“Near Virginia Beach.” He didn’t miss that she hadn’t exactly answered his question.
With her attention on the kids, her expression turned serious. “I wanted this to be a great trip for them. It’s their first time at the beach.”
They were all very busy, digging and gathering, looking for treasures. “I think they’re having fun.”
Abby took a handful of sand and let it fall through her fingers. “More since you’re here. I’m kind of out of my element.”
“Oh, I don’t know. You look like you’re doing okay.” Although he had noticed she had no beach chair. “Is this your first time?”
“I’ve been once, a long time ago.” She focused on the water in the distance.
Matt got the feeling there was more to say, but she didn’t say it.
“It’s obviously not yours.” She gestured to the castle.
“Nope.” He smiled, recalling family vacations and childhood memories. For some reason he didn’t mention he was a Navy SEAL. It seemed like too much of a pickup line, and this was different.
She was different.
He sat there beside her trying to figure out exactly why.
“Hey, Matt, look at this,” Jack called.
He tore his eyes away to see Jack, packing wet sand into a wall. “Good job.”
“It probably seems stupid, a pregnant woman bringing four children to the beach alone.”
Matt turned back, studied her profile. He ached to skim his fingers over her cheeks, to touch her, take her face in his hands. “Not stupid. Brave maybe.”
She made a derisive sound like a laugh. “I don’t know about brave. I figured it was now or…well, not never, but”—she laid a hand on her belly—“not for at least a couple of years.”
“Do you know what you’re having?”
“A girl.”
“That’s nice.” She raked her fingers over the sand and he caught sight of the ring again. For a man who lived and breathed patience and control, he was without either at the moment. And he needed to know. “I’m sorry about your husband.”
Her hand froze and he immediately wanted to call the words back.
“Sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything. Jack said his father died and I just assumed…”
“He did. Die.” She twisted the gold ring on her finger. “My husband. He was killed in a plane crash six months ago.”
Damn. He didn’t know what to say, and on top of that, he felt like an ass for being glad she wasn’t married. He shouldn’t be glad she was alone.
Waves crashed onto the shore; the children’s voices carried on the wind. Neither spoke for a moment.
“He never knew I was pregnant.”
Well, shit. What could he say to that? “I’m really sorry.”
“It’s really okay,” she said lightly, repeating their earlier words from the pool, as if she didn’t want him to feel sad or uncomfortable.
The sun hung low, casting everything in a soft light, and when she raised her sunglasses to the top of her head, he was hit full force with the greenest eyes he’d ever seen. Brilliant and sparkling; light in the center, darker around the edges; glittering like glass. He didn’t look away, and their eyes held until he was sure she must feel the connection too.
“Mom, we’re hungry,” Gracie yelled, running up, scattering sand. Connection broken.
Abby dusted off her hands and looked at her daughter. “Guess it’s time to go.”
Matt stood, offering her his hand and holding his breath when she hesitated. He wanted her to trust him. He wanted to hold her hand. She finally took it and he held it longer than necessary. Absorbing the feel of it, the softness and the smallness of it.
She stood and their eyes met again, this time with her fingers still clasped tightly in his. Something moved inside him, slightly painful, like parts rearranging into a better fit. A blush crept up her neck and she pulled back ever so slightly, forcing him to let her go.
Abby lowered the umbrella and directed the kids to gather their things. She handed a bag to the oldest girl, Annie, who’d spent most of her time alone, drawing pictures in the sand. She was quiet, that one. But he’d bet she didn’t miss a thing.
“You need some help?” He knew what her answer would be before he asked.
“No, thanks.” She loaded her arms with kid paraphernalia. “I’ve got it.”
“Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow?” Hell. He hadn’t meant for it to come out like a question. What was it about her? He felt like an eager puppy, wanting to chase after her and nip at her heels.
Abby glanced over her shoulder, just a hint of a smile on her lips. “Maybe.” Then she followed the kids to the boardwalk.