“Did the food show up?”
“Yep, and they’re setting up. Now, I get to play, too.” He grins like a kid as we zoom out to the middle of the lake.
“Where’s Alex?” I ask, wondering where the little boy is.
“With his best friend up in Glacier Park today,” Max replies. “He’ll be sad he missed this.”
“There’s plenty of summer left,” Autumn says and smiles.
“You’re right,” Max says with a nod. “We need to do this more often.”
“Where is the new house going?” I ask, scouring the shore but unable to make it out.
“Oh, good call. Let’s drive past it,” Gray says. “Take over, Max.”
Max turns the wheel, taking us down the lake about a mile, then points. “Right there. See the crane?”
“Oh, that’s going to be gorgeous,” Fallon says. “What a view.”
“It’s not going to suck,” Max agrees with a wink. “But we’re about a year out from moving in. In the meantime, we’ll keep the other house to use.”
“Convenient, being a billionaire,” Gray says, earning an eye roll from Max. “And, by convenient, I mean it works for me because I love lake day.”
“He’s using you for your money,” Fallon informs Max with a laugh.
“I know,” Max says with a shrug. “I should have caught on when we were kids, and he always borrowed money for extra candy at the movies.”
“Whatever,” Gray laughs and gets the skis ready to go. “Are you ready, angel?”
“I guess.” Autumn doesn’t look so sure.
“You’ll be in a life preserver,” I remind her. “If you fall, you’ll still be safe.”
“You’ve got this,” Gray says and walks her through it. On her first try, she manages to get up and stay up for way longer than anyone I’ve ever seen on their first go.
“That was so fun,” Autumn says when we pull her back into the boat. “I was a wee bit scared, but it was easier than I thought.”
“You’re a natural,” Max says. “Because, trust me, it is hard.”
“Your turn,” I say to Fallon.
“No, I think it’s your turn,” she says, lounging in the front of the boat. “I said I’d go with Autumn, I didn’t say I’d ski.”
I narrow my eyes at her, walking toward her. “You’re not going to try?”
“I don’t think so.”
I prop my hands on my hips and watch her smile up at me, squinting in the direct sunshine. It’s hot today, but being on the lake is nice.
“I wouldn’t mind watching you do it,” Fallon adds.
“Ever the voyeur,” I murmur and turn to march to the back of the boat. “Okay, I’m up. Let’s do this.”
I take off my shirt and toss it aside.
“Oh, yes,” Fallon says. “Let’s do this.”
I turn to find her grinning, watching me. She likes what she sees.
* * * *
“I can’t believe you went skiing without me,” Alex says a few hours later as he munches on a taco. “Can we go back out?”
“Sorry, bud,” Max says, ruffling his hair. “We’re all skied out for the day. We’ll go another time.”
“Did you have fun with Pierce?” Willa asks.
“Yeah, but he got car sick, so we came home early.”
“Going-to-the-Sun Road isn’t for pansies,” Gray says. “It’s pretty, but it’s windy.”
“Yeah,” Alex agrees. “What else did you do?”
“You’re looking at it,” Willa says with a laugh. “You’re always afraid you’re going to miss something.”
“Well, I’m right. You went water skiing without me. Can we go get Rocky from Grandma and Grandpa’s?”
“In a bit.” Willa gives him the you-better-change-your-tone mom look, and Alex sighs.
“You should have a dozen kids,” Max says to Jenna, who just laughs.
“Hey, kids are good,” Alex says.
“I know,” Max replies. “That’s what I’m saying.”
Fallon slips her hand in mine and leans her head on my shoulder. It’s been a full day on the lake with sunbathing, swimming, food, and even some ping-pong thrown in for good measure.
“Is anyone up for a movie?” Max asks.
“Yes!” Alex exclaims.
“Anyone else?” Willa says with a laugh.
“I think we’re going to head out,” I say as Fallon yawns.
“It’s not the company,” she insists. “I just haven’t swum that much in years. I forgot how good it is for the body. I’ll have to do it more.”
“We’re right behind you,” Brad says.
“I’m surprised you didn’t get called into the hospital,” Jenna says to Hannah. “No babies being born?”
“I’m not on call today,” Hannah replies with a grin. “And it was blissful. Thanks for having us.”
“Anytime,” Max says. “And I mean that. Willa and I are in town for a couple of months. Let’s take advantage of the good weather.”
“I’m down,” Gray says.
“Unfortunately, I leave in two weeks to start a new film,” Christian replies with a sigh.
“Being a movie star is important,” Hannah says and smiles. “And I’m a big fan, so please make more movies so I can watch them.”
“I’ll do what I can,” Christian replies.
“Are you going with him, Jenna?” Fallon asks.