Page 44 of Quintessentially

“Tell me one thing,” she says.

“Not the time.”

“No, tell me if you’re smiling.”

I let out a sigh. “I am. I’m not going to expect anything, but yeah, I’m smiling.”

“Love you,” she says.

“I love you too.”

Soon, I turn off the main road and up the lane toward the house. Once I park the car, I lift my phone from the cupholder and notice a text message. I click on the icon.

The first message is from me to Dax, the one he sent.

“Hi Dax. If you’re thinking about kissing me, I’m thinking about the same thing.”

I shake my head.

I was thinking about it. The next message is from him to me.

“I never meant to stop. Do you think we could try to go again?”

Laying my head against the seat, I sigh. Don’t do this, Dax. Don’t give me hope. I’m not sure I can take you breaking me, not again. And I won’t let you break Molly. I text back.

“See you tomorrow night.”

My phone pings immediately.

“I can’t wait.”

My heart beats too fast as I stare at his reply. Instead of answering, I look over toward the house. In the dimming sunlight of the dusk sky, Mom, Dad, and Molly are in the yard playing wiffle ball. Ever since Molly watched Uncle Justin play softball, she’s been obsessed.

I laugh as my dad slows and Molly runs after him with the ball. Opening the car door, I yell, “You’re out!”

“Mommy,” Molly says as she drops the ball and runs toward me. “Did you see me get Granddad out?”

Reaching down, I pick her up. She’s taller every day, yet I want to hold her.

Wrapping her legs around my waist, she looks at me with her daddy’s eyes. “Did you see?”

“I did.”

Mom looks at her watch. “I was worried. Was there a problem at the store?”

“Very busy,” I say, letting Molly’s feet reach the ground. “The festival traffic has started. I got some good news.”

Dad looks my way and asks, “The store?”

My smile grows. “He’s going to sign it over.” I do a little jump. “It’s really mine.”

Mom comes my way and wraps me in a hug. “Praise the Lord.” Her eyes narrow. “Who gave you the news?”

“Dax.”

“You spoke to him?” Dad asks.

I nod. “I’ll tell you more after someone goes to bed.”

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