Page 33 of The Summer Arrangement
“Yep. I most certainly am,” I say, puffing my chest proudly.
Milli finally releases Ryan’s leg and looks around. “Where’s my Iz?”
“Oh, she’s at home sleeping… I think,” Lanie muses.
“Not everyone gets up at the crack of dawn like you,” I tease my daughter.
Lanie clears her throat, and I catch her nodding knowingly at her husband.
He agrees to her unspoken message with a nod.
She suddenly turns and asks, “Do the two of you have plans today? We’re barbequing and having a bonfire at the beach.”
My daughter squeals, “We see my Iz?”
“Oh, I wouldn’t want to impose.”
Batting a hand in the air, Lanie shakes her head. “Don’t feel obligated, but honestly the more the merrier. My sisters, their fiancés, and Ryker are joining us.”
Milli puts her hands together and pleads, “Please, Daddy? I wanna see my Iz.”
“Honey, it’s her day off,” I warn, not wanting to intrude.
Lanie quickly assures me, “Oh, she won’t mind. Besides, you’re new in town. You’ve already met everyone, and we’d love to have you.”
“If you’re sure,” I draw out, wondering what Lizzy will think of our sudden invasion.
“Perfect. Why don’t you pop by the house anytime after three this afternoon. You have our address, right?” Lanie asks.
Nodding, I admit, “I do. Should I bring anything?”
“Nothing but yourselves. We’ve got everything covered. We’re picking up last-minute things now.”
“If you change your mind and need something, let me know. I can easily pop into a store if needed,” I offer.
“You’ve got a tiny human to care for. I’m sure being at the store once in a day is more than enough. Besides…” Her brows waggle as she looks to her husband. “We’ve got plenty of other gofers to fetch anything we’d need. Just bring hoodies and warmer clothes for when the sun goes down.”
Compared to California, the weather in Seaside is much cooler. I swear it’s hoodie season all summer. However, it’s unusually warm this week, or so I’m told. I’ll pack appropriate things for Mills and myself, beyond her usual diaper bag.
We say our goodbyes and get back to shopping. Just as they reach the end of the aisle, Ryan turns and asks, “Can Milli bring her bike? I’d love to see her riding solo!”
Milli beams in excitement, and I’m certain Ryan’s just become her new favorite person.
*****
Milli is so eager to see “Her Iz” as she refers to Lizzy, that I can hardly get her down for a nap. Of course, that means she is out cold when it’s time to finally leave for the barbeque. Knowing she’ll never sleep tonight if she doesn’t get up soon, I opt to wake her instead of letting her rise naturally. As I approach her door, I pray to the toddler gods, she won’t be cranky.
The moment she hears the door snick open, my worry is forgotten as she bolts out of bed and gasps with excitement, “Is it time to see My Iz?”
“Yes, baby girl. Let’s get you ready.”
The moment her feet hit the floor, she bolts to the bathroom and changes from her Pull-Up. While we’re in there, I convince her to let me brush her hair and teeth. In a well-practiced move, I quickly pull her hair back into two braids to keep it from beinga tangled mess from the ocean breeze. The moment we’re done, Milli shouts, “Let’s go, Daddy! I wanna see My Iz.”
You and me both, kiddo.
I’m not sure if it’s Milli’s eagerness or the mere thought of spending the evening with Lizzy that’s got me amped up as well. As weird as things started, we’ve settled into a routine. She shows up before I need to be at work, I join them in any activity they have going on if my schedule allows, and she goes home at night. I know my daughter thinks she’s incredible, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss her on days we don’t see her either.
For the last week or so, I’ve taken to working late at night once Milli’s asleep, just so I can catch an outing at the aquarium or the bookstore with the girls during the day. Sure, I want to spend time with my daughter, but I’d be a liar if I didn’t admit Lizzy factors into my new late-night work routine.
