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“It’s going to take him a while to get past this,” Franky replied, “and every little step forward is going to help him in the long run.”
“I hope so.” Her heart ached for her brother, but she had meant what she said. Genevieve was a wonderful person with a kind heart, and Skylar was certain she loved Sebastian. She truly believed that once some time had passed, they would find their way back to each other.
After a few minutes of silent travel, Franky reached over and squeezed her hand. “Don’t be glum, sugarplum.”
She cracked a smile.
“That’s better. Want some ice cream?”
A bigger smile spread across her face.
“Want some Captain Sundae?” he asked.
“We don’t have to drive all the way back to Holland.”
“If Captain Sundae is what you want, Captain Sundae is what you’ll get.”
She chuckled. “I’d be fine with Dairy Queen, honestly.”
He shook his head. “No, that just won’t do. Not for you.”
“You’re extra silly tonight. And very rhyme-y.”
“You bring it out in me.”
“And apparently, I make you channel Dr. Seuss.”
“I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream.”
Skylar cracked up laughing. “That’s not Dr. Seuss.”
He shrugged his shoulders. “Close enough.”
She shook her head at him.
After a few beats of silence, he said, “I feel happier with you around.”
She glanced over to find him smiling at her, and her cheeks warmed. That was the sweetest thing he’d ever said to her. She could only hope he would grow so happy with her around that he would catch feelings and want to be with her forever.
That had been her hope for as long as she could remember. He was the one she’d always wanted. And the one time she’d tried dating someone else had been a complete disaster. Her brief time with Milton proved that she had horrible instincts when it came to dating. But then, Milton had been very good at pretending to be something he wasn’t. He came off as this great guy with a budding real estate career when in reality he was a snake who was after her money and her body. She was just glad she came to her senses before he caused her any real damage—financial or physical.
“What’s your go-to sundae when you come here?” Franky asked when he turned into the Captain Sundae parking lot.
“Tammy Turtle,” Skylar replied.
“I’ve never had that.”
“It’s yummy with praline pecans. You should try it.”
“Maybe I will. I’ll be right back.” He got out and went to stand in line.
Skylar watched Franky go to the window and place the order. He stepped to the side to wait and looked over at her with a silly face.
She stuck her tongue out at him.
He did the same, but in an overexaggerated manner, and she laughed. His playfulness made her feel like a kid again.
“Is it okay if we go to the lake house?” he asked when he returned to the car with sundaes in hand.