Chapter 38
Jonas mumbled sleepily, “Daddy, when can we hang out with Ms. Sommerton again?”
I paused before answering softly, “We’ll invite her when she’s free, okay?”
Jonas nodded and drifted back to sleep. Once I tucked him in bed, I quietly closed his door and walked to the living room.
I let out a long breath, only to be startled by the sudden chime of the doorbell. I opened the door to find my neighbor, Ms. Harris, looking distressed.
“Mr. Joplin, Momo is sick, and all the regular vers are closed. Could you drive us to the 24 hour vet?”
I agreed, leaving a quick note for Jonas before driving Ms. Harris to the emergency vet. By the time I got home, it was nearly midnight.
I collapsed onto the couch, my mind drifting back to our picnic–Lorraine’s smile, Jonas‘ laughter, and her delicious food. I pulled out my phone, hesitating briefly before typing a message to Lorraine, “Thank you for today’s picnic. Jonas had such a great time.”
I quickly added another message, “By the way, I’m thinking about taking Jonas to the beach. Do you have any suggestions?”
I set my phone down and went to shower. When I returned, I found several messages from
Lorraine.
“You’re welcome! I had fun too. A beach vacation sounds perfect!
“I can help you plan the trip if you’d like.”
Just as I was about to reply, another message came, “It’s peak season, though, so booking. might be tricky. I have a friend at a travel agency who might be able to help.”
I thought for a moment and replied, “That would be great, thanks. Do you like the beach?”
Her reply came instantly, “I love it! Especially the sunrises and sunsets–they’re absolutely magical by the ocean.”
We ended up chatting for two hours, discussing everything from travel plans to childhood. memories. Just as the conversation was getting lively, I heard a noise from Jonas‘ room. I quickly told her goodnight and went to check on my son.
It turned out, Jonas had a nightmare. As I held him until he fell back asleep, I realized it might be time to bring more joy and adventure into our lives.
The next morning, I woke up to a message from Lor and hotel but had also created a detailed itinerary
Just as I was about to reply, the doorbell rang. To my breakfast for three. She smiled and said, “Good mo to make breakfast, so I brought some. Hope I’m not
Touched by her thoughtfulness, I invited her in. ‘N
in.”
Jonas ran out when he heard us and exclaimed happ
The three of us sat around the table, enjoying our Lorraine and Jonas chat and laugh, I felt a warmth this was what a real family felt like.
After breakfast, Lorraine offered to help clean up. V over little things.
When we finished, Lorraine turned to me with a se don’t mind, could I join you both on the beach trip I froze, unsure how to respond.
Chapter 28
The next morning, I woke up to a message from Lorraine. She had not only booked our flights.
and hotel but had also created a detailed itinerary
Just as I was about to reply, the doorbell rang. To my surprise, Lorraine stood there with breakfast for three. She smiled and said, “Good morning. I thought you might not have time to make breakfast, so I brought some. Hope I’m not intruding.”
Touched by her thoughtfulness, I invited her in. “Not at all! Thank you so much. Please come
in.”
Jonas ran out when he heard us and exclaimed happily, “Ms. Sommerton!”
The three of us sat around the table, enjoying our unexpected breakfast together. Watching Lorraine and Jonas chat and laugh, I felt a warmth I had not experienced in a long time. Maybe this was what a real family felt like.
After breakfast, Lorraine offered to help clean up. We worked together in the kitchen, laughing over little things.
When we finished, Lorraine turned to me with a serious expression. “I was wondering… If you don’t mind, could I join you both on the beach trip?”
I froze, unsure how to respond.
