“Sure. We’re at the market every Saturday. As long as it’s okay with your dad, you can join me Friday afternoons to get the crates ready. You both were a big help today.”
“Thank you,” they chimed simultaneously with matching grins.
“And you know what? I bet when we go inside, the pie will be ready.”
“Yes!” they screamed as they dashed out of the fenced-in garden and up to the back entrance of the house. Both girls stumbled a few times but righted themselves without falling. I couldn’t blame them. I was equally as excited about the chocolate pie.
After dumping the baskets into the larger crates, I carried them one by one up to the mudroom so I could clean everything off. By the time I was done, Mom was cleaning the girls up from their finished treat. I thanked her, and she smiled at me in that way that made me feel like I hung the moon.
“Dad and Nate still in the library?” I asked as I opened the refrigerator and gathered my own heaping piece of pie.
“I believe so, yes. I may have dozed off for a few minutes.” Mom chuckled as she began washing the plates in the sink. “Those sweethearts make me realize I am no longer in my twenties.”
“Well,” I said around a mouthful as I came to stand beside her, “you don’t look a day over forty.” I grinned, showcasing my teeth covered in chocolate.
Just as quickly as I made the joke, Mom swatted me with the dishtowel she’d draped over her shoulder.
“Don’t sass your momma.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Anyway, I like you with them. You take to kids naturally.”
“Uh, I think you have me confused with Rory. She’s the child whisperer.”
“Not at all. I stand by what I said.” She paused while continuing to wash another plate, then placed it on the drying rack. “I like you with Nathaniel, too.”
With my fork halfway to my mouth, it froze midair. There was no way she could tell we had a steamy-hot fuckfest together, could she?
Coughing, I set the fork back on the plate and told her that she was crazy and seeing things. I also reminded her that Nate was my brother’s age.
“Maybe so, but age is just a number. Look at your sister and her husband. Besides, you would add a little spice and stability to his life.”
“I don’t think so, Mom. Anyway, you know my track record hasn’t been the best.”
“He was one boy, Alexandra.”
Reflexively, I nodded, refraining from continuing the argument we had numerous times over the years. The other day, Nate mentioned seeking therapy for himself and his daughters. I could tell it was something big for him to share, but I wondered if he would be surprised to learn I spoke with a therapist regularly as well. Mine was certain I solely chose one-night stands to keep from forming attachments. I had trust issues, and it was easier to keep men at arm’s length than to let them close.
“One was enough for me.” I gently set my plate in the sink, knowing Mom wouldn’t let me clean it if she was already there. “I’m going to go check on Dad and Nate.”
When I took one step away from the sink, Mom gripped my wrist in that way that meant business. The kind that said “listen to what I’m about to tell you.”
“I love you, Alexandra. It’s okay to let others love you, too.”
“I love you too, Mom.” I smiled sincerely. My mother was one of my best friends, as she was for my sisters as well. Before retreating, I pressed my lips to her cheek, then made my way toward Dad’s office down the hall.
Just beyond the door, I peered down the hall to see Eloise and Molly watching a children’s cartoon about a mouse on the television. The door to the office was open just a smidge. I didn’t want to eavesdrop, but they made it so easy.
“I like what you’ve done here, Nathaniel. We’re all very proud of you.”
“Thank you, sir.”
I shivered as Nate’s velvety smooth voice washed over me.
“If you want to sign this document, I will agree to lease you the farthest two plots of land, as well as the 100 acres on the other side of Ashfield. I can also have Marisol email you a copy of the land’s property markers.”
I hadn’t viewed our property maps in a long time. The grainy images in my head began filtering through, and it alarmed me what I recalled.
