She chuckled. “You didn’t have to give your last name. Oliver is an unusual one.”
“What’s that in the background? Are you at work?”
“No, I’m out in the yard. I have a little pool set up and my girls are splashing and talking, to each other, I think.”
“You think?”
“They have a language all their own. They seem to be communicating.”
“That’s fascinating. Can I come over and see? I’m off today too.”
“You wouldn’t find this fun.”
“Let me be the judge of that. I’ll bring food. What would you want for lunch?
“I like salad. With chicken on it.”
“What about them?”
“They still take bottles. And eat baby food.”
“I have your address. I’ll see you soon.”
Whistling again, Oliver picked up two salads at The Garden, a restaurant near her house and arrived at her doorstep a half hour later. He could hear them in the backyard and followed the slate path out. Two little munchkins sat in a small pool, filling pint-sized pails and dumping the water over each’s other heads.Sitting on a blanket next to the pool, Anabelle’s laughter tinkled into the hot July sun.
He called out, “Hello there.”
“Hi.” She stood. And looked adorable in yellow jean shorts and white cropped top. He could see tanned skin peek out.
“I come bearing gifts.”
“Put the bag on the picnic table under the umbrella.”
He set the food down and approached her. Her hair was back in a ponytail; he tucked a stray strand behind her ear and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. They both dropped down. The twins noticed him and at the same time splashed water at him. His shirt got wet, but he laughed. So did she.
“What brings you here today?”
“Harmony Healing is closed on Sundays. I told you two nights ago I’d call.”
She angled her head to the girls. “I think this is more than you bargained for.”
“Never.” He smiled. “Lucy and Emily, right?”
“Yes.”
“Hello little cuties.”
They splashed him again. Anabelle shook her head. “No more, ladies. Ready for food?”
“Foo foo foo,” one of them said.
“Emily is very vocal. Her sister not so much. It’s time they got out.”
“I’ll get one of them.”
“You sure?”
“I have tons of nieces and nephews.”