“’Cos I think I’ll be great. I just have to do everything exactly the opposite from what Christine and my dad did. I mean, I should know all about what parents shouldn’t do to their kids, you know?”

Spencer just gave a small, sad smile in return. Ashley was right, her parents had done nothing to make her childhood a happy one.

“Well, if what I’ve seen today is anything to go by, you’ll do alright.”

Ashley for her part had another thought floating around in her head. She had a dreamy smile on her face as she spoke.

“Yeah, it felt good so far. I think this is what it should feel like, will feel like to have a family.”

Spencer suddenly understood there was a hidden meaning. In Ashley’s eyes they had been a family today, the three of them. This was what it would be like if they had a child together. The thought buried itself deep inside Spencer and for a moment she could imagine it. Her and Ashley and a child. A family.

“Not that I’m planning that anytime soon. It’s in my ten year plan, you know?”

Spencer locked eyes with Ashley and could see the silent question, the silent plea in her eyes. She wanted Spencer to think about it, to take it into consideration when she finally decided if she wanted Ashley or not. It was another promise, however silently made, of her dedication.

“Yeah, I know. I’ve got myself one of those as well.”

Ashley just smiled and lay back on her towel. She was not about to push her luck for more, not now at least. Good things came to those who wait, after all.

They had spent the rest of the afternoon having lunch and swimming some more. By the time they entered the house again Clay was dead on his feet and in need of a nap. Spencer lay him down in her room and told him she would wake him in a little while and they could watch some cartoons together.

By the time she got to the kitchen and Ashley he was fast asleep.

“Is the little guy out?’

Spencer gave a smile.

“He was snoring by the time I closed the door. I think we tired him out.”