Erin wasn’t expecting to run into Jack. Not so soon. He was sitting on the beach with Charlie curled in his lap. They spoke quietly to each other. Jack brushed his lips to Charlie’s white, freckled forehead. And that stabbed her heart. He could be the sweetest, kindest, most tender man she’d ever known. She didn’t know too many other fathers, but the ones she did know didn’t hold, kiss, or comfort their eight-year-old sons. Not the way Jack did. She quietly moved towards the rock beach and finally sat down. She watched the low river going by. The day was already promising heat. She was glad she showered and put on clean shorts and a tank top. Her hair was now combed and pulled back.
She didn’t know what to think or feel. Horrified. Shamed. Embarrassed. Unwelcome. And yet, she wanted nothi
