Chapter 62
Morris stared down into the grill, concern knitting his eyebrows. “You think these steaks are ready to come off, son?”
Ben put his hand on Morris’s back. “I don’t think just yet.”
Mylie leaned over to Granny and whispered, “How many times is he going to ask that question?”
“Until he’s satisfied that he’s in charge,” Granny replied.
It was the last BBQ of the summer. It wouldn’t be long before the balmy evenings would turn cool, and the lake would go back
to its natural state without the boats, Jet Skis, and fishing poles. The months since Ben’s return had been nothing short
of a whirlwind.
Mylie was glad for the slower pace, even if old Morris hadn’t changed a bit. She watched Ben and smiled. She almost couldn’t
believe it. He was here, with her, and everything felt right.
“I’m bored,” Cassie said, and leaned back in her chair. “And I’m hot.” She reached down and scratched Stanley’s ears.
“You’re fine,” Mylie replied, rolling her eyes. She watched as Cassie fed Stanley a piece of a potato chip.
“How come you get to have your boyfriend here, but I don’t get to?” Cassie asked.
“Because we’re at my boyfriend’s house ,” Mylie replied.
“It’s your house, now, too,” Cassie said.
Mylie grinned. It was true. She’d finally finished moving in the rest of her things that morning. They’d spent most of the summer remodeling the kitchen and master bedroom in preparation for Mylie’s inevitable move.
“I tell you what,” Mylie said to her sister. “Ben and I will have you and your new boyfriend over for a movie one day next
week. Give Granny and Morris some alone time.”
Cassie thought it over. “Okay,” she said finally. “And then I can spend the night?”
“And then you can spend the night,” Mylie agreed.
Cassie got up and herded Stanley off the back porch and into the yard. Ben passed her on his way to Mylie, and Cassie punched
his arm.
“I’m letting Morris take control,” Ben said to Mylie and Granny.
Granny shot Mylie a knowing look.
“Let’s go inside and grab more chips,” Mylie said to Ben. “I’m pretty sure Cassie has single-handedly eaten them all.
“Bring me a beer!” Granny called after them.
“I don’t think we have any more chips,” Ben said, once they got inside.
“I know,” Mylie said with a grin. “I just wanted to get you alone.”
Ben tugged at the band of her jeans shorts and pulled her into him. “How long do you think we have?”
“I’d say about thirty seconds before Morris needs the meat thermometer,” Mylie quipped.
Ben laughed and then leaned down to kiss her. “This has been the best summer of my life,” he said.
“Mine, too,” Mylie replied, kissing him back. “Mine, too.”