Page 32 of XOXO, Summer
But more importantly, why do I find it so cute that in the short span of him being here, he’s weaseled his way into the family dynamics? At this rate, I’m going to be hanging his and Roman’s stockings next to mine come December.
Oh God. My knees don’t stand a chance against this scene playing out. I flatten my hand to the wall to keep me upright before I swoon to the floor.
Dolly isn’t holding up much better. If she were wearing red, I’d say the bright color is reflecting on her cheeks, but even I can’t make up an excuse for the blushing and girlish giggle she releases. I’m thinking someone has a crush on Daniel Sutton, along with me. It’s easy to do.
She says, “We make sure to dress for breakfast, but we’ll make an exception for you, Mr. Sutton.”Shameless.
He’s already pulling it over his head. “No need to treat me special. Happy to oblige by the rules.”Theseare the rules he has no problem following? It’s only mine that are challenged. Got it. I roll my eyes as I lower my hand to my side again.
Ushering him toward the kitchen, she says, “I’ve made some breakfast. Let’s get you and Roman fed.”
“What am I?” I ask, holding my arms out. “Old news around here?”
Dolly looks back, and her smile softens. “Don’t worry, honey, I never forget about my girls.”
Not fifteen minutes later, I hear, “Save some sausage for Summer.” I cringe. “She loves her meat.” Dying would be less painful than this.
Reaching over to point out the eggs left on his son’s plate, Daniel adds, “It’s good to know she has a healthy appetite for meat.”
Roman adds, “I like meat.”
Dolly sets a basket of biscuits fresh from the oven in the center of the table. “She was always my good eater.”
We all reach for one at the same time. I let Roman get one first, then Daniel, but he hands his to me.She always was my good eater.Ugh. He’s using my love language against me. I ignore the fluttering in my chest as I accept it, noting how careful I need to be with him. He’s smooth. Maybe too smooth. “I think that’s more information than he needs, Dolly. Daniel doesn’t want to hear about my eating habits.”
“Sure, I do.” He takes a bite of the fluffy biscuit, releasing some steam from inside. I can relate to the same need for a steamy release.
Dolly comes to stand behind me, a spatula in one hand and a dishcloth in the other. “Nothing wrong with your appetite, Summer. Look at her figure, Mr. Sutton. I don’t know how she packs it all in.”
He’s not even trying to hold back the laughter. “It’s a fine figure. And you can call me Daniel.”
She swats my shoulder with a dishcloth. “See, even Daniel agrees.”Kill me now.
“As fun as this is, I need to get over to the cottage. Mrs.Dover somehow got a plumber to come out today to look at the situation and hopefully fix it.”
“On a Sunday, the Lord’s Day?” It’s surprising to hear the disgrace in her tone when she doesn’t even go to church. She used to say no one had to be in a particular building to talk to God, and it was safer for her if she didn’t enter.
“Yes, on a Sunday.” I push up from the chair. Giving Dolly a hug, I add, “I need to get going. Thanks for breakfast.”
She wraps her arms around me. “You be good, okay?”
“Always am.”
“Too good if you ask me,” she smarts like it’s an inside joke with Daniel. He already knows I’m hard up. My grandmother confirming that to the world, a.k.a. the guy I’m interested in, is plain humiliating.
A chair grinding against the tile has me looking back. Daniel stands with his plate in his hand. “I’ll go with you.” The butterflies in my stomach flutter, or it’s the sausage not agreeing with me today. I’m hoping for the former.
Dolly clasps her hands together loud enough to startle me. “That’s perfect. You two run along while I take Roman to the dock to fish.” She collects Daniel’s plate and then mine. “What do you say?”
He pops up from his chair. “Can I stay and fish, Dad?”
Coming to stand beside me, Daniel asks, “Promise to listen to Dolly?”
Roman’s gaze volleys from his dad to Dolly, and he nods. “I promise.”
As I head for the door, Daniel moves around the table to bring him to his side. “I won’t be too long, buddy. But Dolly has Summer’s number if you need anything. You can reach me that way.” He places a kiss on his head.
“Okay.” The look Roman gives him causes myheart to clench and has me wishing I could capture the moment for them in a photo keepsake. He’s his hero, as it should be.
