“What do you do with all the photos, Alex?” I ask as we slide the plywood bunny into the trunk area.
“I have them printed and delivered to Mona. She will distribute them to each child as a keepsake.”
We meet everyone inside the house as Zander and Sue arrive back with the food. After everyone is full, the guys present Zander, Sue, and me with the baskets we made earlier, full of E’s chocolate eggs and a few plastic eggs.
“You guys are incredible,” I say. “Thank you for including us this year.”
“Hear, hear!” Sue exclaims.
“Happy to have you guys,” Seb responds. The guys head out soon after, and the three of us relax on the couch.
“What a fantastic day!” Zander exclaims.
“It really was, wasn’t it?” I smile.
“Fantastic indeed,” Sue says. “I’m going to take my basket of goodies and head to my room. It was a very busy day today.”
“I think I’ll do the same,” Zander says, “if you’re good, Summer?”
“I’m fine. Gonna get a shower. Night guys,” I wave. After a quick shower, I decide to take a bath with the Epson salts. Taking my phone with me, I wish Mal and Jake a Happy Easter and then set up a group chat with all the guys. I wish them all a Happy Easter tomorrow and tell them again how impressive today was. It’s not long before I get a response.
Seb: Group chat. Yes, Sunshine! We should've done this ages ago.
Alex: Happy Eastereveryone
E: Glad you enjoyed yourself, Summer. Enjoy your day tomorrow.
Bay: Happy Easter!
There’s no response from Nick, but I wasn’t really expecting one, but I do get a call from Seb. “Hi Seb.”
“Sunshine. I’m framing the pic of you on my knee next week.”
“Um, that sounds dirty, Seb,” I reply.
Laughing, Seb responds, “not what I meant, Sunshine. What are you doing now?”
“I’m in the tub.”
Seb groans, “Damn Sunshine. You’re killing me.”
I chuckle at that. “Sorry.”
“Hey you didn’t get a run in today, did you?” I didn’t, so I definitely should run tomorrow.
“I’ll run with you if you don’t mind my showering over there afterwards. We can run the trails really close to you, or we can just run around the neighborhood. I’m gonna get going now. Night Sunshine. Sweet dreams.”
I fall asleep with a smile on my face, hugging Jake’s pillow.
Zander and I help Sue with prep in the kitchen Easter morning. Seb, Troy, Nick, and Gabby show up around lunchtime. Nick comes bearing a beautiful bouquet for Sue, thanking her for cooking. I’m a little stunned, but Sue is blushing like a schoolgirl.
Seb joins me for a run in the park nearby, and we run for about an hour. I let Seb shower first, then grab a quick shower and soak in the tub with my salts. After applying my recovery cream, I go back to the kitchen to see if Sue needs any help. Wework on and off prepping food and checking on the ham. Once everything is ready, we enjoy a fantastic meal together.
Everybody heads home after dessert and cleanup, then Zander and I drop Sue off at the airport at 7pm. “Thanks so much for coming down here, Sue,” I say, hugging her goodbye near the security line.
“I had a wonderful weekend, sweetheart. You’re just blossoming down here. I’m so proud of you,” she smiles. After hugging Zander, she gives us one last wave before disappearing through security. I’m sad to see her go, but so grateful for the weekend I’ve experienced.
Chapter 43
