Would Sky listen to Emily?
"Why do you think Summer needs to be pitied?" Sky sighed softly. She was worried that her voice had turned hoarse. Emily could read the truth right away. "Has my daughter seemed unhappy all this time?""That's not it, Sky. Even though Summer is a cheerful, independent, and spirited child, deep down, she must miss her father."Sky swallowed bitterly. "How do you know?""Trust me. I've been there before. Louis too. Therefore, Louis will understand if you tell the truth," Emily nodded, reassuringly.Sky blinked hesitantly. She wasn't sure whether she should accept Emily's idea or keep her secret.Meanwhile, Emily understood the meaning of her best friend's expression. Feeling sorry, she lowered her voice. "Sky, calm down. Louis will definitely take responsibility. He won't let the girl he loves and his own flesh and blood suffer.""Me? The girl he loves?" Sky shook her head vaguely. "Please don't make things up, Emily. He doesn't love me. Only Grace Evans is in his heart.""Do you dare to
"She said that you and Summer are like father and daughter," Sky muttered while glancing away.Receiving such an answer, Louis fell silent. After one blink, his head leaned closer to Sky."Then why are your eyes red? Have you been crying?" he asked.Sky flinched. She blinked quickly, hoping her tears would disappear. "No. Why would I cry?""Don't deny it. Your eyes are watery.""It's just because I didn't get enough sleep. My eyes feel sore from the wind," Sky fanned her face."You're in the car, Sky. How could you be exposed to the wind?" Louis replied."Don't you see? Your car window is open. The wind can come in and hit my eyes."Suddenly, Summer's sweet voice interrupted their argument. "Uncle Louis, did you forget about me? Get in the car quickly!"Louis turned his head. Seeing Summer kneeling on her seat with her hands on her hips, his lips curved again."Okay!" He rushed around the car and sat behind the wheel.Seeing Louis start the engine, Sky's eyes widened. "Where are we goi
"Summer!" Sky exclaimed as she stuck her head out the window. "Why did you go there?""I'm going to catch up with the horses, Mommy. Aren't we going to be cowboys after this? We can't lose track of them!" the toddler replied without turning around. Her voice grew softer as the distance between them grew wider."Is that the field where the horses were released?" Sky asked while Louis was parking the car at the side of the lane."I think so.""Then, we have to stop her. It could be bad if she meets a horse. She could get kicked or stepped on!" Sky said anxiously."Yeah, that's what I thought."Louis and Sky got out of the car and ran after her. Instead of stopping, Summer increased her speed. Her mischievous laughter filled the air."Come after me, Mommy, Uncle! If you can catch me, I'll treat you to ice cream!" Summer shouted in a very cute voice.Sky became even more restless. "We don't need your ice cream, Honey. Come here right now! Don't go anywhere else! You could get kicked by the
While cleaning the mud on Summer's arms, Louis answered, "Yeah, I think that was the most memorable adventure of mine. It was the first moment I was amazed by your mother. She was really great. Even though she was still little, she was already good at shooting. She knew how to read directions in the forest, and she was very good at guiding me and Emily during the trip. No wonder she's a great tour guide now."Hearing the last sentence, Sky's lips stiffened. Her heart was pounding, her eyes widened.How did Louis know it? Could he have secretly looked for information about her? Did he still care about her?"How did you know that I'm working as a tour guide, Louis? As far as I can remember, I've never told you," she asked, a bit hesitantly.Louis froze. He couldn't possibly reveal that he had read all the books written by Sky last night."Isn't it obvious? Your dream since childhood was to become an independent adventurer and the best tour guide, like your mother. Besides, Summer once me
"Louis," Sky called after Summer managed to take off her sweater and run back to the bathroom. "Can I answer your question tonight? Also, there's something important we have to talk about in private. For now, let's just have fun. I also have to take care of Summer."Louis' expression instantly turned serious. His handsomeness radiated more clearly with such a calm look in his eyes."Okay," he replied, half hesitantly. "I'll wait for your explanation."Then, with a small smile, Sky went to the bathroom. Louis kept staring at her back with mixed feelings. He felt guilty towards Grace again. However, he also couldn't ignore his curiosity. Besides, isn't it better to resolve the past before starting something new?***Summer's laughter echoed as Louis came out of the bathroom in the cowboy costume. She jumped up and down happily, hugging Louis when the man arrived in front of her."Uncle Louis, thank you for wearing the same costume as me. It makes me feel like you're really my father!"Lo
"Are you actually a cowboy shepherd or a sheriff?" Louis joked."I'm an all-round cowboy!" Summer nodded firmly. "I can herd cattle and also uphold justice. I'm a smart and wise little cowboy! That's why ...."The toddler let the cuffs hang on Louis' left hand. Then, she put her hands on her hips, exclaiming loudly, "I only cuff one of your hands right now. You still have to control the horse. But, once we get back to the stable, I'm going to cuff both of your hands and take you to court. You have to be punished for the crimes you've committed, Uncle Louis!"While Louis shook his head in resignation, Summer narrowed her eyes at her mother. "That's why, Mommy, be careful! Don't make any mistakes. You could end up like Uncle Louis."Sky snorted slightly. "It's no use threatening me, Honey. I am a good person. I won't do anything bad.""Don't be too confident, Mommy. I'll keep an eye on you. Oh, Mommy, Uncle Louis," Summer's attention was suddenly drawn to a large pool of water."Is that
