Page 16 of Loving Carter

“Yes, yes. It’s the most important part,” Edna says. “You two turned lemons into lemonade. You took pictures of the goats and were able to repair enough of the poster that people could see the topic. Then you posted the pictures of the goats eating the display on another poster and called it Goats in Action. You used the new presentation to highlight how goats like to eat almost anything.”

“They won a ribbon,” Tillie says. “We were so proud of you.”

The ribbon was an honorable mention, but hey, it was something. I smile at Skylar, remembering that day. We worked so hard and were really upset at first. But then we noodled out a solution to our problem, and it turned out okay. “Could have been worse.”

She smiles back at me. “So true.”

After dinner, Kellan drifts off to play video games, and the aunts head into the family room to watch TV. Skylar and I wander out to the porch, heading to her car. The overhead lights make her hair seem to gleam, and the breeze from the fans makes her look a little windswept. She looks really pretty, and I can’t imagine why she doesn’t date more.

“You know, Kellan said something that surprised me,” I say, unsure how to word this conversation, but feeling I should have it with her. “He said you’re not looking to date. I thought part of your five-year plan was to start the business, get married, and have the perfunctory two point five kids.”

She turns and looks at me. “What an odd question. Well, I haven’t found anyone I want to date,” she says. “And if we’re going to have the ‘why are you still single’ talk, then fair is fair. Why aren’t you dating anyone?”

“I’m not sure how long I’m staying here,” I admit.

She nods. “I know. You want to move back to Dallas.”

“I haven’t worked out the kinks yet, but moving back to Dallas is definitely my game plan,” I tell her.

“Good for you. Do what makes you happy,” she says. Then she hugs me.

I hug her back, holding her close. As always, she smells really nice, but it’s not a perfume. Probably her shampoo. I used to rack my brains trying to identify the scent until I finally realized she smells like vanilla. Seems very appropriate.

“I want you to be happy too,” I tell her, my arms snug around her. Then, without thinking, I drop a quick kiss on her head.

We both stand perfectly still for a second. I have no idea why I just did that. I’ve never done anything like that before.

Feeling self-conscious now, I clear my throat. She moves back out of my arms and looks at me. She’s not exactly frowning, rather she’s studying me. I don’t blame her. That kiss made no sense at all. I’d explain the reason for it if I knew the answer myself.

I just look at her for a long, silent moment. Then she turns and heads down the front steps to her car.

“See you tomorrow,” she says, getting into her car.

“Yep.” I watch as she drives off, still thinking about that kiss. I’m also pondering what she said about not finding anyone to date.

Maybe I should help with that. I have friends who might—

I stop myself right there. Skylar hates blind dates, so I’ll let it go. She’s perfectly capable of finding a great guy on her own. She doesn’t need me butting in.

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