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“Hals, do you want tails? They’re not even” Naomi reached for one of the elastics I’d put in

Hallie pushed her hand away “No, it’s okay We’re just going swi”

“We have to go,” I said impatiently “I’ll have them back by five”

Naohed and kissed theet sunscreen!”

I took the girls by the hands and walked them back to the car On the ride home, I let them choose the , because after I pulled into the garage and turned off the engine, Hallie unbuckled her seatbelt and hugged , Daddy”

I patted her skinny forearm “I do?”

“Yes”

I looked over ree?”

“Yes,” she said, grinning at me “It’s anonymous”

“She means unanimous,” Hallie explained

“Thank you” I opened the car door, feeling a little better “Who’s ready to go swi?”

The girls had just gotten into their bathing suits when Chip and Mariah arrived Since the kids were iet in the water, ent out to the pool and sat in chairs near the edge I sprayed Hallie and Luna doith sunscreen and made the on the pool’s top step, then jumped in

While they played in the shallow end, Chip and Mariah talked a little about what I’d missed at the party and how they were anxious to co venues

“I’ve heard Cloverleigh Farms is beautiful,” Mariah said, “but Chip’s cousin Winnie mentioned Abelard Vineyards too”

At the mention of Winnie’s name, my blood warmed, but I was careful not to visibly react “I’ve never been there, but I’ve heard it’s nice”

“We thought about Chicago too, but we’re worried not everyone would be able to make the trip down, especially if we do it in the winter,” Chip said “Mariah’s family doesn’t live too far from here, so this makes more sense”

“You’re thinking this winter? Like before spring training?”

“Yeah” Chip hesitated “Actually, I’ after this season”

For the first time, I looked away from the kids “Seriously?”