Chapter 36

Yeah, I am home. I won't tell you about my flight except to say throwing up on an international flight, not so much with the fun. Making the flight attendant get out of your way so that you can make it to the toilet in time...priceless.

The foursome enjoyed a pleasant evening together. Throughout the evening Matthew continued to show a preference for Laura and she was perfectly content to hold him at every opportunity.

When she wasn't holding him, he watched her and she stared at him. The bond between these two was complete. Robbie was amazed that in the space of a few hours Laura had gone from completely frightened to head over heels. As he watched her play with him while chatting with Lyn he was sad. A part of him felt that it should be Val on the couch kissing Matthew's feet.

Lyn looked up at her father. She had felt his mood shift. "Laura, would you mind putting Matthew to bed? I would like to steal dad away for a bit. Dad, fancy a walk?"

Laura waved them off absorbed as she was with Matthew. Lyn took her father's hand and guided him toward the front door. Once outside she looped her arm in his. "Are you OK dad?"

He smiled down at her. "I am pet. Just had a sad moment, I was watching Laura play with Matthew and a part of me thought that should have been your mom."

Lyn nodded. "I had the same feeling."

He stopped walking and looked at her. "How are you holding up?"

Tears formed in her eyes. "I would give almost anything if mom were here. But I am very grateful that the person who is in your life loves him and you as much as mom would have. It may be different than mom but it doesn't make it any less special."

He hugged his daughter once again struck by how wise she was. "I love her pet."

She nodded against his chest. "I know you do dad."

"I'm not ready to tell her yet."

"I know, dad. Just keep showing her, she's happy with you. She doesn't need to hear the words, for now, as long as you keep showing her."

He looked down at her. "Do you think so?"

"I know so dad. Take your time. You'll know when it's right. And something tells me Laura will appreciate it all the more for waiting."

They walked for a while longer. Robbie took her hand. "Lyn, are you OK with all of this? Me and Laura?"

Lyn squeezed her father's hand. "Dad, I'm thrilled. All I've ever wanted is for you to be happy. The fact that you found someone who does that and fits in with us is even better."

"You know I wouldn't have chosen anyone that I didn't think you would like?"

She leaned into her dad. "I do know that dad. Does that mean Laura is going to be around for awhile?"

"If she'll have me."

She laughed. "I don't think that's going to be a problem dad. She is head over heels in love with you."

"I don't want to lose her. I'm so scared that she will get tired of waiting."

She smiled at her dad. She had no idea how he didn't see how smitten Laura was with him. "Dad, I've watched the two of you together all weekend. She isn't going anywhere. She loves you as much as you love her."

"She's never told me pet."

She rolled her eyes. "Dad, she's following your lead. She doesn't want to scare you because she knows you aren't ready yet. Do you really think she would have come with you this weekend if she didn't love you? Do you think if she wasn't planning on being in your life for a very long time she would have worked so hard to be comfortable around Matthew?"

He thought about all that Laura had been through this weekend and realized the truth in Lyn's questions. "No, she wouldn't have."

"Then just relax and enjoy it. But dad, I think you need to tell her you were sad about mom."

"You don't think that will just hurt her?"

She nodded. "I think it will hurt her a bit. But, long term, I think it will mean more to her that you care enough to talk to her about it. Honestly, I would be surprised that she didn't already know what you were feeling."

They walked in silence back to the house. They heard laughter from the living room when they entered. Laura and Tim were having a glass of wine. Robbie went to sit by Laura. He kissed her on the temple and took a sip of her wine. "What are you two laughing about?"

She leaned into him and snuggled against his body. "Tim was telling me all about the Lewis clan."

Lyn sat on the edge of Tim's chair and hit him lightly on the arm. "Giving away all of our secrets are you?"

He smiled up at her. "More like telling her all about the landmines."

She leaned over and kissed him. "The cheek."

He pulled her into his lap then kissed her soundly. "My love, all of it makes us love you even more."

Laura raised her glass. "Here, here."

Robbie watched Laura as she interacted with his family so easily. He missed Val but this felt right too.