“I’ll drive you.” He holds open the screen door for me.
I kick off my shoes on the welcome mat and head farther into the house. Atticus circles my feet, and I bend to pick him up, cradling him in my arms like an oversized baby. “Are you sure? I don’t want to take you away from your work.”
“We own this place. Work happens on my schedule, not the other way around. Besides, I have a new book on hold.” He brings his face close to Atty’s and scratches under his chin. “I’ve got some stuff to get done in my office. Holler if you need me.”
“Ok. Thanks.”
“Anytime, Callie baby.” He gives Atticus one last scratch on the head. “See you later, Fatticus.”
I let out a resigned sigh. “Not you, too.”
Chapter 12
Silver Spoon
? Silver Spoon - Erin LeCount
Jaxon
I stepinside the big house and kick my boots off on the welcome mat, following the sound of laughter all the way to the kitchen, where Olivia is seated at the island, making airplane noises with a spoon halfway to Gracie’s mouth. Across the island, Emmy giggles at something Wilder said.
Nobody acknowledges me right away, but that’s just as well. I’m only here because I didn’t want to throw Callie to the wolves. I wouldn’t put it past Mama to pull out an old family album or something equally embarrassing.
Pops enters through the back door with his cowboy hat in hand. He gives me a nod, and I return the gesture with a tight-lipped smile.
Like a moth to a flame, his attention goes straight to my mother. His face breaks into a wide grin as he watches her. She’s standing behind the stove, swaying to an old countrysong playing over the radio. He tosses his hat onto the hook by the door before sweeping her into his arms, and she throws her head back, laughing like this isn’t a regular occurrence for them.
My parents have always made time to dance in the kitchen. They have one of those rare loves that only comes around once in a lifetime, or twice if you’re Wilder. By the way he’s looking at Olivia from across the room, I’d bet my last dollar he’s thinking the same thing.
As the song ends, Pops dips her backward and plants a rough kiss on her lips. Once she’s back to an upright position, she fans her face with a dish towel. When we were growing up, we’d all grimace and cover our faces. Now, I see their easy affection through a different lens. It’s something I want, to be gifted with a love like theirs.
Voices drift in from somewhere behind me, and my mind singles out the only one I give a damn about.
Callie.
“I’m already uncoordinated on solid ground. I’m not sure I’m cut out for horseback riding.” Callie gives me a tight-lipped smile. She fidgets with the bottom button on her sweater, nervous energy radiating off her in waves.
Griffin snorts. “You just need the right instructor. Give me a chance, Callie girl. I’ll have you ridin’ bareback in no time.”
Jesus Christ, he’s not even trying to be subtle. “Since when do we teach amateurs to ride bareback around here?”
“Why don’t you ask Wilder?” Griffin says.
Olivia’s cheeks turn a bright shade of pink.
“Watch it, dickhead,” Wilder says. “That’s my wife you’re talking about.”
“She’s not your wife yet. Still time to run for it, Livie.”
Olivia glances at Griffin with mock indignation. “I’m still waiting for a better offer.”
Mama cuts in. “Speaking of weddings. Do you have a date in mind?”
Wilder and Olivia exchange a suspicious look.
“We’re keeping our options open for now,” Olivia says. “Maybe in the spring.”
Mama pulls a pan from the oven and sets it on the counter. “Well, don’t wait too long or all the good vendors will be booked up.”
