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“I had a lot of time to think while running. I know we talked a lot about the past the other night, but I realized we haven’t done a lot of talk about the future,” Trev says as I dig into my breakfast.
Snacks made eggs to go with my pancakes and bacon. I hum around a mouthful of pancakes and eggs. The pancakes are so buttery.
I almost forget Trev is talking to me as the food transports me back in time. Pook and I are sitting in Nanna’s kitchen having breakfast and giggling about something silly. I shake the memory off as Trev places a hand on the back of my neck.
“I’m going to be honest. I came here thinking I’d get daddy set and place someone on the ranch to help out while he’s down, and then I’d be on my way back home.
“I wasn’t expecting this. You, the house, these feelings. I planned to get back on tour and go on with my life as I’ve been living it,” I say.
“And now?” he says and swallows hard.
“Now, everything has changed. I know you didn’t send that letter and that you love me. I know I don’t want to be without you again, and I know I feel safe here with you.”
“But New York is home.”
“Yes and no. I mean, it’s where I’ve called home for years, but this place feels more like home than anyplace has in a very long time. The more I’m here, the more I want to be here.”
“Then stay. I still want that life we talked about. This house, our children, I want to grow old and gray with you by my side.
“We’ll still spend plenty of time in New York. I’m expanding TAB and will have an office there. I know you’re not the girl who left here all those years ago.
“I’ll have to adapt to your life. You’ll have to adapt to mine, but I want to do this together. I don’t want you running from me this time.”
“I’m not looking to run. I want this as much as you do. I’m here, Trev. I want this to be our life,” I say as I look into his eyes, searching them to see if he understands I’m all in.
He palms the back of my neck and kisses my tenderly. It’s a really sweet kiss. He pulls away and pecks my nose.
“You’ve just made me the happiest man in Texas.”
“Good, now let me eat this breakfast. That little girl can cook.”
“You have at it. I’m going to go take a shower and get something to eat myself.”
“I’m going to finish this and then get to those books. I can’t keep putting them off,” I sigh.
“I’m here if you need me. I’m sure it’s not that bad.”
“I hope you’re right.”
Even as the words leave my mouth, I know they’re not true. I sit quietly musing as I finish my breakfast and coffee. Right when I finish my last bite, Snacks comes out of the house.
“May I sit with you, Miss Lynn?”
“Call me Cakes and come on over here. You’re better company than my thoughts.”
She breaks into a broad smile and hurries over to take a seat next to me. She has a chubby, girly version of Trev’s face and long dirty blonde hair that reaches down her back in thick curls. She’s very pretty and has an old soul air about her.
“Do you mind if I ask what you’re thinking about? Is it about my daddy and living here with us?”
I give her a smile. “Among other things.”
“I hope it’s good thoughts. Lord knows my daddy could use some joy in his life. I haven’t seen him smile like this in all my life.
“It’s a real smile. Not one to cover his tolerance for the mess. I’ve been wanting that divorce for him for a looong time.
“Something ain’t right in my mama’s head. Don’t take a genius to figure that one out. She’s hateful. Lord, if I eat a cookie in front of her, you’d think I scuffed down an entire cow by myself.
“Thank the Lord for my daddy, or my self-esteem would be in the toilet. He’s always been there to tell me I’m beautiful just the way I am. Then there’s Nanna. I’ve always wanted to do pageants.
“My mama laughed right in my face. When I went to Nanna crying, she put up her own money to get me started and has been funding me since.
“Boy, did that make Mama hot. I laughed as hard as she did when I won my first ribbon and the second and the third. Serves her right, like Nanna says, the Lord don’t play about me. Humph.”
She folds her arms under her chest just like Nanna does. I don’t know if I want to burst into laughter or tears. I’m gonna see that woman. That’s a promise if I’ve ever made one.
