Page 23 of Chasing Sunrise

Shelly smiled. “My husband and I found it at a garage sale right after we married. Got it cheap. The people didn’t know what they had. We love it.”

“It’s absolutely stunning.”

They continued down the hallway to the kitchen/den. The bright kitchen was painted yellow. A butcher block island sat in the middle and a small table and chairs were positioned by the back door. The den had cream leather furniture.

Amanda set the cake she’d brought by the sink and peeked out the window. The setting sun cast tree shadows across the backyard. A little girl with hair so black it looked blue, stood on the lawn moving her arms and body in slow motion. Her concentration focused on her hands as they floated in the air. Then she rested her arms to her side. Painstakingly slow, she raised one arm and punched her fist out in front of her. Her knuckles hit an invisible wall and returned to her waist. Her entire body rose and fell with her breath.

“That’s our granddaughter, Marisol.” Love and pride rang in Shelly’s voice. “Her mother taught her Tai Chi.”

“How old is she?”

“Six.”

Kasey crept up behind the little girl, but she suddenly turned around and shook a finger at him. He chased her around before scooping her up. The child cackled with laughter so loudly she could be heard through the closed window.

“Her uncles spoil her beyond belief.” Kasey’s mom exhaled. “Her mom and dad divorced when she turned two. Her mother works for Doctors Without Borders. Marisol rarely sees her.”

Amanda frowned. “I’m sorry.”

“It is what it is. My son is happy raising her, and we’re thrilled to help him.”

Kasey and Marisol entered the kitchen. Dressed in shorts, a tank top, and sneakers, he looked completely different than last night. His hair was shorter and his beard gone. His face was tan until the beard line. His hazel eyes smiled at her. “Hey.”

Surprised at his handsomeness, she returned, “Hello.”

“Marisol, this is Amanda.” Kasey gestured with his arm. “She’s a counselor at Goodson High School.”

“Hi.” The precious dark-eyed girl grabbed a stool out of the pantry and carried it to the sink. She stood on it, started the water, and soaped her hands. “We have a counselor, but I don’t know what she does.”

“Amanda helps kids take the right classes and get into college,” Kasey answered.

“And a whole lot more,” Shelly interjected.

Amanda nodded,a whole lot more.

Marisol turned on the stool and took a towel from the drawer to dry her hands. “Do I need to meet with my counselor so I know I’m taking the right classes to get into the college of my choice?”

What a go-getter.

“You’re in first grade,” Kasey replied. “The classes you’re in are the only ones you can take.”

Marisol addressed Amanda. “When I get into high school, will you help me so I’m taking the right classes?”

Kasey said, “She’s inquisitive to the nth degree.”

“I know what nth degree means, Uncle K. It means extremely.”

“Well, you are,” he returned.

“Kasey, please help me in the dining room,” Shelly said.

“I’ll be right back.” Kasey followed his mom out of the room and left Amanda alone with Marisol.

“I’m impressed.” Amanda smirked. “How do you know about the nth degree?”

“My dad said those same words one day, and I asked my mom about them. She’s in Mali, Africa, helping people who don’t have a doctor.”

“I see. I bet you miss her.”

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