Page 45 of Songs of Summer

“Sorry, I didn’t feel like climbing up.”

“No problem.”

“The sun really wiped me out today. I can barely keep my eyes open,” she added with a sweet pout.

“We have time for a quick nap.”

“Do we? That would be amazing.”

“We do. I’m tired too,” he said, ascending the ladder to the top bunk. As ridiculous as they were, the bunk bedscame in very handy when sharing a room with a beautiful, engaged stranger of the opposite sex.

He lay on his stomach staring out the window toward the house across the street, as he had countless times before. The view was prettier now that the olive trees Ben had planted had grown full and tall.

Maggie was still below, and he wondered if she had already drifted off.

“Hi,” she whispered, to check if he was awake, he imagined.

“Hi,” he responded with a small laugh.

“Paul’s nice, don’t you think?” she stated randomly.

“Yeah, seems like a good guy.”

“I agree. Too bad they didn’t meet earlier; they would have made cute kids.”

“Very.”

She paused, like she was done chatting. She wasn’t.

“Do you want kids?”

“I guess. Yes. I want kids. This house will be all mine soon, and is too big for just me,” he laughed. “You?”

“Yes. Always. Someone to look like me—you know what I mean?”

“I imagine that’s hard.”

“It wasn’t that hard for me. More like just a gnawing.”

“Do you think you’ll have kids soon, you and Jason?”

“I don’t know. We’ve never talked about it.”

“You never talked about it?”

“No. We only just got engaged, and it’s not very official. More like engaged to be engaged,” she admitted. “I don’t even have a proper ring yet. Wanna hear something funny?” she pivoted.

“Sure,” he laughed.

“If I was your real girlfriend, I would feel a little envious of Dylan. She’s so gorgeous and free, the complete opposite of me.”

He couldn’t help but protest.

“You’re just as beautiful as Dylan, just two different types.”

It was true that Dylan’s beach blanket bingo vibe was a far cry from Maggie’s vintage store chic.

“Which is your type?” Maggie asked.

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