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“It was the opening day of the shop. It sort of felt like you were there with me. I just wanted to tell you that I’m okay.”

The sun beams down on me, though it’s beginning to cool down for the day. I didn’t put sunscreen on, and I just got rid of my last burn. I can already feel another forming.

“Anyway, I just wanted to say happy birthday and tell you about Wesley’s. I’m going to head back home, but I love you, Dad. I miss you every day.”

I kiss my index and middle finger and place them on the stone.

◆◆◆

The gravel keeps getting thrown up from my sandals, burning the tips of my toes. It was a forty-minute drive home and the temperature already went down by a few degrees. In New York, I’d always compare the weather to Washington. No one believed me when I mentioned how nice our summers were. Everyone just sees it as a place of constant rain and storms, but that isn’t the truth. Summers in Washington are the best. You get all the warmth with almost no humidity.

Sean sits reading a book, his legs up on a footrest, completely relaxed. He’s so engrossed in it, he doesn’t hear me coming at first.

“My dad says hi,” I joke.

Sometimes, joking about things that are hard makes it easier to cope with. Sean and I do that a lot when it comes to Dad.

His eyes flicker from his page, his lips flipping up into a smile. “How was it?” he asks.

I plant myself in the chair next to him. “Dad’s a good listener.” I pause. “I miss him, but it’s getting easier. It’s been a good day.”

“Good, I’m glad.”

“Can you get me something to drink? I was so busy today, I didn't even have time to take a sip of water,” I say with a pout.

“Yes.” He kisses me hard. “I’ll be right back.”

I never get tired of his lips on mine.

Our first summer as a married couple, and it’s been wonderful so far. We spend most of our time at the lake, drinking lemonade and eating popsicles, just as we used to. If you had told me three years ago I’d not only be in Lakewood, but married to Sean Kingsley—I’d have called you deranged.

Sean’s long heavy strides distract my thought as he comes out of the house carrying two drinks.

“I made an Arnold Palmer this time. Thought we could try something new.”

I twirl my wedding ring and band around. I didn’t realize how quickly I’d get used to wearing a ring again. But it feels different. The weight of this ring isn’t so heavy, just like this new marriage.

“I spoke with Bailey today,” he says, eyeing me.

“Oh, yeah? What did she say?”

Bailey hasn’t been my biggest fan—but I think we’re finally getting over the hump. Now that we’re married, she’s realized I’m not going anywhere and has finally started to open up.

“She said to tell you congratulations and that her and Daniel are proud of you.”

“Baby steps.”

“Baby steps,” he agrees with a nod.

Shooting myself out of my chair, I grab the glasses from Sean’s hands and set them down on the table. “Let’s go jump in the water.”

“What?” He laughs. “Do you know how cold that water is?”

I wiggle my brows convincingly.

He takes the bait.

He grabs my hand and starts running toward the shoreline. When our toes hit the edge of the water, Sean lets go of my hand, taking his shirt off.