Page 81 of Small Town Boy

Dustin’s been a part of our life—the third twin as Mama used to joke—since the day he was born. Something I’ve always taken for granted. Something I think we all have. I have a new perspective on that now though, knowing that Bronwyn is not just an only child, but an orphan after losing her parents. She didn’t grow up surrounded by a large extended family—who may or may not actually be related. I also can’t help but wonder if all of this is overwhelming her. I might need to step in here.

“She’s a keeper,” Mama whispers to me, magically appearing by my side. “She brought a hummingbird cake!”

I shake my head, chuckling. “I think that was mostly Alice. Bronwyn didn’t magically know your favorite cake.”

“My point is, she went to Alice, and didn’t just grab something off the shelves at Wright’s. She took the time and effort. She’s a keeper. Don’t let her get away.”

“I’d be more worried about whether or not she’s gonna keep me, rather than me keep her,” I admit.

Mama nods, her eyes glued to the same interaction mine are.

“Can I ask you something? Without you getting how you get.”

Mama feigns shock, her hand covering her heart. “What exactly is that supposed to mean, son?”

“You know.”

Nodding, she acquiesces. “I do. And I promise.”

“How’d you know Dad was the one?”

“Oh…” she sighs. “I don’t know that there was an exact moment or event. It’s not like he saved me from a burning building or made some eloquently grand speech. The day I knew I loved him, he had invited me to drive up to Atlanta with him, and on our way home, we stopped at a fast food joint. A homeless man approached your daddy and asked if he had cash. Daddy told him he wouldn’t give him cash, but that if he wanted food, he’d buy him some. True to his word, he bought a hamburger, fries, and a Coke, and brought it out to the man. You’da thought it was Christmas with the way that guy lit up. It was right then that I knew I had fallen—and hard—for the man and everything he was. Is. But as for knowing that he was the rest of my life? I just…I knew. I thought about my future and couldn’t see one without him in it.”

I’m not sure I see a future without Bronwyn in it either…

“I know that’s not much of an answer, but…it answer your question?”

“It does.”

She turns toward me, studying me. It’s a look I’ve seen a million times in my life, when she’s trying to figure out what I’m thinking. Nash has always been the one to just come right out and tell everyone everything. But Mama has always had a way of knowing when I need to talk and asking all the right questions to get me there. And it usually starts with this look.

All it’s going to take is one question, and I’ll sing like a bird…

“I’ll just say this. When you know, you know. And there isn’t a timeline for such a thing. For some it’s instant, others it’s years. Love works in its own, mysterious way. So embrace it.”

I nod, letting her words settle in me. When you know, you know, and there isn’t a timeline. Good to know.

Because I’m pretty sure of my feelings for her. I only wish I were as confident that she returned them.

Going into tonight, I would have said we’re on the same page. Her demeanor tonight, though—something changed. She’s on edge. Guarded. Doesn’t help that Pops grabbed her shortly after she walked in, monopolizing her time. He’s not what has her worked up though. She’s enjoying listening to him prattle on. I can tell by the way she’s looking at him. The rest of her is tense though. Like she’s waiting for someone to jump out of the cupboard and yell boo!

Has she been nervous all week about this dinner? Yes. But she’s also been excited. Which had me excited. She hasn’t had a real family dinner since her parents died, and I’ve been looking forward to changing that.

“Dinner’s ready!” Dad announces, the door to the back deck slamming behind him. He winds past Mama and me, placing the large platter of sliced brisket in the middle of the dining table. “Come and get it!”

The back door opens and closes again, alerting me that Nash is hot on Dad’s heels with the other sides that they had on the grill. Which means I need to finish setting the table.

Dad turns back toward us, giving Mama a wink, then swatting her backside as he walks back into the kitchen. “And I’ll make you come and get it later.”

“Dad!” I exclaim, right as Nash joins in from the kitchen with “TMI!”

Mama simply giggles, shaking her head. I love that I have incredible parents who are still so in love after being married for almost forty years, but their public displays are sometimes a bit much.

There are a lot of things I don’t need to think about my parents doing, and “coming and getting it” is one. At least Dad isn’t wearing his “I like my butt rubbed and pork pulled” apron tonight.

Squeezing my arm, Mama turns to follow him. “One last thing, Noel. Don’t be afraid to say it, either. Make sure to use your words.”

Use my words. Good idea, Mama.