I smile at Dad. “Thanks.”
Even with the praise, the kitchen feels like an echo chamber of uncertainty. None of us know what this position will mean for my availability. I’m not abandoning Buckner Farms. I’m just stepping into something that’s mine. I can do both. At least I hope I can.
After Dad’s praise, Jace says, “We’ve officially got our own code enforcer in the house. You gonna write Dad up for leaving his boots in the doorway?”
“No. But I might write you up for not having a sense of humor.”
“I’m funny,” my brother insists.
“People who are funny don’t have to take out a billboard to announce it.”
He reaches over and ruffles my hair like he used to do when we were way younger. Something tightens in my chest at the memory.
“I’m heading over to the Lawsons’,” I tell my family. “McKenna wanted to hang out after dinner.”
Mom nods and smiles. Dad walks into the living room.
Jace steps onto the porch with me. “I’m not trying to be hard on you.”
“You don’t have to try.”
“I’m proud of you too,” he says.
“But?”
“But I’m concerned about the load.”
“Don’t be. I’m not kidding. I’ll pull my weight, Jace.”
“Okay. Yeah. Well …” He puts his hand on my shoulder. “Congrats, baby sister. You did good.”
I drive over the speed limit down the road between the Lawsons’ and our place. I could tell McKenna over the phone, but I want to break the news in person. I need to celebrate.
I call her anyway, just to give her a heads-up.
“Hey! I’m on my way over. Are you at your place?”
“No. We’re all in the main house. Mom decided we needed a family night since I haven’t been home in a while.”
The lightness I’d been feeling since the phone call from Captain Hayes deflates just a little.
“Oh! Sorry. I can come by tomorrow.”
“Are you kidding me?” McKenna practically shouts. “Getover here. You’re family.” Then she says something into the room. “Mom, Carli’s family, right?”
“Yes! Of course,” Mrs. Lawson answers. “Tell that girl to come over and help us eat this popcorn.”
“Mom said …”
“I heard her,” I say through my smile. “I’m almost there.”
I had planned to share my news with McKenna, but in typical fashion, the Lawson family is all sitting around the living room together when I walk in.
“Carli!” Luke shouts from across the room.
“Hey, everyone,” I say, waving at each person and trying hard not to let my eyes linger on Cody, but failing.
He’s leaned back on the sectional, wearing a blue Waterford Fire T-shirt that’s stretched just right across his chest. His faded jeans look lived-in and his hair is mildly tousled, like he just came in from outside, maybe even a ride on Jasper.
