The Soldier's Forever Family
“Good morning,” he said, pausing on the other side of the patio fencing.
“Hi, Mr. Adam. I’m having a breakfast sandwich and chocolate milk.”
Adam’s lips quirked as he took in the boy’s chocolate milk mustache. “So I see.”
Joanna handed Simon a napkin. “Wipe your mouth, honey.”
After a quick swipe that smeared as much as it cleaned, Simon spoke to Adam again. “We’re going to play minigolf after breakfast. And after lunch Miss Molly and Miss Deborah are taking me and the other kids to see sea turtles.”
“Sounds like a fun day.”
Adam bobbed his head in agreement. “After I get back from seeing the sea turtles, Mom’s driving me into town for dinner, and we’re going to a fun center with go-carts and arcade games and some kids’ rides. Mom found it online and she asked if I wanted to go and I said yes. I like it here at the resort, too,” he added earnestly as if to make sure Adam’s feelings weren’t hurt, “but I want to check out the fun center.”
“I don’t blame you,” Adam assured him. “I’ve met the owner in passing, and I’ve heard it’s a great place. Most kids your age like the bumper boats ride. You should give it a try.”
Simon’s face lit up in a way that was all too familiar to his mother. Before she could step in, he’d blurted, “You should go with us, Mr. Adam! Mom’s not crazy about go-carts and if you go, I can ride with you in the big ones, not just the kiddie carts. And you can see your friend who owns the center.”
“Oh, I—”
“Mr. Adam might have other plans this evening, Simon. Don’t pressure him.” Take the hint, Adam.
Adam hesitated so long, she decided he was having trouble figuring out the best way of politely declining Simon’s impulsive invitation. So she was shocked when he said instead, “Sure, why not? It’s been a while since I drove a go-cart, but I think I remember how.”
While Simon bounced in his seat in anticipation, Joanna shot a questioning frown at Adam. He shrugged, acknowledging her surprise. “What time were you planning to go?”
Faced with no other choice, she answered graciously. “Simon gets back from his field trip at four. I’ll let him rest and freshen up, and then I thought we’d head out at about six.”
Adam nodded. “I’ll meet you in the Seafoam courtyard then. Have fun today, Simon. Beat your mom at minigolf, okay? I played with her once a long time ago. As I remember, she’s not very good at figuring out where to aim the ball.”
Simon laughed. “She’s really not.”
“I’m right here, guys.”
Both grinned at her, and the eerie similarity of their smiles made her throat tighten. When Simon was this close to Adam, the resemblance was all she could see. She found almost none of herself in his features.
Adam sketched a little salute and stepped back. “I’ve got to get back to work. See you later, Skipper. JoJo.”
Simon watched Adam disappear toward the entrance to the staff offices. “He called me Skipper. Like he calls you JoJo, huh?”
She forced a smile. “I guess he likes giving people nicknames. What made you invite him to join us tonight, Simon?”
“I like him. He’s nice.” He drained the last of his milk, then set down his empty glass, suddenly frowning. “Is it okay that I asked him, Mom? Did I do something wrong?”
Was she dismayed by the invitation because she’d looked forward to spending a mother-son evening, just the two of them? Or because Adam Scott would be the third member of the party? Stupid questions, considering she knew the answer.
“No, Simon, you didn’t do anything wrong.”
“You like Mr. Adam, don’t you?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Are you almost done with your coffee? I’m ready to play minigolf.”
There was no need to dwell on her anxiety about the coming evening. She had a whole morning to enjoy with her son first.
* * *
JOANNA AND SIMON had a great time playing minigolf—and while she didn’t deliberately let him win, she didn’t try very hard to beat him, either. He ended up one stroke below her, a victory he celebrated with a joyful dance that made her laugh.