Page 27 of One Hot Daddy

My father grins."Oh, don't be such a spoilsport, Florry.I've still got my old bat in the car.Never go anywhere without it."

I stare at my father, shaking my head."You actually keep a cricket bat in your car?I had no idea."

"Mostly for emergency situations," he says with complete seriousness."But you never know when you might need one for a spontaneous match."

Jennifer covers her mouth, but I can see her shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.At least someone finds my family's eccentricities amusing.

"I don't know the first thing about cricket," Patty admits cheerfully."But I'm willing to learn."

"But I don't remember the rules," I declare, though I bloody well do remember.I can't have the children messing about with cricket bats, not until they're adults.Thirty would be my preference.But everyone, including the grandparents, is getting more and more excited about the idea.

Bollocks.I must stop them.And so, I blurt out an alternative without considering the ramifications."Perhaps we should go to the new water park.It's right here in Millbrook Valley."

The children instantly start shrieking and jumping around like lunatics.

"Are you serious, Dad?"Henry asks while pumping his fists in the air.

I've made a terrible mistake.The look of pure joy on Henry's face tells me there's no backing out now.The water park also has various rides and fun foods.Its sole purpose seems to be to separate parents from their money while subjecting them to migraine-inducing levels of noise and general bedlam."Yes, well, I suppose we could.Provided we can find our swimsuits---"

"YES!"Charlotte shrieks, jumping up and down.

Amelia grins, and it's a genuine, unguarded smile that transforms her entire face."Can we really go, Dad?"

"Yes, why not," I hear myself saying, though I swear I can already feel dollar bills vanishing from my wallet."It'll be fun for everyone."

Jennifer throws me a look that clearly says,are you completely nuts?But she's still smiling."I should probably mention I don't actually own a swimsuit."

"We can stop at a store on the way," Patty suggests helpfully."I need one too.Haven't been swimming in ages."

"Right then," Dad says, rubbing his hands together."Adventure it is!Though I still think cricket would've been more civilized."

"Cricket is boh-ring," Henry announces with the confidence of someone who's never actually played the game."Water slides are wayyy better."

I catch Jennifer's eye and mouth at her,I'm sorry.She shakes her head, but she's smiling as she whispers to me, "The things you'll do to avoid cricket."

She walks past me to help Charlotte find her swimsuit.

"You're coming too, aren't you, Jennifer?"

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," she confirms."Though I hope you realize you've unleashed a monster.They'll want to go to the water park every weekend now."

"One crisis at a time."I watch as my mother begins listing all the potential dangers of water parks while simultaneously helping Henry locate his swim trunks.

An hour later, after a chaotic stop at a department store, we finally arrive at our destination.The children are practically vibrating with excitement.The parking lot is absolutely packed, which should have been my first warning.The second warning comes when we hear the screams---not screams of terror, but the gleeful shrieks of hundreds of children having the time of their lives.

"Crikey," I mutter under my breath.

Mum gawps at the massive water park complex with the same expression I imagine I'd wear if someone told me I had to wrestle a crocodile.

Jennifer emerges from the car wearing a stunning new sundress, a plastic shopping bag clutched in her hand.I try not to think about what's in that bag.But I fail spectacularly.

"All right, you monsters," I announce with false cheer."Everyone ready for some fun?"

The children don't reply.They're already racing toward the entrance like they've been shot from cannons.I hurry after them while Mum trails behind, muttering about proper queuing etiquette and health regulations.

"Fletcher, wait up!"Jennifer calls, her voice barely audible over the cacophony of splashing water and delighted screams.

I turn back to see her struggling with her bag and purse while trying to keep up.Without thinking, I clasp her hand to help her navigate through the crowd.Her fingers are warm and soft against mine, and I hold on longer than strictly necessary.