Sky couldn't believe that the key was missing. She checked Summer's pockets herself. Finding nothing, she sighed in disbelief, "You're not kidding, right, Honey? You didn't deliberately hide the key so that Mommy and Uncle Louis would stay close, did you?"Louis spontaneously glanced over. He didn't expect Sky to give such an honest opinion."No, Mommy. I have promised not to be a naughty child. I've also promised to take good care of Mr. Rodriguez's gift. Could the key have fallen out while we were riding the horses?"While Sky sighed in resignation, Louis answered casually. "That could've happened. You were so active back then. Maybe the key got pushed out while you were petting Dusty.""Then what should we do now? How can we go back with our hands like this?" Sky pointed at their hands with round eyes.Summer knew the meaning of that expression. Her mother was really panicking."Maybe, Mommy and Uncle Louis can ride side by side," the toddler said softly. Her head was slightly lower
Summer blinked at Louis' back from her slightly lagging horse. She wondered what the man and Sky were talking about. She couldn't hear any sound."Hey, Straw," Summer whispered to her horse, "can you walk a little faster? I want to see what Uncle and Mommy are doing."Summer waited for a while. However, the horse she was riding was still walking slowly."Oh, what should I do to make the horse go faster?" Summer started to think."Should I move my legs like when I rode Dusty? He ran because I was kicking his stomach. If I press Straw's stomach a little, maybe he won't run, just walk faster. Should I try it?"After tapping her chin a few times, Summer finally dared herself. She moved her legs once. Unexpectedly, her method worked."Good, Straw. Let's catch up with Dusty!" she whispered, excitedly. Her head leaned forward. She couldn't wait to see her mother.At that moment, Louis' head moved closer to Sky's face. When Summer arrived at their side, Louis and Sky's lips were only an inch a
Despite her hesitation, Summer took the invitation card from Grace. She looked at the thick paper carefully. After observing every picture and writing on the surface, she muttered, "This looks genuine. Let's test the texture."Summer touched the paper with her tiny finger. Feeling the slightly rough surface, she mumbled again, "The texture of the paper is also the same as the real one. The lines on the letters too. Now let me see through it."Summer lifted the invitation card. Seeing that, Omega bent down."Little Lady, you are checking an invitation card, not a banknote. There is no need to see through it."Summer glanced at the guard with an unhappy expression. "Please keep it quiet, Omega. I am concentrating.""Oh, okay," Omega straightened his back again.Watching the behavior of the two people, Grace took a deep breath. "How is it?" she asked with a high
Cayden nodded. "Sure you can."He waved to Omega, who was trusted as the cameraman. The young man rushed over.For a few moments, Summer was busy taking pictures with everyone. It was like a fan meet-and-greet, full of laughter and emotions.When everyone was done taking pictures with Summer, Omega asked Orion to take over the camera. He also wanted to take a picture with the adorable flower girl. Summer couldn't stop laughing, knowing that Omega was joining her fandom."Oh, this is such a happy day. I've never felt so popular," she joked with a giggle."You're Louis Harper's daughter, Baby. You were born to be popular," Louis whispered as he kissed her chubby cheek.Summer giggled again. "Being popular is so much fun. I hope it will help my book sales and fill my bank account. Hopefully the parapazi won't ruin the good side. I want to live my life free and happy even though I have a lot of fans.""You don't have to worry about that. I can set up the best security system to ensure you
Everyone rose from their chairs, except Louis. He was still being held in place by Philip."Look! Even old Grandma Vivian is allowed to stand. Why can't I?" Louis grumbled. He couldn't wait to see the bride."You're the groom, Louis. Be patient," Philip patted the shoulder he was holding. Louis could only surrender.Meanwhile, Russell cleared his throat again. "Everyone, let's welcome. The most beautiful girl today!"In an instant, everyone gasped. Their eyes widened. Their mouths opened in awe."Oh, my God! She's so beautiful!" Kara sighed as she gripped her husband's arm."And so sweet! Louis is so lucky to have such a perfect girl," Frank implied before kissing Kara's temple."And she makes my dress look perfect!" Emily exclaimed with a beaming smile.The more compliments Louis heard, the harder his heart pounded against his chest. He began to feel short of breath. No matter how many times he tried to peek, Philip always blocked him well."Oh, come on, Uncle. Let me see a little,"
