Page 109 of Summer with the Single Dad

“Yeah, but like … do you have a crush on him?”

“How do you know about crushes?”

“Sören in my class was talking about all the girls he has crushes on. Girls he likes more than just friends. Like if we were grown-ups, he’d ask us to marry him.”

How many girls did this Sören want in his harem, exactly? “Yeah? What else did Sören say?”

She dismissed Justine’s keen interest with a nonchalant shrug. “He just listed off like five girls. Me, Olivia, Rose-Sunrise, Fawn, and Brynn. He said that if we were all grownups, he’d ask us to marry him and whoever said “yes” first, he’d marry them.”

“I guess that’s one way to do it,” Justine muttered.

“So, do you have a crush on my dad like Sören does on me?”

Justine was still trying to make sense of the name “Rose-Sunrise.” This island was sure full of some hippy weirdos. “I’m just really grateful for your father’s friendship and the kindness he’s shown me.”

Emme exhaled dramatically. “I guess it has only been like a week. I’ve known Sören since kindergarten. Maybe in a few years, you can have a crush on my dad.” She met Justine’s eyes. “But if you can make it happen sooner, I’d like that.” Then she snuggled deeper into Justine’s embrace and the two of them stared out at the ocean where the gulls dipped and dove on the breeze, as they dug their toes into the warm sand.

Justine realized then and there that she could absolutely do this for the rest of her life.

It’d only been a week in the glorious, magical place, but already she knew this was where she wanted to call home. Whether it be with Bennett and the girls, it was too soon to say. But regardless, she needed to make San Camanez permanent. Her heart was healing at a brisk pace, her mind was clearing, and even though she didn’t know what she wanted to do for a career, she knew where she wanted to continue healing. Where she wanted to set down some roots.

And that was here.

The only problem was: land was impossible to find and buy, and she wasn’t sure her heart could take seeing Bennett all the time if things did go south between them.

Emme yawned. “I’m going to ask my dad if he has a crush on you.”

Justine squeezed the little girl tighter, then kissed the top of her head. “Okay. You let me know what he says.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

“Goodnight, Sunshine,” Bennett said, kissing Emme on the cheek as he tucked her in. “Favorite thing about today?”

“Every minute with Justine. It was magical, Daddy.”

“I still can’t believe she bought twenty-two bottles of kombucha for you.”

“Twenty-four, actually. Because she bought us each two at the beginning. And I guess, actually twenty-five because she was there after yoga and bought one. I did the math on how much she spent too.” Her eyes bugged out. “Dad, it was a lot.”

“I’m aware of that.”

“But it helped me realize there are other good flavors of kombucha that I like. It was worth the risk. And I’m going to try new things more often. I’m going to risk not getting what I normally get just to mix it up a little.”

“Well, I’m glad that she helped you. But I feel like Siobhan offers samples, doesn’t she?” He scratched his head, unable to believe that Justine spent that much money on fermented … stuff. Sure, he liked kombucha, but he considered it overpriced, no matter who was selling it. And the stuff brewed there on the island was no exception.

Emme giggled and nodded.

“I’m glad you had a great day with her. Your sister was quite jealous. So I appreciate you not rubbing it in her face.”

“Justine said they’ll have a date of their own one day.”

Bennett merely nodded. “All right, Sunshine. Sweet dreams.”

Emme yawned as Bennett headed for the door. “Dad?”

He paused with his hand on the jamb. “Hmm?”

“Do you have a crush on Justine?”

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