Page 68 of The Lake House

Then I look over at Lily, who’s been taking in this entire conversation and say, “See, I told you everyone calls me Giules.” I wink at her and she smiles wildly.

Declan gets comfortable in the driver’s seat and once we’re all buckled up and ready to go, he says, “Everyone good?”

“Yeah, we’re all good to go back here,” Roger answers.

Declan then faces me with a smile. “You ready, babe?”

I smile back. “I’m ready.”

“Great, then off we go.”

“To Party Penguin’s Pizza!” Lily yells from the back.

And then, as if we had all planned it out, we repeat, “To Party Penguin’s Pizza!”

* * *

The place reminds me of Chuck E. Cheese. I can see why Lily likes it here. It’s very colorful and festive… It’s a kid’s dream with games and prizes. And of course, pizza.

Once we order and take a seat in one of the booths—Declan and me on one side, Roger, Rachel, and Lily across from us—we dive into conversation.

“So, Giules, how are you liking Silver Mist? I mean, I know you were familiar with the place, but it’s different when you’re just visiting. Now that you’re actually living out here, do you like it?” Rachel asks, then sips on her seltzer.

“I absolutely love it out here. It’s totally different from the city I used to live in.” I answer.

“How so?” Rachel pushes.

I suck in a breath, thinking of just a few months back and how different my life was then. “Well, for one, it’s so relaxing out here. I used to live in a city, and everything was fast and chaotic. I really love having a moment to breathe and just taking it all in… especially with the view of the lake from my backyard.”

Roger nods. “Silver Mist Lake is a beauty. People from all over the country come here, especially during the summers, to see it.”

So true. I was one of them while I was growing up. Granted, I used to come to visit my grandparents, even so, I can see how the gorgeous lake would attract visitors.

“Daddy, I’m hungry!” Lily yells. “Is the food coming soon?”

Declan reaches over the table to grab Lily’s face in his hand, stroking her little chin. “It should be here any minute, princess.”

Her big green eyes open wide as she takes me in and then asks, “Do you like pizza, Giules?”

I smile. “I love pizza.” I lean in and whisper, “It’s actually my favorite food.”

Lily smiles widely. “Me too! I like fish-sties and fries Aunt Cherrie makes, too.”

I chuckle at her pronunciation and then sit back as Declan’s arm wraps around my waist, tugging me closer to him. His touch excites every cell within me, causing a surge of electricity to swim around inside me.

“Here it is!” Roger exclaims, as our waiter brings over the order to the table.

“Yay!” Lily bellows.

Declan grabs the plates that were stacked to the left; he hands all of us one. “Okay, everyone, dig in.”

* * *

To my surprise, pizza from Party Penguin’s wasn’t bad. It was actually pretty good. Way better than what I remember Chuck E. Cheese to be.

After we ate, Rachel and Roger took Lily to play games, while Declan and I remained in the booth. I turned and leaned into him as both his arms embraced me.

“Thanks for being you,” he whispers into my right ear and then places a kiss on my cheek.

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