“You’re awake early.”
That earns her a laugh. “It’s nearly nine o’clock.”
Her brow lifts. “My daughter used to sleep until noon during summer break.”
“Well, consider that habit shattered. I can barely stay in bed past eight.”
She sits in the chair beside me. “Never thought that’d happen. Jace was always my wake-up call. But here you are, up and out before me.”
I smile at her. “Glad I can still surprise you.”
My mom nods and takes a drink from her mug. “What’s on your agenda for the day?”
“Oh, let me see. Finish unpacking. Set up my schedule for next week. Contact my clients. That sort of thing.” I shade my eyes when a blast of sunlight breaches the trees.
She brushes some hair off my forehead. “Don’t forget to save space for relaxing and smelling the flowers. Kick your feet up, enjoy being home.”
My mom isn’t aware that I’d been wading through syrupy nostalgia mere moments ago. My limbs are loose and there’s zero threat of strain. No troubles are finding me on this tranquil piece of lawn. Not yet, at least.
“Don’t worry, momma. I’ll have plenty of fun.”
“Good. That’s really good.” She squeezes my hand. “Any plans to reconnect with old friends?”
I glance over, catching the slight upturn to her lips. There’s a particular someone she’s digging about. “Lacie and Molly stayed local. I’ll get together with them soon.” A lazy shrug accompanies my words.
Her nails tap on the armrest. “Anyone else?”
A huff escapes me. My mother is well aware of my prior crush on Grady. “Why don’t you tell me?”
“He’s around often enough.” She doesn’t bother hiding her smile.
The telltale flutters take flight in my belly. Traitorous butterflies. “Oh?”
“Mhm-hmm. He’s such a big help to your father and brother.”
Without realizing, she provides an easy out from this topic. “Where’s dad? He was already gone when I woke up.”
“At the office.”
“On a Saturday?”
Her nose scrunches. “He’s working on a major project. An impressive tool with a really complicated name that could vastly improve some farming system.”
My mother is clueless when it comes to my father’s job. I’m not much better. All the equations and calculations go straight over my head. He’s a mechanical engineer with a specialty in farm equipment. Way back when, he led the team that created several enhancements for numerous machines. Because of their developments, the time it takes for plowing fields and harvesting crops and baling hay is cut in half.
“That’s why they pay him the big bucks.” I steer my gaze forward. A few upgraded combines and tractors rest near the barn. This isn’t a fully functioning farm by any means. Our expansive property is more for recreation and leisure. But my dad loves his toys, and puts them to good use. Twenty acres of the rear fields are used for growing hay. I’m fairly certain cutting and baling isn’t a chore for him.
She nods and rises to her feet. “I’m not sure your father will ever retire. He has the best of both realities.”
“Lofty corner office by day. Sitting comfy on a John Deere at night. What more could he want?”
My mom laughs. “Precisely. I’ll never tear him away.”
“Not that you really want to.” I rest my chin on an open palm, appraising her carefree expression. They’re both living the high life. Why was I hesitant to move home? The reasons are beginning to blur.
She cups my cheek, swiping at the soft skin with her thumb. “We’re very happy to have you back, kiddo. Truly. This town lost a lot of sparkle when you left.”
I blink at the moisture clouding my vision. “Thanks, momma. I’m glad my old room was still available.”
