"From This Day Forward (Part 3 to One Night Stand)"

"Summertime"

Serena: Miranda, look who's here...

Serena was walking down stairs with Miranda in her arms. She had her dressed in a yellow, frilly onesie which read "It's Summertime" on the front. Miranda was cooing & giggling. Grandma, Jack & Summer were making their way in the door. Summer gasped at the sight of her sister & her adorable niece.

Grandma: We're back!
Summer: Miranda! Serena!
Serena: Welcome home, sis...

Summer embraced both her sister & niece in one tight squeeze. The sisters sat out on the porch swing while Jack & Grandma prepared a light afternoon snack. Serena & Summer took time to catch up with each other about life. Serena told Summer all about Antonio & Summer reluctantly explained her situation with Jay.

Serena: If you guys are struggling is there hope for any of us?
Summer: No one's relationship is perfect. I had to find that out for myself as well.
Serena: Are you ok?
Summer: I will. Us Harper girls can make it through anything.
Serena: We sure can!
Summer: So, you haven't spoke to Antonio at all?
Serena: No, it's been a whole week. I haven't heard from him at all.
Summer: It's ok. It gives you a chance to focus on Miranda.
Serena: Exactly...

Serena & Summer watched as Miranda played with her feet in her little swing. They giggled over how cute she was. Grandma & Jack came to the porch with lemonade & cookies.

Summer: Aww, Grandma, thanks.
Grandma: This is all Jack.
Serena: Thanks, Jack.
Jack: Thought it was the perfect day for lemonade. So, Summer.
Summer: Hmm?
Jack: Sorry we've managed to kick you out of your old room
Summer: No worries, the couch is just fine.
Jack: Oh don't be silly. Here are the keys to my cottage.

Jack reaches into his cottage & pulled out a set of keys & handed it to Summer.

Summer: Cottage?
Jack: Yes, it's about 8 miles from here.
Grandma: Oh Summer, you'll love it. It's got a pool, jacuzzi, porch...
Jack: And a spectacular view of the city.
Summer: It all sounds great. I feel like I should be paying to stay over.
Jack: No!! You're family...
Summer: Wow, well, thank you.

Grandma sat between Serena & Summer & the two laid their heads on her shoulders. She hugged them both as they leaned on her. Grandma was so happy & her heart was full as she looked around at all the people she loved most. Summer's arm was linked with Grandma's & she got a good look at her ring.

Summer: Grandma, I love your ring! It's my first time seeing it in person. Jack, great job!

Summer flashed a thumbs up in Jack's direction & Jack returned the he's ire with a wink.

Jack: My Nora deserves the best...
Grandma: Oh,,, Well, let me see here.

Grandma grabbed Summer's hand.

Grandma: Look at this whopper! Honey, my ring comes second to yours. Are you sure tia thing isn't throwing off your posture?

Summer laughed, extended her arm & stretched out her hand to see her ring in the midday lighting. It truly was a remarkable ring, but for some reason, it didn't glisten as much as Summer remembered it shining on the day of her engagement. It looked dull & not as unique.

Serena: Jay did a good job picking out your ring.
Summer: Yeah...

Summer forced a smile & changed the subject quickly. She hadn't even mentioned to Jay that she was going to Seattle for the rest of the month of June.

Jack treated the ladies out to a seafood restaurant by the water & then they all dropped Summer off at the Jack's cottage afterwards. Jack unlocked the door & let them in one by one.

Jack: Welcome to my humble abode.
Grandma: Ex-abode.

Jack let out a chuckle.

Jack: Oh Nora, you're jealous of this place?
Grandma: I wouldn't say jealous... I'm just glad I have all your attention now.
Jack: Yup! Girls, before I met your grandmother, this cottage got every second of my day.
Summer: This place is beautiful. Makes me wanna move in permanently.
Serena: Now that you're moving in, what are you gonna do with this place?
Jack: I'm saving it for a future investment opportunity.
Serena: Nice...

Jack gave them a quick tour of the cottage & then the group left Summer there to unwind & unpack. Summer said goodbye to them at the door. Serena & Grandma both hugged Summer & Summer bent down to Miranda's carrier to give her forehead a kiss. Summer got her things settled in one of the two rooms. The cottage was so cozy & she loved all the personal details in each room. She stood outside in the backyard & looked up at the stars & looked beyond the fence & could see a view of the city. The pool & jacuzzi looked inviting, but she decided to retire for the night. After getting ready for bed, she took out her phone & Jay's iPad & laid them both on the nightstand next to her bed. She was laying down & although she was tired, she couldn't sleep. She kept thinking about Jay's iPad & if there were more messages from the mystery woman. She decided to let Jay know that she was in Seattle. She called him & when he didn't pick up, she left a voicemail.

Summer: Hey babe, it's me. I'm in Seattle for my grandma's wedding. I'm actually going to be here until the end of the month. I was gonna tell you, but it's just been so busy. Anyways, I was hoping to get a hold of you tonight. I miss you. Love you, Jay...

Summer put her phone down & turned the lights out. She decided to try to get some rest before tomorrow's first day of wedding planning. She needed to be focused & not her sidetracked from her wedding duties. She turned the lights back on & then she took Jay's iPad & stuffed it in one of the drawers.   She got back into bed feeling accomplished & then turned the lights off a final time.