They arrived home in time for Kara to work at the nursery for an hour, until closing time, and she worked all the next day, taking a lunch break just long enough to pick up Zach from Lia's house. She brought him to work so he could lend them an extra hand. The nursery closed at seven that evening, and Zach helped her the whole next day, too, until Craig picked him up on his way home from work. The two of them prepared dinner for themselves, and then Zach took a book outside and sat in the grass to read, leaning against the shed.
Kara came home late again that evening and collapsed into a chair at the table. Craig brought her dinner—roast and potatoes. "Where's Zach?" she asked, taking her first bite. She had to be famished.
Craig set a pair of plates inside the dishwasher. "Outside, reading. You must have worked him hard today. He didn't play with Paws very long before he wore out."
"We kept him running," Kara confirmed. "It was busy. We're so far behind. He really helped us, though." She sighed and leaned back in her chair.
Craig moved to stand behind her and began to rub her shoulders. "Tired?"
"Mm-hmm. And sore."
Craig felt her muscles loosen a little under his hands.
"I think I'll take a warm shower and go to bed early. It's going to be another long day tomorrow and again on Saturday. Thank goodness we're closed on Sundays."
"How's Grover?"
"Stable. They seem to be getting the pneumonia under control."
"That's good. Anything I can do for you tonight?"
Kara thought for a moment. "Make sure Zach takes his bath. And puts his dirty clothes in the hamper. He's taken to leaving them on the floor."
"Like any ordinary ten-year-old, huh?"
She smiled. "Hmm, yeah. Isn't that strange? He's becoming a normal kid."
"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" Craig wondered aloud.
Kara reached up to catch Craig's hand on her shoulder for a moment. "You're still angry that I made you and Zach leave the beach."
The statement surprised him. "No, I'm not. Grover needs you here, and you need us. We can go to the beach anytime."
Kara leaned back to look up at him. "No, we can't, and yes, you are. But I understand." She rested with her head against his chest for a moment. "You know, that was the first time since we started dating that you've ever chosen someone else over me."
Craig stepped around her so he could make eye contact with her. "What are you talking about?"
"You said you would stay at the beach with Zach while I came back home." She lifted her eyebrows at him as if to ask, Is it not so?
Craig felt trapped, and for no good reason. It had been a reasonable option. "Kara, I didn't mean—"
She stopped him with a hand on his chest. She was laughing at him. "It's fine. Really." That weary hand stretched up to ruffle his hair playfully. "You're becoming a dad. I like it."
"Oh." He relaxed at her touch and her words. "I'm still…frustrated, I suppose. I wanted him to get to do everything at the beach. I wanted him to love it as much as I do."
Kara offered him an understanding smile. "He will, Craig. He does. He didn't want to leave, either."
Craig nodded and turned away to wash the dishes while she ate. By the time that task was done, the sun had sunk low toward the western horizon. He poked his head out the side door. "Hey, Zach?"
But the youngster did not respond; he was stretched out on the ground, his book open beside him, Paws lying against him and gazing up at Craig contentedly.
"Kara, come see this," Craig said, ducking back inside the door.
She joined him there, peeked outside, and grinned. "Let me get the camera," she said, darting into the den. "Our parents would enjoy a picture of this."
"I'm becoming a dad, and you're starting to sound like a mother," Craig remarked. "Poor kid."
Kara ignored Craig and took the photo. "Maybe we can forego the bath for tonight," she chuckled.
Craig watched her. She did sound like a mother. There was something attractive about that. It brought out a new side of her, this woman he loved.
He stepped out the door to carry his sleepy son inside.
*****
The Boy Who Appeared from the Rain Page 63