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“You’re enjoying this, right?” I said above their laughter. “You guys are the worst.”
When Claire coughed herself out of a laughing fit, she said, “Relax, Logan. Enjoy this. Like a normal person would enjoy a mini-vacation.”
“Vacation,” Charlotte repeated.
“Yes, Charlie.” Chris glanced back at Charlotte. “Tell your dad he needs more vacations.”
“Vacation!” Charlotte threw both hands up.
Soon enough, all of them chorused “vacation” over and over. I sighed and leaned back, struggling hard to keep from smiling. I wouldn't have made it halfway to Hannibal if it wasn't for them.
When they'd calmed, I resumed perusing my emails. More popped in, some from art shows inviting me to check out their work. I gritted my teeth. If only Justin hadn’t chosen this critical time to quit.
“What is it?” Chris voiced.
I looked up to meet his eyes in the rearview mirror. “What?”
"You're grumbling like a grizzly bear," Claire said, her voice high and teasing, but I could hear the worry underneath.
“Nothing.”
“Justin’s resignation?” Chris guessed.
I gave in. “This is the height of the season. Many art shows. Pieces to peruse. The worst time for a seasoned curator to quit.”
“You have a new one starting next week.”
“True,” I bit out.
I was never one to complain. Whatever came my way, I fixed it with an immediacy that left heads spinning. Maybe the journey to Hannibal, and knowing I was far from the museum when I should be there, rose my hackles.
“Daddy, what is that?” Charlotte’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts.
I followed the line of her chubby fingers.
“It’s a tour bus, Muffin.” I read the inscription on the side. Something about Mark Twain.
“What’s atoobus?”
“Tour bus. It takes you around town and shows you exciting places.”
“Daddy, I want one.”
I laughed, collecting her hand in mine. "Sure, Muffin." I was banking on her forgetting in the next fifteen minutes, and I was half-right. Before we turned the corner, she pressed her face against the window and pointed at more sights, asking what they were. Chris, Claire, and I took turns answering.
It'd been a while since I was in Hannibal. A slight twinge of regret passed through me. Over the past few years, I'd grown very busy and didn't visit Aunt Grace as much. But we always spoke over the phone. How fleeting life was.
And apparently, reflection time was fleeting as Charlotte grabbed my hand, drawing my attention to her. I quickly set my laptop to the side and focused on my daughter. Her wide eyes, bright smile, and curious questions lightened my mood.
Lacey said the trip would be good for Charlotte. I knew it was partly because she was busy with her wedding preparations, but I was glad to have Charlotte to myself for a whole weekend. I was usually so busy I barely had enough time with her. Ribbons out of the way, I ruffled her hair, and she leaned into me, her tiny hand resting against my arm. My heart squeezed. I kissed the top of her head. Even though the romance between her mom and me ended as quickly as it began, she was the greatest gift I never knew I needed.
“I love you, Muffin.”
“Love you, too, Daddy.”
Claire glanced back at us. I half excepted her to roll her eyes, but she smiled softly. She enjoyed teasing me, but she was the sweetest aunt when Charlotte was involved.
“Alright, we're here.” Chris pulled the car to a stop and got out.
