Page 30 of One Southern Summer

Hayes chose that exact moment to burst into tears.

Addison released her hold on his arm and pressed her hands over her ears. “Baby Hayes, that is enough.”

Cole clamped his fingers over his mouth to stifle his laughter. The scowl, tone of voice, even the tiny furrow in Addison’s brow mimicked her mother.

Avery took a deep breath and sighed it out.

He banished his amusement and sat up straighter. “Is there something I can do to help?”

Please, please don’t ask me to hold him.He had no idea what to do with a crying baby.

Avery reached for the bottle sitting between two stacks of magazines and tried to get Hayes to take it. He cried louder. This time his face turned an impressive shade of beet red.

“I’m trying to get him to take a bottle because...” Her gaze shifted toward Addison then back to Hayes. “Because it’s time for him to learn.”

“Not a fan, huh?”

Okay, that was a pointless question. Cole winced as Hayes grabbed a tiny fistful of Avery’s shirt and turned his head away. Poor little dude. He was angry.

“Mr. Cole, come outside. We won’t hear the crying out there.” Addison tugged on his arm again. Cole glanced at Avery for permission.

“Would you mind? I’m sorry. I know we’re trying to get this project going, but I just need a minute.”

“Not a problem. Take your time.”

“This way.” Addison pulled him from his chair. “You gots to see the flowers.”

“All right. Let’s see the flowers.” She led him across the kitchen, a blur of pink and yellow as her striped cotton dress billowed around her bare legs. Temporarily detained at the sliding glass door, she slowed down long enough to yank on the handle, grunting when it didn’t give way.

“Here.” He reached around her and flipped the latch. Addison tugged on the handle again and this time the door slid open.

“Thanks.” Addison stepped out and hurried across the porch. She pushed through the screen door, letting it slap closed. Wow, she was quick. He closed the slider, trading Hayes’s crying for the whine of lawnmowers and boat engines rumbling in the distance.

He caught up with Addison out in the backyard. She stood at the edge of the raised flowerbeds, squinting up at him in the morning sunshine. The humidity wasn’t quite stifling yet, but it wouldn’t be comfortable for long. Hopefully the flowerbed tour would be brief, Avery could get Hayes settled down and they’d get some work done before lunch.

“These flowers will be for the butterflies,” she declared, pointing to the purple coneflowers. “Butterflies loves purple.”

“Is that right?” Cole shoved his hands into the front pockets of his coral-colored chinos. “Tell me everything.”

Addison inched along the flowerbeds, pointing out the different varieties of flowers and keeping up a steady stream of chatter.

He couldn’t say for sure if she had her facts straight. Not that it mattered. He liked hanging out with her. “Wait. I have a question.”

“What?”

“How did you get so smart?”

She giggled. “My mommy.”

He grinned down at her. “Your mom is very smart. So is your grandmother. Did you know your grandmother was my teacher?”

Addison’s mouth formed a perfect O. “No, she’s too old to be your teacher.”

He tipped his head back and laughed. “I’m a grown-up, obviously. But once upon a time, I was a kid right here in Camellia and your grandmother was my fifth-grade teacher. You can ask her. She’ll tell you all about it.”

Addison scrutinized him, her disbelief still obvious. He turned and gestured toward the rest of the yard. “What else do you love out here?”

“I like the water and the trees. And I like to go on boat rides because it’s super fun.” Addison spread her arms wide and twirled in a clumsy circle. “You can go with us next time.”

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