Page 15 of One Sultry Summer

I smacked him on the shoulder. “Just stop.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you at a loss for words.”

Come to think of it, neither have I, but I didn’t want to say anything out loud. I’ve always prided myself on being career-focused and purposeful. Personal connections were and have always been secondary in my life, which suited me fine – or so I thought.

Chapter 6

Wyatt Woods

The phone rings, waking me from my slumber. I pick up the handset from the cradle and rub my eyes.

“Good morning, Sugar britches.”

“Mom?” I glance at the clock on the bedside table; it reads five thirty AM. “Is anything wrong?”

“No, nothing wrong as such. I was wonderin’ what’s your schedule look like?”

“Since the festival is today, the office is closed. We wanted the entire office to attend. However, I’m on call.”

“Are you available this mornin’?”

“Sure. What do you need?”

“I need an extra pair of hands in the kitchen, one of my employees has called in sick.”

“Do they have something contagious?”

“No. I think they wanted to play hooky.”

“I just need a few minutes to take care of the animals and shower quickly.”

“Thank you, son.”

“You know you can count on me.”

“I know. That’s what makes you special.”

I place the handset back on the receiver, sit up, pull the covers back, and make my way to the bathroom. When I return, I close the window to my bedroom. Last night, there was a small breeze circulating in the room. Now, the brisk morning air makes me shiver.

I pull on a pair of sweats over my boxer briefs and open the bedroom door. I glanced down the hallway to the closed door at the far end. I turn and ignore my grandmother’s voice telling me it’s time to let it go.

There are times when you know you shouldlisten to advice from your loved ones. I just have a hard time opening the door to the past and seeing the baby’s room. It’s just another reminder of the life that should have been. I take a few steps further and peek in Emily’s room and see she’s still sleeping. I’m glad the sound of the phone ringing didn’t wake her.

I stepped softly toward her, gently tucking the covers up snugly, and kissed her on the head.

As I head out, I hear her voice. “Daddy, is it time to get up?”

“No, not yet.”

“Then why are you up?”

“Time for me to feed the animals.”

“Can I help?”

“Sleep a little longer. I’ll wake you soon.”

“Okay.” A peaceful expression on her face assured me that she was back to sleep. Her dark hair frames her little face. She makes me feel lucky to be alive and erases the turmoil that had plagued me for a moment. She gives me purposeto live on.

---