The Summer's End

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Authors: Mary Alice Monroe
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scowl lifted to a bright smile.
    â€œIt’s you!” he called out, pointing to Taylor.
    Taylor turned and grinned at seeing the boy. “It’s me!”
    Nate hurried to his side but stopped a few feet in front of him, his arms at his side, eyes wide and appealing. “Did you bring your games?”
    â€œSorry, pal. Not this time.”
    Nate scrunched up his face in disappointment.
    â€œHow are you?” Taylor asked.
    â€œGood.”
    â€œMe, too.”
    Nate tilted his head, curious. “So what are you doing here?”
    â€œI’m here to see Carson.”
    Nate considered this. “Are you going to marry Aunt Carson?”
    Carson barked out a laugh.
    Harper swung her head around.
    Taylor took the question in his stride. “Why would you think that?”
    â€œOn account of she’s going to have a baby and I was wondering if you’re here to be the daddy.”
    Taylor’s gaze slid to Carson.
    Carson slipped her palm on her cheek, speechless.
    â€œYou’re having a baby?”
    Carson dropped her hand and shrugged. “Yep.”
    Harper watched Taylor digest this news and was relieved to see him smile in genuine pleasure. “Congratulations.”
    â€œThanks. I’m just getting used to the idea,” Carson said breezily. Then she launched into the story of how she’d been in the pool with Delphine and how the dolphin had been persistently echolocating on her belly.
    â€œYou were diagnosed by a dolphin?” Taylor summed up with a short laugh. “Classic.”
    â€œI know, right? Gotta admit it’s a great story. I can use it at parties for decades.”
    Nate tugged Taylor’s shirt. “Is Thor here?”
    â€œSure is. He’s out on the porch.”
    â€œCan I go see him?”
    â€œHe’d like that.”
    â€œWill he remember me?”
    â€œSure. He’ll be glad to see you again. Go on out and keep him company.”
    â€œOkay.” Nate took off like a shot.
    Carson smiled. “A boy and a dog. Another classic.”
    â€œIced tea’s ready,” Harper called out. She set out a tray with two tall glasses of sweet tea, lemons, and sugar cookies.
    â€œThanks,” Taylor said, trying to catch her gaze.
    Carson said, “Let’s go out to the porch. There’s no place to sit in here.”
    Taylor turned to Harper. “Are you coming?”
    Harper smiled, pleased at his invitation. “If I’m not interrupting . . .”
    â€œYou’re not interrupting!” Carson exclaimed. “The more the merrier.”
    They were just leaving when Mamaw entered the room.
    â€œGirls!” she sang out in a high voice reserved for guests. “Look who’s come by for a visit.”
    Mamaw stepped aside and everyone fell silent as a smiling—and then suddenly very confused-looking—Blake followed Mamaw into the kitchen.

Chapter Four

    B lake!” Carson sounded astonished. Harper could understand her sister’s surprise: Blake had not been to Sea Breeze in weeks, though he lived on the same island. Their breakup had not been amicable. Glancing furtively at Taylor, Harper thought this couldn’t be more awkward.
    â€œHey, Carson.” Blake stepped hesitantly into the room filled with people. He was wearing a NOAA polo shirt and carried a computer bag. He glanced around, spotted Harper, and nodded with a quick smile of recognition. “Harper.”
    â€œHey, Blake.” Harper glanced quickly to Carson, who stood still and silent, her eyes haunted.
    Mamaw instinctively moved in to smooth the awkwardness. “My, but there’s a party in here!” she exclaimed, arms outstretched. “How wonderful.” She zeroed in on Taylor. “Harper, dear, you have a friend.” She walked toward Taylor. “We haven’t been introduced.”
    Harper stepped forward as years of training clicked in. “Mamaw, I’d like to present

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