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Caroline looks at me as though I’ve lost my mind. “Duh, Dad. I would never tell my friends. They would think that’s gross.”
Laughing, I give her ponytail a yank. “Okay then. Glad we got that straight.”
Ashton heats the cider just enough to take the chill off. She fills four mugs and places them on a tray, which I carry out to the veranda. The girls quickly lose interest in the cider and take their Frisbee out to the yard.
“So, tell me about this kiss,” Ashton says as she sips her cider.
I cut my eyes at her. “What happened to me not owing you an explanation?”
“Well, now I’m curious. I’m a woman. I’m allowed to be fickle.”
“It was nothing. A heat-of-the-moment thing. But I haven’t heard from Julia all weekend. I think I scared her off. I guess that’s for the best. I shouldn’t be starting anything with someone new so soon after Tracy’s death. This town’s gossipmongers would have a field day.”
“Since when do you care what anyone thinks?” She takes another sip of cider and sets down her mug. “Love often has rotten timing, Will. If you stumble across an opportunity for happiness, don’t let it slip away.”
“I admit, I enjoy Julia’s company. She’s sweet and considerate and easy to be around. But she just ended a difficult marriage. I doubt she’s ready yet either.”
“You never know.” Ashton plants her elbows on the table. “Let’s talk about what set you off with Caroline. You overreacted to her teasing.”
“I know. And I apologized. But she’s been going on about the kiss all weekend, and I’ve asked her repeatedly to stop.”
“She’s a child. She doesn’t understand. I was hoping counseling would help you manage your anger.”
“My therapist is not a miracle worker, Ashton. I’ve been seeing her only two weeks,” I say in my defense, but deep down, I’m worried I’m getting worse instead of better.
Caroline calls out from the yard. “Can we have a birthday party for Sophie next weekend?”
“Sure!” I yell back. “We’ll have a family cookout, and invite Sully over.”
“Aww. That’s boring,” Caroline says, crossing her arms over her chest.
Ashton gives me a look. “Yeah, Daddy. Grownups are boring. You should at least invite a few of her friends.”
The girls come up to the porch. “Please, Daddy,” Caroline says. “If Mommy were here, she would have a party for Sophie.”
Here we go with the guilt treatment, I think. “That’s not fair. Mommy was an expert at throwing parties. I wouldn’t even know where to buy a cake.”
“Let me do it,” Ashton volunteers. “Throwing birthday parties is one of the things I missed out on in not having children.”
“Fine. Have at it. But whatever you do, don’t hire a clown. Kids are terrified of clowns.”
“And rightly so. I’m terrified of clowns.” Ashton turns her attention to Caroline and Sophie. “What do you think about arts and crafts with pumpkin painting and jewelry making?”
“Yes! That sounds like fun,” Caroline says, and Sophie bobs her head.
I imagine myself surrounded by crying children. “The parents will stay with the kids, right? I don’t want to babysit a bunch of two-year-olds.”
Caroline crosses her eyes at me. “Sophie’s turning three, Daddy. Duh.”
“Yes, the parents will stay,” Ashton assures me.
“Can we invite Buddy?” Caroline asks. “He’s Sophie’s friend too.”
Inviting Buddy means Julia will come. And I would very much like to see her again. “Of course.”
The girls dance around in front of us, shouting out ideas for the party.
Above the racket, Ashton yells, “I’ve been meaning to have Dad and May May over. This is the perfect opportunity.”
