It’s mind-blowing to think this is my future. Well… sort of. I don’t have a house, or a wife, or a biological family to have nightly dinners with. Regardless, at some point in the not-so-distant future, I’m going to have a baby covered in mashed potatoes. I like that.
Realizing I’ve been watching him so intently my eyes are dry, I blink and turn to Austin. “How’s the house coming along, boss?”
Cecily answers for him. “Foundation’s officially done. They’re trying to get as much done as they can before winter. Then it’ll be pretty slow-going.”
At least there’s a small chance I could move into their current place shortly after the baby’s born. It’s not the perfect solution, but I can make it work. Try to save money and maybe build a bedroom addition in a couple of years.
“Tell them to hurry up so you can fill it with babies, then all our kids can be running around together here,” Kate says with a chipper voice. She’s been laying it on thick with these two for months. “Wasn’t expecting Red to be the first one to give my kids a cousin. If Denny beats you two to the punch, I’m going to lose my mind.”
Denny laughs and clunks his beer bottle on the worn wood tabletop. “Absolutely no risk of that. I do a better job of putting on my raincoat than this guy.”
“You’re really testing how much I like you today, aren’t ya?” I snag his beer, turning away to chug it while he laughs and jokingly punches me in the shoulder.
“It’s not even raining, Uncle Denny.” Odessa’s face scrunches up as she contemplates the picture window behind us, confirming not a single drop of rain has fallen outside.
“Okay, enough. Odessa, eat your dinner. Boys, behave or get out.” Kate glares in our direction. Somehow I’m always lumped in when Dennysays something he shouldn’t. Maybe it’s because I’m quick to throw the first punch when somebody chirps him back. “Anyway, how’s Cass doing?”
“Oh, um…” I swallow the food in my mouth. “She’s okay. I saw her yesterday, and she’s apparently not feeling as sick. So, that’s good.”
“Except bringing her candy was your one excuse to see her. Now she’ll have no need for you.” Denny smirks. Seriously, I’m going to beat the crap out of him as soon as we get outside.
“Fu—” I start, but Kate’s glare stops me from telling him where to go and how to get there. “She’s pregnant withmykid. I don’t need an excuse beyond that.”
“Well, if she’s not sick anymore, you could bring her food,” Cecily suggests with a shrug, pointing her fork across the table. “Kate basically drank her weight in chocolate milk. I’m sure Cass will have something she’s craving soon enough.”
“Speaking of which, you should invite her here for dinner.” Kate’s back to being giddy again. I think she wants us all to live in a big commune here on the ranch, with a million feral farm kids running around while the women drink iced tea on the porch. Or beer, knowing Kate.
I’m not sure what kind of life Cassidy dreams about. Iamsure that whatever her dreams are, they don’t include me. A few months ago, I would’ve scoffed at the idea of her even looking in my direction. A future where Cass and I are together? Absolutely fucking not.Keep dreaming.
But now? I would die for the opportunity to prove I’m at least worth taking a chance on.
By the time dinner is finished, all I can think about is how I’ll convince Cass to agree to have dinner with me. Never mind on the ranch with everyone, like Kate suggested—that can come later. I’d prefer only me and her.
Denny’s lucky my hands are too busy texting Cass to fight him on our way back to the bunkhouse. Come to think of it—Rob’s a lucky bastard, too. Aside from a quick nod hello when I walk through the front door, I ignore the guys playing cards and drinking beer around the dining table,retreating to my room because all I want to do is lay in bed and talk to her.
Red:Now that you aren’t so sick, having any cravings?
Cass:Um… potatoes. Mashed, roasted, baked, any and all ways.
Red:Should’ve seen Jackson & Kate’s baby at dinner tonight. He was basically just a big potato. Covered in mash from head to toe.
Red:It was surprisingly cute
Cass:Getting baby fever? Quit being a big softie
Cass:Besides, I’m sure it’s cute until you’re the one cleaning up after them
Red:Maybe we should practice.
Cass:I’m nervous to ask what fucked up plan you have for practicing that
Red:If I cover myself in potato would you lick it off, sweetheart?
Cass:Youdoknow that’s not how we’d be cleaning the baby off, right?
Red:Answer the question, Cass
Cass:I mean… probably
