“Sam. Mommy said you were coming.”
“Hey, Max.”
He’s wearing the baseball hat I gave him the other night. It looks like Joey tightened it for him, but it’s still huge on his head.
“My tummy is hungry.”
“Think we should go eat then?” I ask him.
He nods before looking to Lennox. “Who’s that?”
“That’s my daughter, Lennox.”
“What’s your name?” she asks, dropping down next to him.
“Max. Do you want to see my tomato?”
“Your tomato?”
I laugh as Lennox looks confused.
“He’s cool.”
Max takes her hand and drags her out to the backyard.
I follow behind them. String lights are hung up, casting a low glow over the space. Tables are set up with huge spreads of food. A cooler of drinks is at one end with the men huddled around the grill.
“Look who finally decided to show up,” Greg jokes.
“Yeah, yeah.” I wave him off. “I had to make sure the guests were all set for their rides this afternoon then a few of the horses needed shoe changes. Couldn’t put that off.”
Dennis claps me on the shoulder. “You’re a good person, Sam. I could never do what you do.”
“Probably because you’re scared of horses.”
“Hey, I have a healthy respect for them. I don’t want to get bucked off.”
I shake my head at him before going to add my bowl to the food table and grab a beer. Poppy is organizing a game of tag, having roped in Rylee, Georgia, and Lennox. Max is running around after them. I know it’s a simple game, but it’s nice to see Lennox hanging out with them.
The one woman I’m hoping to at least say hi to is nowhere in sight.
“Hey Sam,” Greg calls out. “Mind going inside and grabbing the extra hamburger patties?”
I nod. “Sure thing.”
Walking the familiar path, I head into the kitchen and am met with the best sight. Joey is assembling a tray of veggies for the burgers. Tomatoes, lettuce, onions, the works.
She’s wearing a simple button-down flannel shirt and jeans, but damn, does she look beautiful.
“Need any help?”
She jumps, pressing a hand over her heart. “Jesus, you scared me.”
I sip my beer before setting it on the old Formica countertop and walking over to her. I’m a foot away from her. Too far in my opinion, but considering where we are, this is as close as I can get.
“Didn’t mean to.”
Her face softens. “I didn’t think you were coming.”
