Page 67 of Changing Lanes

Sitting here with him in the quiet morning calms me. Soon, I remember we have plans. “Where is everyone?”

“Inside, I want a minute.” He squeezes my shoulder. Just then, we’re inundated. The screen door swings open as Andi comes running through it with Joyce close behind.

“Torrie!” Andi yells as she comes barreling at us. Scooting to the edge of the swing, I pull away from Brannon’s arm. Glancing at him, he gives me an odd look.

“Hello, Andi. It’s nice to see you again. How have you been?” She looks at me oddly before breaking into a smile.

“I’m good. May I have a hug?” She’s the sweetest thing, I think I’m falling in love with her. Kids can do that to a person.

“Oh, of course.” Standing up, she wraps her arms around my waist, hugging me tightly. I return her hug with my own tightly wrapped arms.

“You smell good. Are you ready go?” she asks excitedly as her face lights up with expectation.

“Whenever Brannon, err, your dad is.” I shake my head as I take a deep breath, admonishing myself.

“Torrie. It’s good to have you here.” Joyce pulls me into a tight hug.

“It was past time for a visit,” I say laughing, hugging her with the same vigor.

“Alright. Who’s ready for the aquarium?” Brannon asks quietly.

“Me!” Andi and I yell at the same time with a burst of giggles.

“Go. Have fun. Torrie, it is wonderful to see you.” Joyce leans in for a hug once again.

“Andi, get your jacket please.” She takes off like a bolt as Brannon takes me by the hand. I pull back from him, leaving him questioning my actions.

As we walk down the steps he asks, “What’s up?”

“I just want to wait. I want her to like me.” He tilts his head, appraising me.

Kissing me on the forehead, he opens the truck door. “She does like you. You need to have more confidence in yourself.”

I point in dismay. “Wait. We’re taking your truck?”

“Yes. Problem?” He smirks. “Oh, you’ve never been in a truck before or at least, not one like this.”

“I don’t care to ride in your truck. I just wore a dress, the step is high.” I point to the hem of my dress.

“I see that. It’ll come in handy a little later.” He jogs back toward the house, up the steps, and through the door before he jogs back. “Andi, come on, sweetheart. We’ll take mom’s car.”

There’s something to be said about a man who cares for his daughter, I should know. Brannon adores Andi, his every thought is for her and what’s best for her life. How he finished college, raised her, and kept the farm going is beyond me.

“You buckled in?” She nods. “Let’s go see the fish.” He’s incredibly patient with her, it’s great. Driving into the city, we all share a little small talk.

“Andi Pandi wants to go camping this summer, Torrie,” he says.

“Yes. Will you come, Torrie?” Andi asks from the backseat.

“I’ve never been but I’d love to come.” I smile as I turn to look at her. “As soon as the hotel is done.”

“The hotel is on track, so I think we’re good with a camping trip,” Brannon replies. “Although, you’ll have to ride in my truck.”

“I don’t care to ride in your truck.” I narrow my eyes as I smirk at him.

“I plan on buying a new truck after a few jobs.” He looks out the window at his mirror.

I offer a reassuring smile. “That’s nice. Although, the one you have looks great.”