She thought they’d gotten to a better place, but then he’d received that call and she got scared that he’d dig up things better left buried.

“Watch out,” Sophia called, racing with Jack toward her as a big wave followed them in.

She picked up Nick just in time to save him from toppling over and spun him around as the water rose up to her thighs.

Jack and Sophia made it up the beach and out of the worst of it.

Sophia ran back to her as the water receded. “Nice save.”

“Thanks.” She smiled and laughed with Nick as he splashed her legs.

“You’re really pretty,” Sophia blurted out.

“Thank you, sweetheart. So are you.”

“I hate this suit.” The princess on the front was a bit juvenile for a ten-year-old. “Mom won’t let me get a two-piece. Not even one of the tank ones.”

“Yours seems to be getting tight on you. Next time your mom takes you shopping for one, if you can’t get what you want, look for a one-piece that is a solid color or a pattern. It will make you look your age. More sophisticated,” she added, earning a huge smile from Sophia.

“Thanks. Good to know.”

She was happy to help, but no way was she going to tell Bridget how to parent her child. Or suggest an appropriate two-piece wasn’t the end of the world to make Sophia feel like the young lady she was blossoming into.

“You’re way cooler than my mom.”

“Only because she’s your mom. Mom’s aren’t cool to their kids.”

“I think you’re cool,” Nick said, holding on to her leg as another wave washed in.

“Thank you, buddy.”

He smiled real big and hugged her close. “I’m glad you came and played instead of working.”

She bent and kissed him on the head. “Me, too, bud.”

“How come your dad didn’t stay?” Jack asked Sophia.

“My mom wouldn’t let him,” she said plainly. She looked up at Sarah. “They hate each other now.”

“I hope not.” She meant it. “They’re both hurt. I hope they find their way back to being friends.”

Sophia kicked at the wave that rolled in. “I don’t think that’s possible.”

Sarah hugged Sophia to her side. “Anything is possible if you try. Always remember that, sweetheart.”

“Will you try to get Luke to ask us to come over again?” Jack’s mind got stuck on one thing sometimes.

“If I talk to Luke again, yes, I’ll ask if you guys can go over and ride the horses. But I don’t know if I’ll see him again.” She hoped she would, but she couldn’t promise her boys anything because Luke’s silence and absence spoke volumes.

“Let’s have lunch,” Margaret called out to them.

The kids ran to get something to eat. Sarah took a minute and turned to the ocean. She let the breeze blow over her and took in the beautiful view, but all she saw in her mind’s eye was a gorgeous man who was always pulling her close and pushing her away at the same time and she got nowhere with him.