Page 19 of Quiet as Kept
“Cool. Just so you know, you’re welcome to go to church with us tomorrow.”
“What church do you go to?”
“The Cathedral at Jackson Island.”
“When I found out I was moving here, I started doing research on Jackson Island. I’ve been watching the online service for First New Birth Christian Church. I’m excited about actually getting to see it in person.”
“Okay. I hope you enjoy it.”
“Will you need help getting the girls ready?”
“Nah. Sunday’s your day off. We’ll be cool.”
“Okay. Good night.” She gave me a small smile that showcased her deep dimples before walking away.
“Later.”
Even though I tried not to, I couldn’t help watching her walk away. The subtle sway of her hips momentarily hypnotized me.
“We’re not trying to take down the nanny.” I chided myself softly before returning my gaze to my computer screen.
After a day filled with church, brunch, afternoon naps, a quick trek to the beach, dinner, and bath time, I basically fell onto the outdoor sofa at the end of the night. I was tired as hell. All I wanted to do was chill on my back deck while the sounds from the ocean and the light, salty breeze lulled me into relaxation.
I heard the French doors open and close before I heard her voice.
“Oh my goodness, Kept. That seafood pasta was,” she brought her fingertips to her mouth and kissed them, “chef’s kiss. Please make that at least once a week.”
I chuckled before rolling over on the sofa to look at her. “Glad you liked it . . . even without salmon.”
“Even without salmon,” she agreed, plopping down at the end of the couch by my feet.
“How was your day? How was visiting the church in person as opposed to watching it online? Did it live up to your expectations?” I moved into a sitting position, letting my head fall back.
“It was so good. The pastor, Pastor Havenwood, is retiring soon, so he’s preaching his last sermons. He put his foot in today’s message.”
“So you liked it?”
“I loved it. How was church for you and the girls?”
“It was cool. I mean, Pastor Halliburton didn’t necessarily put his foot in the sermon or nothing.” We both laughed.
She curled up on the sofa, tucking her feet underneath her.
“Do you ever actually watch movies out here on this big old TV?” She gestured at the sixty-five inch screen that was mounted to the side of my house.
“I think I did . . . once. The girls and I watched some kid movie. It was a vibe. I put out snacks, turned on the fire pit, cuddled up with them in blankets, and we watched a movie.”
“I’m putting that on the summer schedule. A movie night with daddy.” She yawned. “It’s so peaceful out here, but there is a little chill in this night air.”
I picked up the remote and turned on the fire pit.
“Fancy,” she sang with a smile in her voice. “Now, where are those blankets you talked about?”
I reached into the storage bench that doubled as a coffee table and pulled out a fleece blanket. I spread it out, covering all of her and my lower body. The blanket and the fire pit were exactly what was needed to beat back the chill.
“Tomorrow is your first real day of work. How’re you feeling about it?”
“I feel confident. How are you feeling about going back to work and leaving me alone with the girls?”