Page 84 of The Double Play

I move so I’m hovering over her again. She gazes up at me with so much love in her eyes that my breath catches. If I had a ring on me, I’d be tempted to propose right here, right now.

“Us against the world,” I repeat my promise from the day I told her I loved her.

Her smile grows. “Forever.”

Forever.

Chapter forty

Hazel James

Three months later - August

Awarmbreezecarryingnotes of pine and magnolia caresses my skin. I close my eyes and breathe in the scent of home with a smile on my face. It’s been a little over two months of living in Emmett’s parents’ house. While I love the adorable little brick house, I feel most at home when I’m at Emmett’s place. I spend the majority of my time there anyway, between spending time with Emmett and nannying June.

Today Emmett told me to take some time for myself. He dropped Raven off at a friend’s house and had a daddy-daughter day with June. I got pictures of them throughout the day. They got crepes, then went to the zoo, had lunch, and watched a movie together at home. I spent the whole day wishing I was with them. However, I did enjoy my day alone. I washed my hair and let it air dry in the sun as I read a book I got when I took June to the library last week. I played my Nintendo Switch for way longer than I usually allow myself. Ordered a pizza that I ate for lunch and had enough leftovers for dinner. Now I’m watching the sun set below the treeline while crocheting on the porch swing.

All in all, it’s been a fantastic day. Nothing beats time with Emmett and June, but I’m still grateful for the break. Becoming the full-time caretaker for Raven has had its ups and downs. She’s a teenager longing for independence, but she also missed out on being a kid. We both did. So I’ve been walking a tightrope between parent and sister. There’s been some door slamming, arguments, and tears (mostly from me), but we’re figuring it out together. Having today as a break from being theresponsible guardianhas helped me relax significantly. I’ll have to thank Emmett once he starts answering my texts. I’m sure he’s just busy getting June ready for bed.

I lower one of my bare feet to the porch and use it to push the swing back so it will gain momentum again. Then I pause my crocheting to lean back and simply enjoy the sunset. Views like this keep me from missing the city. I’d take a pasture view over skyscrapers any day.

My phone buzzes in the front pocket of my overalls. I slide it out and grin when I see Emmett’s name.

Emmett: Meet me at our spot when the stars come out.

A colony of butterflies takes flight in my abdomen. Months later, I still get giddy at the thought of meeting him beneath the stars.

Hazel: So bossy. What if I don’t want to?

Emmett: Don’t make me come throw you over my shoulder, Wildflower.

Hazel: Now I’m tempted to stay right here until you do.

Emmett: Please, Wildflower.

I bite my lip.

Hazel: Okay, since you said please. I’ll see you soon.

A giggle escapes me. I press my hands to my warm face, then kick my feet. How is this my life? What did I do to deserve this?

Incapable of focusing on the blanket I’m working on, I pack it up in the basket I use for my current projects and head inside. The cool air is a shock to my sun-warmed skin, making goosebumps form on my arms. I pour myself some water in a big mason jar, then pad into my room. It’s the place that feels most like me, since I brought all my decorations from the apartment. I didn’t want to change much, even if Emmett said I could do whatever I wanted to the house. Something in me just couldn’t commit to making this place a home in the fullest sense of the word. My heart belongs to Emmett and June. If I’m building a home, I want them–and Raven–to be at the center of it.

I press the mason jar to my face to cool down, then take a few gulps before heading into the attached bathroom. Emmett has seen me with bedhead, on bad skin days, and even when I was sick with the flu. I know he thinks I’m beautiful no matter what I do or wear, but I can’t help wanting to spruce myself up a little bit before seeing him.

I leave my hair down, enjoying the windswept look I have going on. I swipe on some mascara, brow gel, and a lip balm that tastes like lemon meringue pie. My face is already pink from the sun, so I don’t bother with blush, instead opting to dust highlighter over my cheekbones for a little extra glow. When I’m done, I feel more put together, and the butterflies come back. Waiting until dark is going to be torturous.

Maybe I can come over sooner. I pull out my phone.

Hazel: Do you mind if I come over now? I’m going a little stir crazy after being alone all day.

Emmett: You have to wait until dark, but check your front porch for something that will help with the wait.

My eyebrows shoot up. How did anything get delivered without me hearing someone come by? I walk to the front door and open it to find a brown paper bag next to an iced matcha with pink foam. A smile stretches my lips. I grab the items, noticing that the cup doesn’t have much condensation on it. Whoever brought it must have come just minutes ago. I open the bag once I’m inside and see a large chocolate chip cookie and an envelope.

Setting down the drink and bag, I open the envelope. Inside is a princess-themed card that looks like something June would pick out. I flip open the card and immediately start to tear up at the sight of June’s handwriting.

Hi Miss Hazel!

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