“Well, your homework for next time is to find a way to be courageous. Show Chase you care. Be vulnerable. Take a risk. Take a leap of faith. I can’t wait to hear what you discover when you land the idea plane. Well, I must be off! Another client awaits. Good-bye beautiful Maggie!”
Maggie’s computer screen went black. She typed in the browser search bar “smith agrotourism organic farm.” And then, there it was. The address to Smith & Sons Family Farm: 178 County Road 42, Mayorsville, Alabama.
Chapter 25
Chase
ThewoodcreakedbeneathChase as he rocked back and forth on the farmhouse front porch. The image of his brother hooked up to monitors and machines, lying in the hospital bed still haunted him days later. A low rumble caught his attention, and he looked up to find a van rolling down the driveway.
Chase stood and walked toward the vehicle. A mechanical ramp folded out. Jade, Cam’s wife, opened the driver’s side door.
“I got it, Jade.” Chase told her as he walked up the ramp and into the van. “Cam’s not a lightweight.”
“That’s a fact,” Cam responded. “Pure muscle here.”
“Is he still drugged up?” Chase tried to discreetly ask Jade.
“No, just rotating high doses of Tylenol and ibuprofen.”
“Okay, so I don’t have to be extra nice to him? This is his normal cocky self?” Chase gently hit his brother’s arm.
“Yeah, I’m sharp as a tack. Can’t pull nothin over on me, even with a concussion and a bum leg. In a few weeks, I’ll be good as new. Probably better than ever.”
“Okay, cowboy. You talk a good game, but you must be plumb wore out. Let’s give this ramp Chase built a go and get you inside,” Jade said.
“If Chase built it, I’m not sure I trust it,” Cam razzed him.
“Well sweetie, you ain't got no choice,” Jade patted him on the shoulder.
“Sturdy as an oak.” Chase said proudly as he pushed Cam successfully up the ramp he built covering the front steps.
“Where are the kids at?” Jade asked.
“Mom’s giving them a bath.”
“Alright, if you got this I’ll go relieve her and kiss my babies.”
“Yep, I got this.” Chase said as he pushed Cam into the living room. “The room is all set up for you. Got this fancy new lift chair yesterday, supposed to make it easier for you to get in and out. It’ll also help you keep your leg elevated," Chase explained.
“Ain’t the trusty ole leather recliner I’m used to, but it’ll do.”
“Let’s get you up.” Chase proceeded to help Cam maneuver into the chair and get settled. “Need anything else?”
“Yeah I’ll take a beer and some fried pickles,” Cam smirked.
“Oh you’re gonna enjoy this aren’t you? Getting waited on hand and foot. We’re in trouble.” Chase shook his head. “I’ll grab you some sweet tea.”
When Chase returned with Cam’s drink, his niece and nephew were examining their dad.
“Daddy, you okay?” Banjo asked in the most adorable four-year-old voice.
“Yeah, I’m okay buddy. I just need to rest.”
“Daddy, what’s this metal stuff for?” Six-year-old Delilah inquired.
“Well, that’s helping daddy’s leg to heal the right way.”
“Does it hurt?”
