Briar: Before you return them, I want a turn. They can be our version of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.
Wren: Wait, are those the ones with the cute patchwork on the back pockets? If so, I call dibs after Briar.
Birdie: I guess I have two things to confess. Yes, I didborrowthose for a date with Walker because they make my butt look great.
Birdie: But also, Walker and I actually pretended to date at the start because I sort of also asked him to give me bedroom lessons, but we’re together for real now, and it’s getting serious.
Birdie: Thanks in advance for understanding! K love you all, bye. *kiss face emoji
Charlie is starting a group call…
Call not answered.
Charlie: Birdie Mae Matterson, you will be spilling all the tea later.
Briar: Uh-oh, she used your full government name. You’re in big trouble now, Birdie.
Briar: And for the record, I’m pretty sure Walker was never pretending.
Wren: So… does this mean half the group will be sisters eventually?
Briar: We could aim for three quarters. What do you think Charlie? *wink face emoji
Charlie: Never going to happen.
Briar: Never say never.
I glance up just as Walker drives past the turnoff to my place.
“Uh, my house is back there,” I remind him, motioning behind us.
He gives me a sidelong glance before returning his focus to the road ahead. “Sorry, I must not have been paying attention. Looks like we’re taking the scenic route today.”
“I wouldn’t exactly call another dirt roadscenic,but sure,” I tease as he takes the next left instead of turning around.
This route will loop us in a wide square before we end up back at my house. We pass by several open pastures and barbed wire fences stretching toward the mountains rising in the distance. The view is striking with the sun hanging low and the sky streaked with soft oranges and pale pinks.
I shift forward in my seat as we near Mr. Grady’s property, my stomach dropping when I notice the For Sale signs that have long lined the front lawn are gone. I blink, disbelief tightening my chest, half convinced I’m hallucinating. Even knowing thatowning the place was never a real possibility, the loss still stings. I can’t help but wonder if another farmer bought it or if it went to an out-of-towner looking for a quiet country homestead.
I’m so wrapped up in my thoughts that I almost miss Walker pulling off the road and into the gravel area in front of the barn on Mr. Grady’s property. I frown when I notice the sheriff’s truck parked nearby.
I squint and spot my dad leaning against the driver’s side with his arms crossed. “Why are we at Mr. Grady’s? And what’s my dad doing here? Is this about Peaches and Daisy?” I ask, panic creeping into my voice.
He cuts the engine and reaches for my hand, giving a gentle squeeze. “No, baby, it’s nothing like that. Your dad wanted to show you something and asked me to bring you here to meet him.”
“Oh. What is it?” I ask, catching my bottom lip between my teeth.
A mischievous grin spreads across Walker’s face. “Only one way to find out.” He gets out of the truck, circles to my side, and opens my door.
“Thanks,” I say when he extends his hand and helps me down.
Dad pushes off his truck and walks over to join us. “Howdy there, you two. Appreciate you coming by.”
“Of course,” Walker replies, tipping his hat.
“Your mother wanted to be here, but she wasn’t feeling up to a car ride. Tess is staying with her until I get home,” Dad explains.
Now that he’s retiring, we won’t need nurses around the clock anymore, but the plan is for Tess to keep coming a few times a week, since she’s Mama’s favorite. It’ll also help take some of the pressure off Dad. He’s her husband above all, and I want to makesure he has the space to focus on spending quality time with Mama, and not just his role as her caregiver.
