Page 222 of Sing with Me

No wonder Avery had been insistent that Skye drop everything this afternoon and go to Brinley’s house. Did that mean Avery had finally approved of Skye’s relationship with Diehl?

“I wondered when I’d ever see you again.” Skye felt she could stand here forever with this man. He was warm and comfortable. “Where are your kids?”

“Having dinner with Brin. After dinner, my parents will take them back to Brooks Cottage for the night.”

“So you’re staying there this weekend?”

“Yes. Elisa brought her homework to do since she has an assignment due on Monday in English class. Ethan…” Diehl shook his head. “That boy also has homework due on Monday. I suspect he deliberately left his backpack at home when we left the house for the airport.”

“So you’ll have to go home sooner than later so he can get his homework done.”

“After church on Sunday. I want us—you and me and the kids—to go to church together on Sunday.”

“I’d love that. What a nice weekend this is turning out to be—except for Ethan’s homework.” Skye slid her hand around his neck and pulled his face gently toward hers, raising her lips to his. She kissed his chin—smooth and clean-shaven. She kissed the edge of his lips where a smile had formed.

She waited for him to respond.

She didn’t have to wait long. His lips were warm and tasted like honey lip balm.

Their kiss was full of hope and possibilities. Neither of them seemed to want it to end, but Skye pulled away. “Groceries.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Diehl started taking grocery bags out of the trunk. “Anything fragile or breakable I need to be aware of?”

“Just keep everything upright and don’t drop any bag.”

“Okay.” He seemed very careful with each bag, as if every one of them carried a dozen eggs.

“Thank you for helping me carry the groceries,” Skye said.

“Happy to do it.”

“How did you find me? Did Avery give you my address?”

“Brin did.”

“Why?” Skye picked up the remaining grocery bags and put them on the ground.

“I’m entering your world,” Diehl said. “Don’t compartmentalize me any more, Skye.”

“Excuse me?” She closed the trunk and locked the car.

“I don’t want you to put me in a little box to one side. I want to be in your whole world, and I want you in mine.”

Skye glanced to her left and right to see if anyone else was around. No one was. They were alone, walking to the elevator that would take them to her rental condominium upstairs.

Diehl’s eyes were on hers. “Do you miss me?”

“More than you know.” Her voice cracked.

“I figured. I miss you too, but I was afraid to see you,” Diehl said—almost nonchalantly like it was normal for him to talk about fears.

Afraid?

“We all have fears.” Before Skye could say more, the elevator door opened and a family carrying pool noodles spilled out.

Diehl used his foot to hold the door open for Skye to enter the elevator after the family had vacated it.

Skye pressed on the third-floor button, and then they were alone. She wanted to ask Diehl what he was afraid of—because she had fears of her own—but this wasn’t the place and she was feeling emotional.

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