Page 67

Gage’s mouth fell open. “What? You haven’t told me anything!”

Mom was clapping her hands excitedly. “You’re together?!”

My cheeks and neck were getting hot. I got up from the table and passed Mom, going to the fridge to grab a beer. I’d definitely need a drink for this conversation. “I don’t kiss and tell.”

Mom’s smile got even bigger. “There’s been kissing?”

“Kissing?” Gage echoed.

My neck got hotter. “Y’all need to go outside and stop talking about other people’s relationships like a bunch of old hens.”

I reached the sliding door, and Mom said, “Invite her over for dinner next week! Or maybe I should swing by the salon and ask her.”

I turned back to her, my jaw dropping. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“You don’t think Gray invited Agatha, do you?”

I shook my head. “Diabolical.”

As I opened the sliding door and stepped outside, she called, “Just want you to be happy!”

“You just want some more grandchildren,” I retorted.

I could hear the smile in her voice as she said, “That too.”

33

MAGNOLIA

“Shouldwe get snacks now or in Rutlage?” Cam asked as we pulled out of our driveway to leave for Shelley’s bach party. Her car had more room for all her suitcases, because shealwaysoverpacked, so she was driving, even though mine would do a little better on gas.

“Is that a rhetorical question?” I teased. “NowandRutlage.”

She laughed. “I knew there was a reason you’re my best friend.”

I settled back into my seat and got out my phone. “I know this sounds silly, but I’m going to miss the girls tonight.”

Cam sent me a knowing look. “The girls or the man who made you scream in the middle of a pasture? Twice?”

My cheeks heated. “The girls. Definitely the girls.”

But I pulled up my text messages anyway, clicking through to the thread between Rhett and me. Over the last few days, we’d texted each other on and off, talking about our days, sending some flirty messages. But his last message meant the most.

Rhett: Text me when you get to Austin. I want to make sure you’re safe.

My heart melted at the words he sent this morning, but I still hadn’t replied. I tapped out a few different responses before settling on one.

Maggie: I will. Take care of the girls tonight, yeah?

While I waited for his reply, Cam and I stopped at the only gas station in town and went inside, loading up with snacks, sweet to savory. We dumped our haul on the counter, and the clerk, Silas, who’d worked there forever, gave us a toothy grin. “Reminds me of when you girls were little. You’d come after a day at the pool and dump all your quarters out of plastic M&M containers.”

We laughed, and Cam said, “Not much has changed.”

Silas checked out our stuff and gave us the total. I paid for it, and then we told him to have a good day before going back out to the car. I picked up my phone from the passenger seat and looked at it as I buckled in.

Rhett: I’d rather take care of you. ;)

I smiled at the text, biting my bottom lip.