She called down to Macie’s classroom, and a few teachers and admins peeked in, borderline gawking at the two of us together while we waited.
“I know we’re bear shifters, but right now I feel more like a goldfish,” Baine whispered. “You know, living in a fishbowl while everyone gawks at it.”
I snorted. “I know, it’s bad. You know it’s rare for anything truly exciting to happen around here. They can’t help themselves.”
“Uh huh, sure.”
“Baine?” Macie squealed as she launched herself into his arms.
“Hey short stuff. You ready to ditch this place.”
She nodded enthusiastically.
“Thanks Carolyn,” I yelled back as we left the school. Macie reached up and took my hand and then Baine’s. The three of us walked together like that all the way to the creamery.
Walton Creamery had been a staple for us, as far back as anyone could remember. They served ice cream, milkshakes, and cheese. It was an odd combination to outsiders, but there was no better treat around as far as I was concerned.
Baine and Macie ordered ice cream while I got a wedge of creamy swiss cheese. It was my favorite. He took in my order and winked.
“Even as a little girl, younger than you, your mom always preferred cheese over ice cream.”
My cheeks heated. I wasn’t sure there was anything about me that Baine hadn’t noticed over the years.
“It’s weird, right?”
“They probably keep the cheese line going just to feed her addiction to it.”
Macie nodded in agreement as she happily ate her ice cream. Halfway through she stilled and looked up at her father. “When do you leave?”
“That obvious?”
She shrugged. “You promised you wouldn’t leave without saying goodbye, and Mom doesn’t usually let me have ice cream before dinner.”
He sighed and I realized we were both worried about the implications of his job and how they would affect our daughter.
“Five, sharp.”
“Tonight?”
He nodded. “Afraid so.”
“Is this for the, um,” she paused and looked around the room. “The special mission?”
“Yeah, it is.”
“Then you have to do it.”
“I know.”
“Baine,” she said standing and putting a hand on his shoulder as she stared into his eyes. “Mom and I like that you don’t want to leave us, but sometimes in life you just have to do what’s right. This is important. We’ll miss you, but I’m proud to have you as my dad. Just, come back in one piece, okay?”
He hugged her as I swiped tears from my eyes.
“Take care of your mom while I’m gone.”
She nodded against his broad shoulder. Macie looked so small in his arms.
We kept things light and easy as we sat there talking and laughing. If we didn’t have that five o’clock deadline hanging over our heads it would have been a perfect day.
A little after three my phone rang.
“Oh no,” I said seeing Killian’s name flash across the screen. I quickly swiped to answer. “Kill, I’m so sorry. I forgot to tell you.”
“Carolyn told me you and Baine picked her up early. I’m just confirming.”
“We did. I feel terrible for not calling and telling you.”
“It’s fine, Olivia.”
“We’re at Walton’s if you want to join us, although we might have to buy more ice cream if we’re going to take up this table much longer.”
“Are you sure? Because you know I never turn down ice cream.”
As much as I loved their cheese, both of my brothers were equally obsessed with their ice cream.
I looked over at Baine and he nodded. He was talking to Macie but somehow, I knew that nod was for me. It was like he was tuned into everyone and everything around us at once.
“I’m positive, come on.” I hung up and it was like Macie didn’t even notice I was still there as she and Baine continued talking about anything and everything.
A few minutes later her jaw dropped and her eyes widened. “Uncle Killian?”
“Hey squirt. You didn’t really think you could have ice cream before dinner without me, did you?” He ruffled her hair and went to place his order before sitting down with us.
Macie stiffened. “You aren’t going to pick another fight with my dad, are you?”
I was surprised to hear the protective tone in her voice, especially when talking to her favorite uncle. Killian had always been her favorite person in the entire world.
“I promise, no fighting. I think we’re cool now,” Kill said. “Right, Baine?”
Baine held out his hands open, palms up as a sign of peace. I didn’t want to get my hopes up that things could ever truly be rectified between them after everything that had happened, but the fact that they were making an effort this soon was a welcome surprise.
“Good. Because my dad has lots of bombs and knives and even guns. Plus, he has a whole back up team to watch his back.”
Killian chuckled. “Thanks for the warning, kiddo. I will be sure to steer clear of your dad.”
Hearing him acknowledge Baine’s roll in her life warmed me all over. I wanted this to work out for all of us.
“So what’s the celebration?” he asked. He was discreetly trying to check out my neck.
“No change in that department since we spoke this morning,” Baine informed him.
“Wait, you two talked?”
They both nodded.
“We’re trying, Liv. For you and Macie,” Killian said.
My eyes started misting over. “Nope, none of that,” Baine said. His hand found my knee and squeezed, causing a different kind of warmth to wash through me.
“Baine’s rolling out at five. He’s trying to make the most of our time before he leaves,” Macie filled Killian in.
“Ah, so that’s why you got a pass from school. Did you even get to miss that big test?”
Her shoulders slumped. “No, they picked me up after the test.” And there was the eye roll I was getting used to seeing regularly.
“That’s a good thing, Mace.”
“If you say so. I probably failed it.”
“You’ve never failed a test in your entire life, or anything you set your mind too, sweetie,” I reminded her.
She shrugged. “There’s a first for everything.”
Baine looked concerned but Killian waved him off. “She’s fine. Probably aced it. We go through this every single test. She always did remind me of you with that crap.”
Baine looked horrified by Killian’s admission.
The afternoon flew by and before long the alarm on Baine’s watch went off. He looked down and frowned. “I should get you ladies home safe and sound.”
“Can’t we stay with you until you leave like last time?” Macie begged.
“Won’t that just make it harder for you?” Baine was talking to Macie, but he was watching me for my reaction.
“We’d rather stay with you as long as possible. And we’ll be fine, right Macie Laine?”
She smiled and nodded in agreement.
“Okay then. I guess we should head over to the Inn.”