Page 6 of One Sultry Summer

Emily’s shoulders slumped, her head hanging low as if the weight of the world rested upon her. I know she means well. “Do you know what I canuse right now, Emily? Daddy needs a hug. That’s the best medicine you could give me right now.”

Slowly, her head rises and her blue eyes are filled with unshed tears. She throws her arms around my leg. I bend down, gently unwrap her arms from my leg, and envelop her small frame within my arms. My heart breaks seeing how sensitive she is.

I pick her up and place her in her chair. “Thank you for making me feel better. Are you going to grow up and be a doctor like Daddy?”

“Only if I can go around and give hugs and make people feel better.”

“Well, that’s not how it works, but your display of kindness and consideration for others will go a long way.” We eat in silence, and I wonder if I’m doing okay as a dad.

Self-doubt rears its ugly head. Am I doing everything I can to help Emily? Is she missing anything because she doesn’t have a mom? A sigh escapes my lips.

“Daddy?”

“Yes, baby girl?”

“Are you working today?”

“Nope, today’s Saturday. Do you want to do something special?”

“Can we go visit Momma?” A lump forms in my throat. I nodded and smiled at her. After we’re done with breakfast, I pick up the plates, wash them, and place them in the drying rack. I lean against the sink and look out at the window facing the backyard, and the sun shines over the apple orchard. Soon, the apples will be ready for picking. This place holds a special spot in my heart and my time spent with Lauren. She always wanted a home that was warm and inviting.

I turn and look around the rustic kitchen. Even though she’s not here, I can picture her making apple pies and telling stories to Emily while she bakes.

“Daddy, I’m ready.” I look down and see she’s changed into a sundress and cowboy boots.

A smile fills my heart. “We can’t go anywhere until I brush your hair.”

“No, let’s go. I want Mommy to see my dress.”

I shake my head and give her a stern expression. “Emily Rose Woods.”

She sighs because she knows I’m not going to give in. I pull out a spare hairbrush and a small box filled with hair barrettes and rubber bands from the junk drawer. I boost her up and sit her on the bar stool. I gently tugged the brush through her tangled hair. Once the tangles have been taken care of, I ask if Emily has a requested style.

“Do you want to wear your hair down, or do you want to wear braids?”

“Braids, please. Can you put something right here?” She points above her ear. I placed a sparkly butterfly clip after I braided her hair. Before I forget, I pick up my phone from the counter and shoot my mom a text message letting her know where we’re going. “Let me put on my shoes andI’ll be ready to go.” I slip on some shoes, pick up my keys and wallet, and put them in my pocket. “Are you ready to go?”

“I’ve been waiting for ages.” She runs to the back door and waits for me.

I can’t help but roll my eyes at her response. “Ages, huh? You don’t say? Just wait until you get older. You’ll understand the concept of time better.” I opened the door, and we descended the staircase. “Guess what we almost forgot to do?” Emily’s eyes go wide with curiosity.

“We forgot to feed Sir Clucks-A-Lot and the rest of the chickens. Can you help me get that done and then we can be on our way?”

“Sure.”

We open the coop and pour food into the feeder which should last a couple of days. One of the chickens likes to peck at feet and ankles. I’m glad Emily decided to wear boots. However, I see the offending chicken lift its head and charge at us. As quickly as I can, I pick up Emily beforeElvis Pecksley can attack. I waved my hand to shoo it away. Emily shouts, “Bad chicken!”

The chicken backs up and I open the door so we can escape. I place Emily on the ground and lock the chicken coop. “Tell me again why we have chickens?”

“You said because Nana needs them for her inn.”

“That’s right.” I mumble under my breathdamn chickens.

“Did you say something, Daddy?”

“Nope. I’m ready to go now.”

“Yay! Let’s see Mommy!”

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