“Oh, I’m sorry.”
Grace nodded and offered a sincere, serious “And I’m sorry about Corinne.”
“Thanks.”
“I’m not sure how much Zach has explained about Renegades…”
“Just that he does occasional stunts for them.”
“He does. But the group is really more of a family. We look out for each other, you know? No matter where o
ne of us is in the world, we have our thumbs on the pulse of our people. And there’s no problem too big or too small for the family to get involved. The guys are like brothers. And the women are like sisters. It can take some getting used to, and I say that coming from a very independent background. But they’re good people. Caring people. Generous people. And they have good intentions.” She tipped her head and met Tessa’s eyes directly. “I just wanted to warn you, because now, you’re part of that family.”
Tessa experienced a flash of confusion. “I don’t know what Zach said, but he and I aren’t, you know, permanent or anything. I’m only related to him through Sophia, who isn’t even mine by blood—”
“This isn’t about blood. It’s about relationships. You’re Sophia’s mother. Zach is Sophia’s father. That makes all three of you Renegade family.”
“Well, I don’t know how much longer Zach will be working stunts through Renegades. I think he’s going to take that part—”
“Doesn’t matter. Once a Renegade, always a Renegade.” Grace laid a hand over her forearm and gave it a gentle squeeze. “So if you or Sophia ever need anything, even just someone to talk to, anytime, day or night, I hope you’ll lean on us.”
Tessa’s insides swirled with warmth and, yes, unease. She’d learned the hard way that forming relationships also left you open to pain. But the offer was genuine and selfless, and Tessa smiled, covering Grace’s hand. “That’s an amazing offer. Thank you.”
Grace nodded, and they fell silent again, watching the ocean where Zach steadied the board while Sophia got to her feet and put her arms out for balance.
“Gah.” Tessa sat forward and clenched her hands. “I know that water is over her head, and it doesn’t matter that she’s already a great little swimmer, it makes me crazy when—”
A wave rolled toward them, Zach kicked into action, swimming along with the board as he brought Sophia in sync with the crest, then let go with a push.
Tessa raised her knees and clasped her hands around them, a sound of dread rolling from her throat. Behind Sophia, Zach cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled encouragement and directions. She wobbled, stumbled a step, but stayed on the board until the wave crumbled beneath her, and she rolled into the water at the shore.
Tessa didn’t breathe until Sophia’s head popped out of the water, and she stood. Then Zach caught up with her, clapping and cheering. Sophia straightened into her trademark Olympic stand, fists overhead, chest out, a grin that took over her face, glowing in the sun. Zach picked her up and threw her in the air, then caught her again, and Sophia’s squeals pierced the air. Sophia wrapped her arms around Zach’s neck tight.
“Jesus Christ.” Tessa’s words came out on an exhale of relief, and she closed her eyes, slumping her shoulders. “I think I’ve aged ten years in the last few hours.”
Grace laughed. “They’re so adorable together. Sophia’s really brought out a whole different side of Zach. I think it’s pretty fabulous of you to be willing to work with him on this. A lot of women wouldn’t be as accepting of an absent dad.”
“It’s not easy. I came here thinking I was going to get a signature and go home to file the final adoption papers. Zach has turned my whole world upside down.”
“I think that’s mutual. But I also think it’s a good thing.”
Tessa sighed, not so sure herself. “God, I hope so.”
Zach took Sophia into a seat on his forearm and grabbed the rope on the front of the boogie board, dragging it behind him as he made his way up the beach. Tessa reached for a towel and stood as they drew close. She knew she shouldn’t be impressed by Zach’s body. After all, she’d had several private hours to learn every rock-hard dip and curve, but she wished she could memorize the sight of him carrying Sophia in one strong arm, wet from head to toe and still dripping seawater. The icing on that cake was his grin. Bright and happy. And proud.
“Did you see her, Mommy?” Zach asked Tessa. “I think we have a budding surfer.”
Oh, criminy. Tessa had images of sending Sophia to see her father, and chewing her fingers off in worry Sophia would drown. She pushed the fear to the background and tried to focus on the moment.
The intimacy between the three of them had gone from zero to sixty in forty-eight hours and hearing him call her “Mommy” and referring to Sophia as “theirs” made her heart flutter.
“I saw,” she told them.
“I rided the wave, Mommy,” Sophia said with her adorable enthusiasm while pushing her wet ringlets from her face. “I rided it good.”
“You were awesome,” she told Sophia. Wrapping a towel around her shoulders, she met Zach’s smiling eyes and said, “And so were you.”
“Thanks.” His eyes were soft and fixed on hers. If Grace wasn’t there, Tessa thought he might have kissed her. “Hey, Grace. What are you and Josh doing?”