I glance up at the house with my stomach in my throat and spot Tanner on the front deck. He’s leaning down against the banister with arms crossed and a smile etched in his face. He shakes his head gently and my heart sinks to my knees.
He pushes up as I approach and opens the front door for me. Without Lauren and Rhett here, something feels more intimate about this place. The hall is narrow, the ceilings are low, and the warmth of summer seeps into the walls. The windows are open, and the white sheer curtains toss gently in the cross breeze. It’s warm, but not stuffy like the apartment. There’s a sturdiness in this house I can’t quite put my finger on it. It’s old, but solid. A place I wish I could put roots in.
“What are you thinking?” Tanner asks, and his warm voice only makes the place feel even more like home.
I spin to face him. “Nothing.”
We both smile at the lie.
While the radio in the windowsill crinkles with a country love song, my eyes settle on the mantle over his fireplace. It’s filled with framed pictures. I walk over and see they’re filled with, well, everyone. There are ones of him with Mayben, both wearing a biggoofy grin, One with his parents, others with Rhett and some with Lauren and Rhett. Some with the Hamilton Brothers, the lively bunch of boys with dark curly hair and devious grins.
“I'm sorry, by the way. For Winnie inviting us over.” I call back over my shoulder.
“No more apologizing.”
“Sorry,” I laugh and he shoots me a playful glare. “What can I do to help with dinner?”
“Winnie and I have it taken care of. Can you tell her I need her when she’s ready?”
“What do you mean?”
He shakes his head and pretends to zip his lips. I dip back down the hallway, and from the porch, I watch Winnie rest her chin onto her folded arms atop the fence. My throat tightens. This view, this moment, the sun lighting her profile in gold. The sheep teetering around, baying and eating grass. The world moves around her, but she doesn’t notice. She only sees the sheep.
“Winnie! Tanner needs you!” I call out to her.
“I’ll be back,” she tells the animals and climbs down off the fence and runs back up the grass to me. “Can we move here?”
“To Green Branch?”
“To Tan’s house.”
“I don’t think Tanner has enough drawers for both of us,” I tease.
I turn back to the house and see Tanner has caught the conversation and is standing there watching me with that damn smirk as Winnie runs past him.
“I’d clear out every drawer for you. Don’t let that be a reason you don’t stay.”
I stand there stunned, blushing, motionless, you name it.
“Come on guys!” Winnie yells from inside.
“Alright you two.” I pat his arm and brush by him. “What’s for dinner?”
“Pizza!” Winnie squeals and Tanner pulls out dough and other ingredients from the fridge.
“Did you get the things to make our own pizzas?”
“My dad used to make pizzas with us growing up.” He takes my hips and moves me out of his way. “He let us pick whatever toppings we wanted.”
“I want pineapple.” Winnie holds the edge of the counter, hardly containing her excitement.
“Since when?”
“Since Tan said he likes it.”
“Oh God. You’re a pineapple pizza person? And you’re brainwashing my kid into it too?”
He smirks. “Just enlightening her to the ways of better pizza, my dear.”
