I can't help the laugh that escapes me.
Lilly: Yes, we do.
He reads it and replies immediately.
Cass: Wednesday, huh?
Lilly: Everything good was built on a Wednesday.
My phone rings as soon as he reads the message.
Laughter echoes on the other end of the line. "So, you do listen when I speak," he says.
"Oh, yeah. I always listen. I might just ignore some of the bullshit that comes out of your mouth, though," I laugh.
"And there is a lot of that, ain't there?" Scott says in the background.
I can hear the truck noise in the background, so I know they're in the truck.
"Are you coming home?" I ask, unable to mask the excitement in my voice.
"I am, baby. I'll be home soon. Pending Scott's driving. He drives like a pawpaw," Cass chastises.
Scott laughs at Cass's complaint. "Great!" I say cheerfully.
"Well, don't get too excited. I won't be home long. I'm needed back in OKC," he says grimly.
My heart sinks, but I do my best to mask the disappointment. "When do you leave?"
"Tomorrow afternoon," he answers.
"Okay. Well at least we will have some time together before you head out. You could use the time to rest, I'm sure," I tell him.
"You're not wrong. I'll be home soon, baby. Love you," he says.
"Love you, too."
I drag myself out of bed and head straight to the shower. I brush my teeth while the water heats up and then I wash the sleepy grime from my skin. That first thing in the morning shower just hits different. I towel off and half-ass blow dry my hair, get dressed, and search out breakfast in the kitchen. Buddy comes barreling through the newly installed doggy door, scaring me half to death. I swear he hits that damn door faster than should be physically possible.
I nearly drop the bowl of cereal I just poured, but somehow manage to catch it before spilling it all over the floor. Buddy prances in, with wet and dirty paws and a wagging tail. His cold nose nudges me and I offer pets as I sit down at the table to eat. The sound of a truck pulling into the driveway has Buddy on high alert.
"Is that your dad?" I ask him excitedly.
His whole body wiggles along with his tail as he waits for the door to the carport to open. When the handle turns, Buddy nearly sprints to the door to greet Cass.
"Hey, Bud," Cass says cheerfully, petting him behind the ears. Buddy runs to the treat cabinet and sits down in front of it, pawing at the door. Cass chuckles as he obliges and opens the treat cabinet, giving him a bone. Bud takes it and disappears out of the doggy door into the backyard.
Cass looks tired and worn and he winces when he moves his shoulder so I know he's been utilizing it more than he should have.
"Hey, baby," he rasps, placing a hand on my cheek and pressing his lips to mine.
His kiss is everything I needed. His soft lips pressed to mine makes me melt into him, relaxing every muscle in my body.
"Miss me?" he asks as he pulls back to stare down at me.
"You have no idea," I whisper.
"So, tell me about this wedding," he says, sitting down in the chair beside me.
