“But if Pluto’s a planet, it means we have atonof planets in our solar system. It’s not that special. There are lots of frozen balls just like it out there. Do you really wanna memorize thirty more planets?” Dan challenges.
“Why not? Just wait till they start imaging other stars.” Sophie turns to me. “They can’t do it yet. But Dad sent me an article where they’re trying to use AI with the closest stars. Won’t that be crazy? Seeing brand-new planets up close?”
I think Sophie is patiently trying to educate me, but she keeps getting derailed by Dan.
Kane actually chuckles.
I throw him a knowing smile.
Seeing them fight like that brings back memories. Ethan was way worse than Dan when he was a kid.
The pranks we’d pull on each other were legendary.
Sophie and Dan don’t have quite that dynamic.
They bicker just like we did, but my brother would’ve called me out for being a dork with a telescope or talking about sci-fi stuff. There’s a warm friendliness to Dan that brings a pang to my chest.
They’re such sweet kids.
“It’s getting late, guys. Start wrapping up.”
“Daaad,” Sophie whines, giving the telescope another longing look. “It’s not even that late yet.”
“Going on ten o’clock,” he says, tapping his smartwatch. He sets his bottle on the ground and stands with a bearish stretch. “Come on. You know we’re heading into town tomorrow.”
I try not to listen too closely, sliding awkwardly off the stool and heading over to the sofa, wrapping myself in blankets.
The night sky unfurls above us, so vast it takes my breath away, as Kane finally ushers the protesting kids inside.
It’s been forever since I sat in front of a fire like this.
I tip my head back, letting the fire’s warmth sink into my skin.
The day’s frustrations melt away into a low hum of discontent I can handle.
It’s not just the fire, I think. A little company doesn’t hurt. And yes, maybe Kane doesn’t hurt tonight either with the note and the sandwich.
He’s back a few minutes later, picking up his beer bottle and sinking into the other end of the sofa.
We’re silent for a few heavy seconds.
It should be uncomfortable, but it feels weirdly easy.
Not many people I know wear silence as gracefully as Kane Saint.
“Nice night, huh? The air’s almost perfect with its bite.” He takes a long swig from his bottle. I donotlook at the curve of his throat. “Should get the hot tub going one day. The scenery’s made for it out here and it’s the perfect season.”
“I’m not sure how much work it’ll be. Old electrical and all, plus I bet it needs a new pump. It’s probably been years since it was last turned on,” I say too quickly.
Hot tubhas certain connotations.
The sexy kind I totally don’t need right now.
Kane doesn’t strike me as the sort of guy to do casual anyway, and I’m a hookup kinda gal. Almost exclusively.
It’s just tidier without any tangled feelings or lofty expectations.
Also, I don’t have space in my life for commitment, much less a relationship, even if I’m not getting any younger.
