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“I’m a cowboy, just like John.”
“Okay, cowboy. Leave the hat here and go wash your hands. Aunt Ember has breakfast for us.”
Aaron handed the hat to John, then ran off for the bathroom. John and Scott followed Ember to the kitchen and sat at the table. She put platters of pancakes and bacon in the middle of it, and when Aaron ran in and sat down, they all helped themselves. Ember put a pancake on Aaron’s plate and cut it up for him.
Scott looked at John. “So, what did you think of Schaeffer Mills’ Fourth of July celebration?”
“It was great. We came home with a goldfish and a stuffed cat that looks like Pussy Willow.”
“Sounds like a successful day.”
“The fireworks over the water were beautiful.”
“Aaron spent yesterday with his mother and his grandparents. But next year I’ll bring him up here.”
After breakfast, Scott took Aaron to the water and John came into the kitchen to help Ember with the dishes.
She smiled at him. “I only want you in here if you’re actually going to help.”
“Hmm.” He picked up a towel. “Why else would I be in here?”
She went to the sink and started to fill it with water. John came up behind her and put his arms around her, then kissed the back of her neck. She turned around and put her arms around his neck.
“This isn’t helping with the dishes.”
He lifted her onto the counter and she pulled him in close. “This seems oddly familiar.”
“It should. Only we had a lot fewer clothes on last time.”
“Keep your shirt on, cowboy.”
He took a deep breath. “I know. I’ll behave. As soon as I do this.” He kissed her long and hard and she wanted to forget about her decision to keep it from Scott. When he stepped back, she shook her head.
“I’m pretty sure that’s not behaving.”
When they heard, “Em!”
John helped her down and moved away from her. The sink was almost full, and he turned the water off.
Scott came into the kitchen. “Aaron wants to go out in the boat. Do you guys want to come?”
Ember glanced at John. “It might be a little crowded. Why don’t you two go and enjoy the lake?”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah. It’s fine.”
He went to the refrigerator. “I’m going to grab a couple of snacks for later.”
“Take whatever you want.”
They went with Scott to the porch and watched as he and Aaron loaded the snacks and some fishing gear, then pulled away from shore. As soon as they were far enough away, that it was clear they weren’t coming back for anything, John took Ember’s hand and pulled her into the house.
He put his arms around her. “That was very nice of him to leave us alone for a couple of hours.”
She smiled. “It was, wasn’t it?”
They went to the bedroom and closed the door behind them. John smiled at her. “So, where did we leave off this morning?”
