Page 127 of Sing with Me

“It’ll be a good morning when I get my Elisa back,” Diehl said.

“You know, it’s still a good morning, no matter what. I’ve learned to be hopeful and yet be aware that this is a sorry world we live in, full of sin and despair. Job lost all his children, for example.”

“That must’ve been tough.”

“I know, right. More than his business and livestock, he lost his kids.”

“That’s one of the things I like about you, Skye,” Diehl said.

“What?”

“You are honest with me. You don’t sugarcoat your opinion. Thank you for the reality check.” Diehl paused. “You’re right. This situation could go either way, but God is still God.”

“Yes, He is.” Skye’s heart soared. Diehl got it.

Chapter Thirty-Five

When Skye drove up to Seaside Island after church, Diehl was sitting on the steps outside the front door of Brooks Cottage in an old T-shirt and faded shorts, waiting for her, apparently. He waved even before she pulled up. After she parked, he opened the driver’s side door for her.

“Valet. Nice.” Skye chuckled.

“At your service, ma’am.”

“How long have you been waiting?” She stepped away from the car so that Diehl could shut the door for her.

“I don’t know. I had to come out here to get some fresh air.”

“A walk on the beach would be fresher.” Skye walked with Diehl back to the house.

“Then I wouldn’t see you coming up the driveway.” He hugged her and planted a quick kiss on her cheek.

“Prickly.” Skye made a face.

“I’ll shave soon.” Diehl rubbed his own chin. “To my credit, I showered.”

“Well, good.”

“Thank you for coming to lunch.”

“How is the investigation going?”

Diehl opened the door for Skye. When she passed by him, he wrapped an arm around her waist. “I missed you.”

“I saw you yesterday.”

“I’m thinking about not seeing you all week.”

“But you saidmissed, as in past tense.”

“The more I thought about it, the more it felt like you were already gone.” Diehl led her to the dining room.

“I’m still here, okay? My flight is not until after evening church, remember?” Skye let Diehl seat her next to Ethan. “Hello Ethan.”

Ethan pouted with his lips curled out. “They ate your cheesecake before it set.”

Diehl cleared his throat. “Just a couple of slices.”

“Grandma had two!” Ethan glared at Rose coming into the room.