Page 39 of The Summer Arrangement
As if on cue, one of Ryker’s catch on fire, and Milli’s eyes turn round as saucers.
“Just pull it up slowly and blow on it like this,” Ryker demonstrates, and the flames disappear, leaving one blackened marshmallow behind.
Milli’s mouth drops into a pout thinking her snack has been ruined, but I quickly point out. “Don’t worry, Mills. Burnt marshmallows taste just as good sometimes.”
“That’s where we’ll have to agree to disagree,” Lizzy counters. “Somepeople like them that way, but I much prefer the golden-brown ones roasted to perfection.”
“Here, here!” Sloane chants, and we all burst into laughter.
“So… What’s this I hear about you having a birthday next week?” Ryker asks Lizzy after handing my daughter an assembled s’more with the less burnt mallow inside.
“It’s your birthday?” Milli asks in excitement.
“Yep, the baby of our family isfinallyturning twenty-one next Saturday. We’re all gonna be there to help her celebrate!”
“Well, count me in!” Ryker exclaims. “I’ll never miss a twenty-one run!” He’s quiet for a moment, then he says, “Hey, with you being the only single one in this bunch of love birds, you can count on me as your wingman for the night.”
Instantly, I see red.
The thought of him “helping” her while she’s drunk is unacceptable.
Lizzy chuckles. “Oh, Ryker. I’m happy to have you join us, but...” Glancing to me, she says, “I do just fine on my own, thanks.”
“I go, too?” Milli pipes in, and my scorching-hot rage simmers to a slow burn.
I’m being a jealous asshole, and there’s no way I’d ever let my daughter see this side of me in action. Taking in a deep breath to calm myself, I point out, “Sorry, Kiddo. Twenty-first birthdays happen in places where only grown-ups can go. Maybe we can celebrate Lizzy’s birthday on another day instead?”
Milli’s face drops into a pout, then she gasps and points a finger in the air. “Can I make a cake?”
Lizzy’s light laughter is a direct shot to my heart. “Of course you can, sweet girl.”
As the conversation around us flows into their father coming for a visit soon, I’m sure details are mentioned, but my focus remains on Lizzy holding my beautiful daughter. Now that the excitement of cake has worn off, I notice Milli’s eyes drooping, and she pulls one of Lizzy’s arms around her.
When the breeze kicks up, Lizzy effortlessly leans forward and pulls the blanket she had draped over her shoulders around the front of them. Before I can even offer to help, she has them covered and snuggles Milli closer.
Milli visibly relaxes and surprisingly, so do I. With one hand, she fists the blanket and leans further into Lizzy’s chest. The moment Lizzy starts patting Milli’s back, I know she’s a goner. It’s a trick I’ve learned long ago that makes my daughter fall asleep faster than the speed of light once she’s relaxed.
I’m not sure how long I get lost in watching the two of them, but one thing is certain—Elizabeth Lancaster is not only the G.O.A.T when it comes to caring for Emilia, she’s quickly becoming someone I’m not certain I can live without either.
My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I quickly pull it out to make sure it’s not Lizzy. I’ve been so swamped with work. It’s only Tuesday afternoon, but I feel as if the week has been a month long already. Hopefully, Lizzy won’t mind staying late again tonight. There’s no way I’m finishing what needs to be done at a decent time—and unfortunately, none of this particular project can be done at home.
Megan: Hey little bro—I’ve got a few days off this week. Can I swing by and pick up my favorite niece to take her to Disney on Ice?
I’m twenty-eight… and there’s nothing little about me I almost type… but think better of it. This is my sister we’re talking about, so I point out the obvious.
Me: There’s no swinging by when it comes to Seaside. You know that, right?
Megan: Semantics. I’m renting a car (with a car seat), and I’ll pop out Thursday afternoon. I’ll stay in your guest room for the night, then drive to PDX. Mills and I will have a spa day on Friday. See the show on Saturday afternoon and come back sometime Sunday. I’m scheduled to fly out Monday evening.
Hi to you, too, Megan. So nice of you toaskme if I’m okay with this.
Me: Do I get a choice in this? Or are you being my bossy big sister again?
Megan: Wise ass… can I take my favorite niece or what?
If I thought my schedule was full, Megan’s is even busier. I’d never deny her time with Emilia, but I’m her younger brother. It’s my duty to be difficult.
Me: Is that all I am to you? The one who supplies your baby fixes?
