Chapter 61

Once outside in the sunshine, he pulled her closely against his side as they strolled down the sidewalk toward the beach. As it wasn't quite dinnertime, they took their time, window shopping in various little stores. Summer kept pointing out things he'd need to set up housekeeping, and Matt kept grunting. Apparently buying furniture had exhausted his interest in shopping.

The sidewalk ended at a small playground right in front of the sandy ocean beach. They stood together for a while, watching half a dozen children playing on the swings and slide. Matt squeezed Summer's hand.

"You know, we never once talked about kids," he murmured in her ear. "Well, maybe back in high school. But never as adults."

"That's because I thought you were a dream," she reminded him. "Didn't seem pertinent. Whenever we were together, we had better things to do than talk."

"True." His heartbeat quickened audibly.

She was sure hers did too, thinking about the dreams.

"So, do you want a big family?" His vo