Page 48 of One Sultry Summer

“They went outside. Something about the clear sky and being able to see stars. Which is weird, because everyone can see the stars with the naked eye.”

“Being in the city, it’s harder to see the stars at night because of light pollution.”

“Light pollution?”

“Artificial lights from streetlights and buildings. They overwhelm the faint lights from the stars.”

He nodded his head as he understood the phenomenon. “No wonder they are all laying out on the front lawn.” He smiled and it made me weak in the knees. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“Putting Emily to bed.”

“No problem. She’s a pretty awesome little lady.”

“I had no idea you could sing.”

“I have frequent shows I do.”

“Really?”

I laughed out loud. “Hell no. I’m only kidding. The only time I sing is in the shower.” I looked at the kitchen counter and froze. “Where is my pie and ice cream?”

“Devin took care of it.”

“He put it in therefrigerator?”

“No. I mean, like he ate it.”

“That little son of a … where’s he at?” I started to walk towards the front of the house. Wyatt grabbed me at the elbow and turned me around.

“It’s okay, there’s more.” He loosened his hold onto me and proceeded to get me another slice of pie a la mode. He then served himself a brownie with a side of vanilla ice cream. I lifted an eyebrow as I love brownies over apple pie. As much as I desired, I didn’t ask to switch, instead, I wanted to savor a quiet moment alone with Wyatt.

Chapter 18

Wyatt Woods

It feels strange to wake up to a quiet house after Valerie and her friends stopped by last night. No longer are there any voices and laughter, just the ticktock of the grandfather clock and the coffee maker brewing.

My thoughts turned to Lauren’s parents, and I became concerned. I haven’t checked in on them since the storm. Guilt settles within me that I haven’t done so. They are Emily’s grandparents, and they've been sweet to me even though I am no longer their son-in-law.

I looked out the window and saw Emily sitting on the grass playing with her dolls. Her long, dark hair flowed behind her as the gentle breezepicked up, making the leaves swirl in circles. I can’t wait until she’s old enough to attend school so she can make friends of her own age. Most of the children in the daycare are much younger than her.

I push those thoughts aside and pick up my phone to call the Chandlers. It rings several times before I hear Jenny’s voice on the other end. “Hello?”

“Good morning Jenny.”

“Oh, Wyatt. How are you this morning?”

“I’m good. I wanted to check in to see how you two managed through the storm.”

“You know us, we’re holding ourselves up the best we can.”

“Do you mind if I swing by today?”

“You never have to ask, just swing by Sugar. You know you’re always welcome.”

“I’ll pack a bag for Emily. You know as soon as she gets there, she’s going to want to sleep over.”

---