CARLY LOCKED THE front door of their lovely refurbished cottage and pocketed the key. Excitement rippled through her. It was really happening. ‘Right, then, who has the passports?’
Owen pulled them out of his rucksack and waved them at her. ‘Me. And the guidebook.’
‘Excellent. I’ve got the money and the games for the plane.’ She helped Mason put on his little carry-on backpack. ‘Okay, bud. Where are we going first?’
He grinned up at her, all big, brown eyes like his dad. ‘’Merica, to see Mummy.’
Now, that was going to be an adventure all of its own. But Miranda had been nothing but supportive about Carly’s presence in her son’s life. Carly suspected that Mason having a stepmum lessened the emotional turmoil for the successful actress who still spoke to her son very regularly. Carly and Owen had made sure of it. And now Tane wasn’t the only child at kindy with two mummies. They were all keen to meet up and share their love for the little boy. She ruffled his hair. ‘Yup. Then where?’
‘Rocky mountain.’
She giggled. ‘Yes. The Rocky Mountains. For a camp out in the park. And horse riding.’
‘And bears!’ He pulled a face and growled.
‘Hopefully not close up.’ She winked at Owen. ‘Lucky us. Our own adventure.’
Sure, it wasn’t exactly the one she’d been planning, and it was only for the kindy holidays, but it meant more to her than any other trip she’d ever planned.
Owen pulled her close for a quick kiss. ‘Did I ever tell you how much I love you for doing this? We are so lucky to have you.’
She leaned against him. She’d created a good life with the man she adored and the boy she grew to love more and more each day. ‘Hey, I get to do all the things I want to do, and have you guys come along for the ride. I’m the lucky one.’
Then they jumped into the little tin boat and sped round to the harbour. To their adventure and their future. The three of them.
A family at last.