“Cody! Thanks for coming in,” David says, standing and extending his hand for me to shake.
We don’t usually shake hands, but I grip his and then let it go.
“Glad to. Thanks for making time to be here.”
“I was just telling Gene about your willingness to apply.”
“You’ll make a great captain,” Captain Brewer says.
“I’m just applying for now. The position’s not filled.”
“Not filled, but you’re on crew and your captain is putting in a good word, it’s as good as yours.”
My stomach does a little flip. Apparently, applying for leadership turns me into a fifteen-year-old girl being asked on her first date.
I keep my face neutral.
David hands me a pen and a stack of papers secured on a clipboard.
I fill everything out while the two of them talk about family and hunting spring turkeys while they’re still in season. When I’m finished, I hand the clipboard over and stand.
David stands too and claps me on the arm. “I’ll give these to Sheldon and you’ll be hearing from him in a week, give or take.”
“Just like that?” I ask.
“Yep. Just like that,” Captain says with a confident smile.
“Am I the only one applying from our crew?”
“You’re the only one I asked to apply, Cody. The position’s open to the public on the county website. But I know my crew and this station. I picked you.”
My chest tightens and everything inside me goes momentarily still. I nod, not sure what to say to that. Any of the guys would make a good captain—even Dustin, though things might get a little too footloose with him in charge at times, but he knows when to buckle down and get serious.
Captain picked me. Okay, then.
I say goodbye to the guys on shift and walk out to mytruck, a little spring to my step. My chest tightens around a breath I haven’t let out yet. When I shut the door to my truck, I blow it out, long and slow. Then I inhale and let another out.
Okay. I did that. The rest is up to fate.
Well, fate and Captain David. I chuckle softly as I turn the key in the ignition.
I drive to the farm supply, imagining how things will change if I end up in the position. Up until now, I’ve only thought about whether or not I should apply. Now I’m seeing myself behind the desk, making the calls, training the rookie, attending county meetings …
Coming home to Carli and our three kids.
I laugh out loud.
Slow your roll, Lawson.
It’s hard to slow down when I’ve known her my whole life. And now? After spending more time together, holding her in my arms, having heart-to-heart talks? I don’t want to even lightly tap the brake pedal.
I pull into the parking lot and smile widely when I spot an old Ford pickup a few spaces over.
Well, well. Fate is definitely on my side today.
I walk into the store, greet the cashier and a clerk I know and grab a cart. My eyes scan the registers to see if I can find Carli. I walk the length of the store, glancing down each aisle. I’m here for colostrum and electrolytes, but she might be here for anything.
When I reach the aisle that goes straight to bulk orders at the back register, I see her, down at the end, talking to the manager. I slow my stride and walk down the aisle as if I’m browsing. When I come to the end of the aisle, I’m only a few feet away from her.
