5:28 Just A Friend

Shawn stood at the door holding Clare. He looked back at Shelby wanting to ask her something before he left.

“We had a great time today. Your family is very kind.”

Shelby smiled and nodded. “They are wonderful. Thank you for coming and bring Clare over to play with Campbell.”

“She enjoys playing with him. I was wondering if you would like to go out to dinner and maybe a movie with me tomorrow night? Just us. I can find a sitter for the kids.”

She bit her lip and shook her head. “I’m sorry, Shawn. I can’t. It wouldn’t be right. I’m married.”

That was surprising news to him. “Oh. I thought…I never see…I’m sorry. Just forget I asked.”

Shelby could see that he was now confused and felt the need to explain. 

“Philip is in the army. He has been away for a few years now. The army did have him classified as missing in action after his helicopter was shot down. They declared him dead last week, but they have no proof of it. I still believe he is out there somewhere, alive, and for some reason is unable to come home.”

Shawn listened then nodded. “I hope he finds his way home soon. You deserve to be with someone who makes you happy.”

She gave him a small smile. “So do you, Shawn.”

She saw Clare yawn as she laid her head on her father’s shoulder.

“You should probably get her to bed. It looks like she is ready to drift off right now.” 

Shawn nodded. “We’ll see you in the morning when I drop her off.”

Shelby nodded and smiled. “Sweet dreams to you both.”

She shut and locked the door after they left. She closed her eyes and sighed. “Philip, you need to come home. Things are starting to get confusing and hard her without you.”

“Mama?”

She opened her eyes and looked at Campbell. “Are you ready for your bath?”

She picked up her son and carried him upstairs to get him ready for bed.