frequent topic since both of my sisters had already started working there. “It’s okay. Lot of changes, right? So, yes, I am working at Spark House full-time, and I started about six months after you moved. My gran wanted to retire, and I was in between jobs, so I joined my sisters, and I’ve been there ever since. And the birthday parties are part of my gig. Well, were, we had to cut them, but there’s always room for exceptions.”

“That’s too bad about having to cut them. You’re so great with kids, and it’s such a natural fit for you. Or it seems to be.”