“Want a beer?” Sutton moves to the fridge.
I nod. “Sounds good.”
She pops off the cap and passes me a frosty bottle. I swallow a couple swigs, the chilled liquid soothing my parched throat. It takes effort to hold in a groan. Something about a cold brew always hits the spot. Sutton sidles up and bumps me with her hip.
“Where should we sit?”
“You decide.”
She chooses a chair against the wall, tapping the one beside her. “C’mere.”
I edge around the table and settle onto the wood seat. Sutton reaches for me, threading her fingers into mine. This is all new. But to be fair, my place in this family has changed. It’s kicking off with a fresh outlook. That’s something I need. I lost my sense of belonging for too long. I didn’t fit with them anymore. Not without Sutton’s smile across from me. Now we sit side by side, our palms clasped tight. I Iift her hand to my lips and dust each knuckle with a kiss. She’s brought me back.
Animated chatter steals my focus. Barry and Jace round the corner with two stacks of grilled corn cobs. Another gurgle rises from my stomach, earning a laugh from the older man.
“Well, that’s a compliment to the chef. Great to see you, Grady.”
“Likewise, sir.”
He shakes his head, but doesn’t comment on the title I can’t quite drop. It’s a tough habit to break. This man deserves respect. I want to give that to him by all means possible.
Barry wraps an arm around my shoulders, adding a clap to my back for good measure. He glances from Sutton to me, a smile brightening his expression. He nods at our joined hands. “About damn time you kids figured things out.”
I gape at him and begin sputtering some excuse.
He lifts a finger. “Don’t hold back on my account. I already gave my permission, not that you need it.”
My heart threatens to overflow at the kind gesture. I smirk at Sutton and she beams at me in return. “That means a lot to me, and us. Thank you.”
He grips my shoulder again. “Whatever makes my children happy. That’s a parent’s dream.”
The knob of pressure lodged in my chest loosens with a long exhale. I really needed to hear that. Jace doesn’t share in his father’s enthusiasm, but he doesn’t shovel out more digs at us. I’m calling that a win. A quick succession of beeps interrupts us and I’m saved from further inquisitions. Great timing.
Alice sets down a bowl of potato salad and a massive platter of chicken. Damn, we’re eating good tonight. We serve ourselves and don’t waste time before digging in. A steady flow of conversation goes around between bites. I’ve returned into the fold without a hitch.
“How’s work, Grady?” Alice grins at me with the question.
I finish chewing and wash the food down with a sip of beer. “Picking up with the peak of summer. I already have another restoration lined up after the Drefter project.”
“Oh, I’m happy to hear that. It’s about time people take notice of your skill sets. Sure is difficult to find honest and dependable contractors.”
Barry hums in agreement. “You’ve definitely come a long way from pounding crooked nails into the horse stalls.”
I choke on an inhale at his praise. Those are great memories. “Had to learn somehow. Thank you, sir.”
He chuckles. “You know better. I let it slide the first time. One of these days you’ll call me by name.” His gaze slides to Sutton beside me. “Or something more personal and far less formal.”
A ball of warmth spreads through my chest. Is this topic really coming into the light?
“You’ve found a true calling,” Alice interrupts. “Not everyone has the patience to learn a trade.”
Barry is bobbing his head along with her words. “Don’t I know it. There’s no one willing to stick around for odd jobs. I was spoiled with these two.” He points a fork between Jace and me. “Precise craftsmanship and dedication to the business is a dying breed.”
“You can still count on us, pops. Whatever you need. Right, Bowen?” My friend nods at me.
Glad he’s not holding a grudge and the layer of ice is thawing. I find myself offering a wide smile. “Absolutely. I enjoy the mechanical work. There isn’t much of that with my contracts. I consider it an honor to work around the farm. Just let us know.”
Barry raises his brow. “I’ll hold you to that.”
