Page 81 of Take My Name

Oh, we did.

“Hi, honey!” Mom walks in and quickly wraps an arm around me.

I lean down to kiss her cheek. “Hi, Ma. Smells good in here.”

“Glad you think so because I have three loaves for you.”

“Three? I’m one person.”

“Give one to Maisie.” She grins like I can’t tell what she’s doing or that she didn’t get the full breakdown of last night’s dinner from Aunt JoJo.

“Mom…” I drawl, crossing my arms and leaning against the counter.

“What?” she asks innocently.

“Gettin’ Maisie back is a family effort,” Aunt JoJo defends.

“Oh, so if I can’t convince her, maybe your banana bread will?”

“Exactly!” Mom pinches my cheek like I’m five years old. “I was hesitant at first, but I haven’t seen you this happy in years.”

My heart sinks because while it’s true, if Maisie still wants me to sign those papers, it won’t only be my dreams she crushes. It’ll be my whole family’s too.

“Don’t get your hopes up, please,” I say.

“She’s hopin’ y’all will get back together and give her grandchildren,” Dad blurts, walking in the front door.

Although we have enough staff, Dad prefers to get his hands dirty and work outside than stay in a stuffy office, so he’s covered in dirt and straw. Most likely working in the barn with the boarded horses. They get rotated out to the pastures to graze.

“Garrett! Hush,” Mom scolds but accepts his kiss when he leans in.

“Or just one…” Aunt JoJo adds. “We’re not greedy.”

I huff a laugh, pushing off the counter. “Right. Anyway…I gotta go home and feed my chickens before Maisie comes over.”

“And may I suggest a shower?” Mom grins, setting a bag filled with goodies on the counter in front of me.

I frown. “I planned on it…if I’m ever allowed to go home.”

Even though I didn’t spend much time out of my office today, the barn smell still soaks into my pores and hair.

“Of course, sweetie. What’re tonight’s plans?”

I debate telling her because she’ll come up with her own conclusions, but she’ll bug me about it until I do. “Goin’ line dancin’ at Honky’s.”

“Oh my gosh!” Mom’s eyes brighten. “I haven’t gone dancin’ in forever. Garrett, why don’t you ever take me?”

“Here we go…” he grumbles, washing his hands in the sink. “Fine, you wanna? We can. I’ll get changed.”

“Please be jokin’.” I scowl, shaking my head.

“Honey, you won’t even know we’re there.”

“Highly doubtful,” I say dryly.

“Wait…is Honky’s the one with the big flashy sign in the front?”

“Yes.”