Summer at Christmas Inn by Evelyn Meyer

Author:Evelyn Meyer
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Evelyn Meyer

11

Blossom

The day proceeded perfectly. It felt like a dream, lying there on the picnic blanket, listening to Carter and Isaac talk as they fished, built sandcastles, and climbed the nearby trees.

It amazed her how attentive Carter was to Isaac. How he never seemed to grow tired of Isaac’s questions or stories. He even taught Isaac a few jokes, which turned into a solid thirty minutes of Isaac repeating those jokes back to him.

They laughed and played together with ease, and the sounds and sights of the two of them left Blossom feeling open and raw. There was a happiness inside of her at the fact that Isaac finally had someone to do all the boy things he wanted to do. But it was hard not to let that happiness get clouded over with the thought that it should be her making him feel complete—not this stranger.

She should be the one up and running with him. She should be the one teaching Isaac how to fish or how to climb a tree. As his mother, it was her job to make up for the things that were lacking in his life. And yet, she couldn’t.

Sighing, she allowed her book to fall next to her, and she pushed up onto her arms that were extended behind her. She pushed those self-defeating thoughts from her mind as she allowed her gaze to roam around until it landed again on Carter and Isaac.

Carter had Isaac up on his shoulders, and Isaac was trying to reach a crab apple above. They were laughing as Carter weaved and bobbed until Isaac fingers barely brushed the apple.

Blossom couldn’t help the smile that emerged on her lips as she watched them. Sure, she felt guilty—she was rapidly learning that feeling guilt was just a part of being a mother—but Isaac seemed to be content hanging with Carter. And if she cared about her son, she’d be happy for his friendship because he deserved it.

Eventually, they gave up on picking that exact apple, and Carter allowed him to slip off his shoulders and down onto the ground. He dusted off his hands as Isaac took off into the nearby bushes. The sun was beginning to set, and Blossom was surprised that they had lasted this long.

It had been the perfect escape, coming here with Carter and Isaac for the day. She could already feel her tight muscles loosen and her breathing lighten. There was nothing some sunshine and a fresh breeze couldn’t fix.

Carter glanced over at her, and for the first time, she allowed a genuine smile to emerge. One that she didn’t stifle or try to downplay. She wanted him to know she appreciated what he’d done. How kind he was being to her son—to her.

She was lucky to have him stumble upon her inn. Her life had been better since he showed up.

Carter studied her for a moment with his brow furrowed and then he began to walk toward her. Nerves flitted through her body as she watched his approach.

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