Three's Company

15. Beach Bums

Beth's (Mommy) POV

  It's a bittersweet moment when the time comes to leave my family's home. After a lazy morning, our bags are once again packed into the car. I'm so happy with how the trip went. Mikey didn't act out nearly as much as I know he's capable of. My parents were supportive as always. Paisley had a great time, Jordan too, despite us falling into the lake (which really was her fault). She luckily didn't hold a grudge for long and we were all able to have fun at the fair. I can't believe Paisley had never been to one. It only makes me realize I don't know much about her family or how she grew up. Jordan and I have met her sister, Maddie of course, but neither girl ever speaks of their parents. I'd be curious to learn more about our little one's upbringing if she's willing to share.

  We say our final goodbyes and share hugs with my family, then we're back on the road with the promise of visiting again soon.

  "Mommy we go beach now?" Paisley asks from the backseat.

  "It's a few hours to the hotel and then we'll just relax for the evening. We can go to the beach tomorrow." I explain.

  "Oh." Paisley says, sounding a little disappointed.

  "Don't worry Pumpkin, we'll spend plenty of time at the beach." I assure her.

  "Mm and we bought you some beach toys to play in the sand with." Jordan adds to which I nod, though I don't remember buying anything of the sort. Jordan loves to shop though, so I'm not surprised in hearing this. I don't even question most of the boxes that show up on our front porch, knowing my wife is an avid online shopper.

  "Ooooh yay! What are dey?" Paisley squeals.

  "Everything you need to make a super cool sand castle." Jordan says cheerfully, which only intensifies Paisley's squeals of excitement. I chuckle and remind our little one to use her inside voice in the car.

  "Mama 'elp build?" She whispers loudly.

  "Sure Princess." Jordan says, turning in her seat to smile at Paisley.
 
  "You guys are still up to go to Williamsburg too, right?" I ask. It was the one place I wanted to visit while we're in the area. I know Jordan isn't a huge fan of the historical stuff and it's probably safe to assume Paisley will find it boring. But, a deal's a deal. They agreed to an afternoon exploring the colonial district and I agreed to lounging on the beach for the remainder of our trip.

  "Ugh I guess." Jordan groans and I can see Paisley shrug in the rear view.

  "It's a cool place, I promise." I say, though I haven't been since I was a kid. I'm excited to revisit and maybe learn something new.

  "You don't have to lie to us." Jordan laughs.

  "No appreciation!" I huff, trying not to chuckle at Jordan's lack of enthusiasm. At the very least I think she'll approve of the cute cafes, where I imagine we can have lunch. Plus there's places she can shop so that's usually enough to nip any complaints.

  "For you love, we'll go. Don't expect us to fall in love with the place." Jordan says, still smirking as she reaches over and pats my thigh.

  "Yeah yeah yeah. I don't ask for much you beach bums." I say with a dramatic eye roll. I'm going to take my good old time exploring tomorrow, if only to drive Jordan nuts.

  The drive goes smoothly and we arrive at our hotel a little before the dinner hour. Jordan is checking us in, while I scoop a sleeping Paisley into my arms. She stayed up most of the ride, having only slept for about the last half hour.

  Jordan meets us at the car and flashes the room keys in her hands with a smile.

  "California king here we come!" She laughs. She wasn't the biggest fan of how tight our sleeping arrangement was at my parents. She is definitely a woman who enjoys the ability to spread out while she sleeps. Jordan grabs most of the bags, since I'm holding Paisley and we head up to the room.