“Got anything for me to steal?”
Reenie went to the fridge and opened the industrial door, then stepped back.
Sealed bins of baked goods from today were in there. Nothing lasted over two days at the cafe. If they weren’t sold, they ended up in the mill for his staff or one of his siblings stopped in.
He looked around for anything chocolate, Reenie pointing to the lower level at the fudge frosted chocolate cookies.
Jackpot.
He lifted the top and snagged one out and took a bite.
“What do you think of them?”
“Are there peanut butter chips in these?”
He took another bite and closed his eyes. Very few knew of his chocolate sweet tooth.
He never thought it was that great of one until he couldn’t have his mother’s sweets anytime he wanted for years.
Coming home almost two years ago and having her food when he wanted still hadn’t quenched that thirst. He only craved it more.
“It’s my recipe,” she said. “I tried them out on Ford last week and he loved them. Your mother tried them and we saw how they sold.”
“These would be awesome with peanut butter frosting instead of the fudge,” he said taking the last bite, then licking the gooey mess off his fingertips.
“That’s what I’m doing next. Ford likes chocolate more than peanut butter.”
“Lucky bastard,” he said. “Getting to be your test subject. You know, I live next door still and on your way to work.”
Reenie giggled. She hadn’t been that lighthearted until recently.
Clay thought for sure she’d move in with his brother, but should have realized that she needed to feel her independence some more and remained in the tiny cabin down the road from the ranch he lived in on the property.
Not that she was there every night, or even alone. Half the time Ford stayed or Reenie went to his brother’s, but he also could appreciate knowing you had your own landing pad to reflect and peace out.
“I can leave you a care package, but I don’t want to wake you on my way.”
“I’m probably up before you,” he said. He couldn’t remember the last time he had a good night’s sleep or didn’t get up early ready to fight.
He might not be battling for his life anymore, but he’d always be battling to prove himself.
It was one of those things the oldest son did and he couldn’t escape it no matter how far or fast he ran.
“I wouldn’t doubt it,” Reenie said. “But you’ll get the next recipe I try. I promise. Do you want anything else before I lock up?”
“Nah,” he said. “Don’t need to get soft. I’ll walk out with you.”
She laughed. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but is it possible for you to get soft?”
He laughed. “I’m going to tell Ford you said that.”
Her jaw dropped. “Don’t you dare.”
She was pointing her finger at him again, and he smirked. “Fine. I’ll store it away.”
“I don’t need Ford to come home with any more bruises.”
“That’s just in good fun,” he said. He and Ford got together to work out in his basement a few times a month. Wrestling, fighting, lifting. Combat moves.
