He laughs and kisses my head again.
“You delight me every day, love.”
“I’m so happy I delight you. I’d rather delight you without gators nearby.”
“You like it,” Sam says smugly. “You just can’t admit it because you’re a girl.”
“You got me,” I say and kiss his cheek. He sticks his tongue out like it’s gross, but then he smiles.
“Thanks for bringing me.”
“You’re welcome.”
***
“I didn’t realize we’d get back so late,” Simon says quietly as we pull into the inn. Sam fell asleep long ago in the backseat.
“Ours was the last tour of the day. But I agree, I didn’t realize how long they ran.”
Longer than I would have liked.
“Your face got a little red in the sun.”
I grin over at him. “So did yours.”
“Next time, we take sunscreen. Sam didn’t get red at all.”
“He lives in the sun,” I reply and look at the sweet boy in the rear view mirror. “And I don’t think there will be a next time. I’ve seen all the gators I need to for my lifetime.”
“You were a good sport,” Simon says and cups my cheek in his palm.
“Are you sure you washed your hands?”
“Twice.” He glances up. “Looks like Rhys is home.”
I smile as I park and climb out of the car, caught up in a bear hug from my brother in law. “It’s about time you came home.”
“I’m a working man, you know.” He kisses my cheek and sets me on my feet, his face sobering as Simon rounds the car to shake his hand. “You must be Simon.”
“I am. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. O’Shaughnessy.”
“You can call me Rhys,” he says and glances down at me. “Are you happy?”
I tilt my head, not used to the overprotective brother routine from Rhys and grin. “You’re sweet, sugar.”
“That doesn’t answer my question.”
“I’m always happy.”
“Hmm.” He nods once and looks in the backseat of the car. “I hate to wake him, but I’m dying to see him.”
“He’ll be upset if you don’t wake him,” Gabby says from behind him. “Thanks for taking him. Was he good?”
Before I can say anything, Simon steps forward. “Sam is a joy, Gabby. He’s a sweet boy, and he loves his Aunt Charly. You’ve done a wonderful job with him.”
Gabby’s face softens as she watches her husband wake her son. “Thank you. He is a sweetheart.”
“Daddy!” Sam exclaims when he opens his eyes and sees Rhys leaning over him. “You’re home!” He wraps his arms around Rhys’s neck tightly and looks at his mother over Rhys’s shoulder. “You didn’t tell me he was coming home today. I wasn’t here.”
“Hey, it was a surprise,” Rhys says when he pulls Sam from the car, holding him in his arms. Sam isn’t a small boy anymore, but Rhys is a big guy. “I asked your mom not to tell you.”
“I’m so glad you’re here.” Sam’s eyes fill with tears, which he quickly brushes away. “It’s been two whole weeks.”
“I know. Baseball season is rough, kiddo. But now that you’re out of school, you and your sister and mom will be coming with me more.”
“Good.” Sam sighs in relief and grins at Simon. “Did you meet my dad?”
“I did, and he seems like a great guy.”
“Yeah, he’s awesome. He plays baseball.”
“I’ve seen him play,” Simon replies. “Thank you for taking us to see the gators today. I had a great time.”
“You’re welcome. You did good. You didn’t even flinch when you held the baby.”
“Did Aunt Charly flinch?” Gabby asks with a smile.
“Yeah, she didn’t like it,” Sam says when Rhys sets him on the ground and we make our way inside. “But she covered it up good.”
“I did?”
Simon shakes his head no, making everyone laugh.
“Well, you tried,” Sam amends and then yawns. “I don’t want to go to bed.”
“No bedtime shenanigans tonight,” Gabby says with her stern mom voice. “Your sister is asleep, and you’re going to bed. We have lots to do tomorrow to get ready to travel with your dad for a week.”
“Okay,” Sam says and wraps his arms around my waist, squeezing me tight. “Thanks again, Aunt Charly.”
“You’re welcome, buddy.”
“And thanks, Mr. Simon,” he says, offering his hand for a fist bump.
“My pleasure.”
“I’ll get him settled,” Rhys says and kisses his wife on the cheek. “Good night, y’all.”
“We should go,” I say and yawn. “It’s not that late, but it’s been a long day.”
“Why don’t you stay?” Gabby asks. “I had a cancelation, so I have a room available, and it is late. I’d feel better if you slept here.”
“I’d love that. Rumor has it you make a delicious breakfast,” Simon says with a smile. “What do you think?”
“Are you sure? I don’t want to make more work for you.”
“Oh please.” Gabby rolls her eyes and gestures for us to follow her up the stairs. “It’s the same amount of work. Adding two is nothing, trust me.” She leads us to the Penelope room and grins. “And you get the prettiest room in the inn.”