"M-my sparrow doesn't like strange foods, Summer. He only likes seeds," Louis said with his eyebrows knitted together.Summer's forehead also wrinkled. "Is that so? What seeds does he like?"Louis immediately thought of Sky. However, since a child was sitting in front of him, he quickly dismissed his dirty thoughts."I'll prepare the food later. You just need to practice how to walk silently. My sparrow is very sensitive. Just a little vibration is enough to make him fly away."Summer's mouth rounded again. "Oh, I think that's a very difficult challenge. But it doesn't matter. I will practice hard. When I return to L City, I must have been able to walk like a ninja," she nodded firmly.Not wanting to prolong the conversation, Louis stroked Summer's hair. "Good. Now, go to the bathroom. Wash your face and brush your teeth. Your mother is preparing breakfast. It will be ready soon.""Okay, Uncle!" After kissing Louis' cheek, Summer jumped down from the bed. She walked out, humming, "Unc
Pursing her lips, Summer did another search. For a few moments, her eyes moved nimbly, sweeping the screen of her phone."Sparrows are usually very shy birds. No one can see a sparrow resting or preening its feathers with its beak. They are always wary of humans. If a human approaches, they will quickly fly away. They rarely bond with humans."Summer hit the bed with her fist. "There's no mistake! Uncle Louis must be keeping his sparrow in his backyard. Because the bird is shy, he has to hide its nest. Maybe that's why Mommy is afraid to see it. Not because it's scary, but because it's too shy. Mommy must be afraid of making them fly away!"Squinting, Summer guessed where the hidden nest was located. Her expression changed to confusion after a while."But if sparrows are so shy, how can Uncle Louis keep one of them? They must have flown away as soon as we approached them. Should we ask Uncle Louis about his trick? He must have a secret way to do it."Suddenly, someone knocked on the d
Sky pulled her hand away from Louis' ear. "Why do you think my parents aren't staying here tonight? They want you to have the guest's room!""Can't we sleep together tonight?" Louis asked, like a child expecting candy.Sky snorted lightly. "We just agreed not to talk about dirty things, Louis.""Sleeping together isn't dirty, Sky. We just lie down, close our eyes, and cuddle. Where's the dirty part?""No, Louis. We have to set a good example for Summer. Only married couples are allowed to sleep in the same room," Sky refused firmly."Summer's asleep, Sky. We just have to wake up earlier tomorrow. She won't know," Louis said, stroking Sky's hand."No. A big no. I don't want us to get into trouble, Louis. Now turn around. Let me clean your right ear," Sky patted Louis' arm.Louis turned around with disappointment. "Oh, fine."Unbeknownst to them, a toddler had quietly crawled away from behind the couch. Upon arriving in her bedroom, she immediately patted her chest and let out a sigh of
However, Sky didn't want to surrender yet. She asked, "If you really love me that much, answer me honestly. What did you do on that campervan after I fell asleep? Did you immediately get off and leave me? I remember very well that I woke up alone the next morning."Louis' smile faded. His gesture turned awkward. Sky caught that."Why, Louis? You don't want to tell me?"Louis cleared his throat. "It's not like that. It's just ....""What?" Sky was getting impatient."Actually, I wanted to kiss your lips."Sky froze. Her cheeks warmed. She felt like her question had backfired on her. "Did you do it then?""No," Louis replied while scratching his head. "I didn't dare to touch you that far. I also felt it was unfair if you didn't remember our first kiss. I planned to kiss you after you accepted my proposal.""If you didn't kiss me, then what did you do?" Sky asked, awkwardly."I was just lying on your side while admiring you. I meant to let you sleep for a while, before waking you up. But
As the atmosphere turned silent and calm, Louis was getting busy with his mind. The longer he played with his imagination, the harder his heart pounded."I think that is my dream wedding too, Sky. A simple wedding in the middle of the forest, attended only by the closest people. You with your parents, and I with my extended family."Louis mentioned who was on his guest list. When he finished, he took a deep breath. Both of his hands were clenched tightly."What do you think, Sky? Are there any other guests you want to invite? Do you like the idea?"Not getting an answer, Louis lowered his tone."Honestly, I can't stop thinking about you lately. I was so excited about this adventure that I couldn't sleep. I couldn't wait to see you. But sadly ...." Louis took a deep breath."We'll be apart again when this vacation is over. I don't know when we can see each other again. I hate that fact. It would be so much fun if we could be together every day. Because of that ...."Louis suppressed the
Several years ago, in the Savannah of Doro Ncanga, Sumbawa, Indonesia ....Sky was sitting on top of a campervan. Her head was tilted up to the sky. Her arms were hugging her knees, protecting herself from the wind."Hey, what are you doing there?"Sky looked at the van ladder. Knowing it was Louis, the corners of her lips lifted slightly. "Hey, why aren't you sleeping yet?" she shifted slightly, making room for Louis."I should be the one asking that. Why did you suddenly climb onto the campervan in the middle of the night?" Louis whispered as he sat beside Sky. "You can't sleep?"Sky nodded. "Maybe because this place is too beautiful, it's a shame if I don't enjoy it to the fullest.""We've been here for hours, Sky. We've seen the field of yellowish grass, the beautiful sunset, and the clear night sky. What else do you want to enjoy? You should be resting."Receiving a touch from Louis' elbow, Sky smiled. "I don't know. I feel like something is missing. Maybe because the sky here is