“Don’t need any more heartache and disruptions. I get it, Harry. I don’t want those things either. I’m willing to do everything to make us work, including dealing with this dog who is really taking advantage of you. Brutus! On your bed!”

The dog gave her a melancholy stare before reluctantly jumping down.

Harry laughed. “You look like a sprite but you’re remarkably tough, aren’t you?”

“I prefer ‘resilient.’ So how are we going to handle this with the kids? I mean, they see me as their friend not your lover. Remember how upset they got when we said we ran into each other in Bairnsdale? They might not be so thrilled that we’re dating.”

“They only got upset because they thought I’d gotten to spend time with you and they’d missed out.”

“But outings are different from everyday routine. I’m not fun Alice all the time.”

He stroked her hair. “We’ll take it slowly with them, but that said, they don’t get to call all the shots. We’ll work it out together. Meanwhile, lucky we both work flexible hours because, initially, school hours are about the only time we’re going to be alone.”

“Summer vacation starts in three days.”

He wrapped himself around her. “I told you my life was chaos. Are you still in?”

“I’m there with bells on.”

New Year’s Eve was in full swing on the waterfront and although it was still daylight, the carnival’s Ferris wheel was lit up as brightly as the massive Norfolk Pine the council decorated each year with Christmas lights. The scent of hot oil and sugar wafted in the air from barbecues, food trucks and the ubiquitous cotton candy machine. Locals and tourists mingled among the family-friendly festivities, enjoying the summer night.

Hunter bounced up and down in excitement. “How long to the fireworks, Dad?”

“About an hour. Let’s play some Finska to pass the time.”

Holly, who was sprawled on the picnic blanket and full of dinner, groaned. “Do we have to?”

“No, but don’t blame me if Hunter and I break your winning streak,” Harry teased.

Holly shot to her feet. “Bet you can’t.”

“You in, Alice?”

She inclined her head toward Libby. “I’ll be there in a bit.”

“Okay. See you soon.” Harry kissed her on the cheek.

“Dad!” Holly looked scandalized. “You’re too old to be kissing outside where people can see.”

Harry laughed and caught Holly around the waist before trying to plant a kiss on her cheek. She shrieked and squirmed away.

“They’re always kissing now,” Hunter said matter-of-factly to Karen. “I think it’s gross but Dad’s happy.”

Karen tried to keep a straight face. “Are you happy?”

“Yeah. Alice and Dad took us go-karting. And next week we’re going on one of Nick’s boats. Alice says she knows all the good fishing spots.”