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Kirsten lay her hand on Ivy’s forehead. “Hmmm. You might be right. But for now, if she’s happy with you, let her stay there. I’ll get you some food.” She knelt beside Ivy. “Do you want something to eat?” Ivy shook her head.
Linney hummed to the little girl while stroking her hair. Suddenly, Derek appeared in front of her.
“Come on, Ivy, let’s get some supper.” Ivy shook her head again. “Ivy, I’m sure Auntie Linney wants to eat too.”
“It’s fine, Derek. Kirsten’s getting me something.”
“No, you go and eat. She’s my daughter.” He picked Ivy up and set her on her feet, taking her hand and leading both children to the food tables.
“Daddy, I feel icky.” Derek turned his head just in time to see his daughter throw up on the grass.
People sprang into action. Anna took Leo off to get food and to distract him. Kirsten, who was closest to the kitchen got a wet cloth, while Linney tried to console Ivy, who was crying now. Danny brought her some water to drink.
“Well, folks, I guess my evening is over,” Derek said, his voice tight and clipped. “Elise, I’m sorry for this. It was good to meet you.” He picked Ivy up and went to get Leo. “Danny, happy birthday, and my apologies for all the drama.”
“Do you want me to come with you?” Linney asked.
“I am perfectly capable of taking care of my family,” he said in a forced, formal tone. “You should stay and get better acquainted with the new folks.” And with that, he strode off.
Derek settled Leo in front of the television and put Ivy in the bath. He gave her some medicine and put her to bed. Heading downstairs, he apologized to Leo for having to leave. “I didn’t get any of Auntie Linney’s apple crumble,” the little boy whined. Ivy threw up twice more before midnight, and after Derek changed the bedsheets, he sat on the landing, head in his hands, emotionally exhausted from the day.
What had his friends been thinking? No woman wanted to deal with two young kids—look at what a disaster the day had been. Derek was angry with all of them. He didn’t want to open himself up to being hurt again. It was just too hard. And Linney, who they had all gotten used to being next door would be leaving soon.
* * *
“How’s Ivy?” Linney asked the next morning when she stopped by. Derek stood in the doorway with a tea towel over his shoulder and circles under his eyes. He didn’t move out of the way to let her in.
“Twenty-four-hour bug,” he said with a yawn. She’ll be fine.”
“Can I help with anything?”
“We’re good. I think today the three of us will just have a quiet day .”
“Oh.” Linney was a little hurt to be shut out when they’d spent so much time together. “Well, if you change your mind, I’m right next door.”
Derek nodded. “We’ll be fine. Thanks for coming by.” He closed the door.
To take her mind off the confusing frostiness she felt from Derek, Linney reluctantly started to think about work. She was well-rested now and full of ideas for stories she wanted to pitch when she got back. She went into town and picked up several little gifts for Hassan’s son from the dollar store and some locally-made lavender soap for his wife.
Her vacation was hurtling to a close and she really felt it when she handed a cheque over to Danny for the renovations.
There was one last dinner for Derek and the kids, including all their favourites. “I’ll give your dad the recipe for apple crumble,” she promised Leo, and she read Ivy three stories before bed. “I’m going to miss you guys so much,” she told them both and showed them where she was going on a map. “Promise me we’ll do video chats so you don’t forget who I am.” She turned her attention to Derek. “I have to go and finish packing. You’ll come over after they’re asleep?” He nodded.
Derek knocked on her door an hour later. “I can’t believe you won’t be here tomorrow,” he said, taking a mug of hot chocolate as they settled themselves on the porch swing.
“I know. The time has gone by so fast. Too fast. I’m starting to understand why you’re so happy here. And yet …”
“And yet what?”
Linney shifted in her seat, tucked her hair behind her ear, and made one last attempt. “I know you were angry when we tried to set you up. But, Derek, I say this as your friend. You can’t sit here every night by yourself. You?—”
“Enough, Linney,” he exploded at her. “I’ll date when I’m good and ready. Whenever that is. But it’s not now.” Derek yanked at the neck of his T-shirt. It suddenly felt like too tight.
“Come on. You’re stuck. It’s time,” she shot back, her voice rising. She needed to make the point to push Derek out of his comfort zone. “You’re acting like a monk. You’re hiding. You can’t live like this, with just the kids for company! You need someone. They need someone.” Linney held her breath. Had she gone too far?
Derek turned purple and Linney could see the veins in his neck.
“Do not bring my kids into this. I live for those kids. I have turned my life inside out for those kids. It isn’t easy being a single father.” He slammed his mug on the table and hot chocolate sloshed out, leaving a sticky mess as he continued, his temper getting the better of him. “And you’re one to talk. You date guys old enough to be your father, and Ernst is no closer to being there for you than Mac was. So don’t be lecturing me!”
