Page 1 of Wishing for the Lumbersnack (Lumbersnacks of Appleridge #1)

CHAPTER ONE

Deke

“I’m so proud of you, little bro. It’s difficult to get out of the weeds, but you did it! We need to celebrate.”

I laughed into my phone’s camera, the screen filling up with my big smile. “How about we stay away from parties?”

“Well, no duh.” My older sister Aubrey made a face, still the same one as when we were kids. Classic Aubs. “I thought we could check out the new Marvel flick? Or a chick flick is always a good choice.” Aubrey teased.

I rolled my eyes so hard I gave myself a headache. “How about the new slasher film? I heard it’s extra gory.”

“Ew gross. In what world would I want to watch that?”

“I don’t know, maybe in a world where you’re not five?”

“Hilarious. You know what I like. Anyway, I’ll message you some days and times I’m free and hopefully we can meet up. It’s been too long, Deke.”

“I know, Aubs. I hate to admit it and never thought I’d say it, but I’ve gotten lonelier recently. Maybe it’s the coming home to an empty house? Usually, it doesn’t bother me. I’ve learned to enjoy the quiet. I’ve even got quite the collection of wood trinkets I’ve carved.”

“You’ve gotten so good at it. I’ve been showing off the pictures you’ve sent. I really think you should sell them. A few of my co-workers asked if they were for sale.”

“Really?” A surge of pride ran through me.

I’d found a new hobby after spending my nights drinking and my days in bed sleeping it off.

I couldn’t keep living that way, barely holding onto jobs, renting cheap rooms when I couldn’t afford rent.

Aubrey showed up on my doorstep, kicked my ass, told me she loved me, and helped turn my life around.

I scored a job on Clay Patrick’s logging crew in Appleridge, rented a small one-room cabin which I hoped to move out of soon, and gave up the alcohol.

On a slow day at work, a few of the guys on the crew, along with myself, experimented with carving wood. I enjoyed it so much that after my shift, I stopped by the local hardware store for some tools, went home and watched a few YouTube videos, and continued the hobby, my skills improving slowly.

“Yes, really. They’re neat. I especially love the little animals.”

I chuckled. “They’re cute. My favorite to make. Oh man, I’m such a dork.” I shook my head and laughed some more.

“A talented one. I wish I was half as creative as you.”

“Aw thanks, sis. I’ll think about selling them. I just don’t want a hobby to become stressful or work, you know?”

“Yeah, I get that. Oh wait, I have an idea. Why don’t you get a pet? Maybe a dog?”

“Can’t have a dog here. Besides, I’m at work all day. Not fair to the pup.”

“A cat, then?”

“Hmm...”

“They’re relatively easy. A litter box, some water and food, and they’re happy. Get a pair of siblings and they’ll entertain themselves.”

“Good idea, Aubs.”

“I know. I’m full of them.” Aubrey grinned into the camera.

I missed her a lot and wished she stayed in Appleridge with me.

We grew up in a small town a state away and moved here when I was ten.

Our parents retired in Florida, and I’ve stayed here while my sister took off for the city.

I assumed she’d return here. Instead, she fell in love with a city guy during college and never left.

I tried the city life, but it wasn’t for me.

“Anyway, Rob and I are heading out to dinner. Keep me updated, okay?”

“I will. Love you, sis. Have a good night.”

“Love you, too.”

I ended the call and pulled up the Google app on my phone and typed out where to adopt a cat near me. I might’ve lived here for years but I’ve never looked up how to adopt a pet before.

A few listings popped up. I clicked on the first one- Sera’s Furry Friends Cat Rescue, 5 miles away.

I pulled up the directions and discovered it was on the other side of town in Appleridge. The hours for tomorrow said it was open until seven in the evening. I’d have to check it out after work. But first, I needed to look up what I needed to take care of my new friend.

I parked my truck directly in front of the small storefront, the words Sera’s Furry Friends Cat Rescue listed on the door.

I’d stopped at the pet store on my way over, my passenger seat full of bags of supplies ranging from kitten chow to a litter box, treats, and toys.

I even got a fluffy cat bed to place on the floor next to mine.

With a deep breath, I climbed out of my truck and headed inside, a string of bells jingling above me when I opened the door.

Inside was a small lobby area with two chairs and a couple of side tables, different pamphlets lying across them.

A large wrap around desk sat on one side, with a chair behind it, scattered pens and papers lay about.

A bulletin board on the wall displayed several photos with the words Adoptions 2025 listed on top.

I smiled at the different cats who’d found their forever home with the help of this cat rescue and hoped my picture would be next.

“Can I help you?” A soft voice said from behind me.

I turned to find a gorgeous curvy woman, standing behind me, a timid look etched across her soft features.

Long, dark brown wavy hair flowed down her back, held away from her face by a thick black headband.

Her light brown eyes twinkled, yet she didn’t hold my gaze for long as she moved behind the desk.

I couldn’t tear my eyes off her, my insides twisting and turning in a way I’d never felt before. Who is she?

“Yes, I’d like to adopt a cat, but I’m not sure what the first step is.”

She looked me up and down and I wondered what she was thinking. A big burly guy like me wanted a cat?

“I know I probably don’t look like the typical person who adopts a cat, but trust me, I’ll love him or her like they’re my child.” I grinned.

A small giggle erupted from her pretty lips. “Okay. Follow me.”

“Thanks.” I tried not to stare at her ass as she brought me to the back and into a room with several cat cages, each with a name tag and description on the front, but I failed. I couldn’t help myself.

She looked like a perfect little treat. And I didn’t even know her name yet.

“I’m Serafina, by the way. Take your time looking around. If you see any you’re interested in, we can set up a meeting.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Deke.” I peered into the first cage and saw three black kittens curled up together in a ball. My big burly heart instantly melted.

“I’ll be out front if you need anything.”

“Wait, you’re not staying?” I blurted.

Her eyebrow rose and a smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. “Um, did you want me to?”

I was an idiot.

“No, sorry. I’m new at all of this.” I scrambled for any words that would make some sort of sense. “I’ll come out when I’m ready.”

Serafina smiled and turned to go, my eyes falling to her ass once more.

I’m in trouble.