We make it only a few steps past the bandstand before I spot my folks near the courthouse steps.
Dad’s got a paper plate in one hand, barbecue sauce on his thumb, and Mama’s talking to him with an animated wave of her hands.
She spots me and Penny and her face lights up. “Sam-Pete!” she calls, waving.
“Hey, Mama,” I say as Penny and I walk over.
She pulls me into a hug then turns to Penny, all smiles. “Penny, honey, it’s so good to see you homeagain. You look beautiful.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Rochelle,” Penny says, returning the hug warmly. “It feels good to be back.”
Dad shakes my hand, grip firm but easy, and gives Penny a smiling nod. “You two enjoying the evenin’?”
“Yes, sir,” I reply, putting my arm around Penny.
He throws his thumb over his shoulder. “I saw the library has a table set up and they have some of your books there.”
I blink in surprise because there’s still a low-key movement to ban my books. “That’s progress, I suppose.”
Mom pats my cheek. “We’re just proud you’re writing things that make people believe in love again.” She looks between Penny and me. “Looks like you’re livin’ it too.”
Penny slips her hand into mine, and I nod. “Yes, ma’am. I am.”
Dad gives a nod of approval. “Well, that’s about all a man can ask for.” He glances toward the food stalls. “You two come by the house tomorrow. Your mama’s making chess pie.”
“We wouldn’t miss it,” I tell him.
When they wander off toward the dessert table, Penny squeezes my hand. “That went really well.”
“Yeah,” I murmur, still watching them disappear into the crowd. “My parentsare all right.”
She leans into me, voice warm. “They love you.”
I grin. “They tolerate me.”
“More than that,” she says, brushing her lips against my cheek. “You’ve grown on them.”
“Like mold,” I tease.
“Like kudzu,” she corrects.
We wander toward the courthouse steps, away from the noise. The music drifts over us, sweet and slow. People are dancing in the street now—barefoot kids chasing each other between food stalls, older couples swaying under the lights.
Penny turns to me. “Have you figured out your next trip yet?”
I nod. “Philadelphia, then New York for a few days. After that, Derek wants me to do a signing tour through the entire southeast, but we don’t have dates on that.”
Her expression softens. “I’ll miss you.”
“Yeah, but I’ll be back quick,” I promise. “Or… you could come with me.”
Penny smiles and leans in close. “That would be lovely, but guess what? I got a lead on a new job. The county development office wants someone to manage the new agricultural grant program. I’d get to work with local farmers, help them secure funding for small operations. It’s a lot more hands-on with the farmers than I’m used to, but I’m excited about it.”
“That sounds like a perfect fit,” I say. “And they’d belucky to have you.”
She smiles up at me, that slow, heart-stopping kind of smile that still makes my knees feel like wet noodles. “You really think so?”
“I know so,” I say. “You were made for this town. You and Whynot fit like—well, like fried chicken and sweet tea.”
