Page 31 of A Simple Life

“What’s in the basket?” I asked.

“Momma and me made a picnic.”

“A picnic?”

Abby nodded enthusiastically. “To say thank you.”

“It’s for you,” Quinn explained. “For lunch or dinner—whatever you want.”

“Fried chicken,” Abby added. “And tato salad.”

“Any pickles?” I asked with a wink.

“Lots,” Abby assured me.

“And you ladies will stay, of course.”

“As long as we’re not interrupting. Otherwise, we’ll leave it for you whenever you want it.”

Abby rolled her eyes. “He asked us, Momma. You said you hoped he would.”

Quinn’s cheeks reddened, and once again, the sight of her blush brought forth a rush of desire and protectiveness. It was disconcerting, yet somehow, I didn’t mind it.

“It’s settled, then,” I stated firmly. “We’re having a picnic. And I know the perfect spot.”

Abby threw up her arms. “Yay!”

Quinn and I shared an amused look, not saying anything, but inside, I was throwing up my arms too and celebrating.

Suddenly, the day didn’t seem as desolate.

Quinn looked around, entranced. “It’s so pretty here!”

I had to agree with her. “Laura and I loved it here as kids.” I chuckled. “My parents loved that we loved it. Close enough for us to be safe, but far enough away to give them some downtime.”

“Your parents lived nearby?”

“Just down the road a little closer to town. I cut through the fields so often, I wore down a trail.”

“Is the house still there?”

“No, we sold it after they passed, and the new owners tore it down and built a new place.” I shrugged. “I loved the farmhouse and Laura wanted her own place without the memories. It was best to sell it. But this spot is filled with memories for us.”

I watched her excitement, feeling the stirrings of pride. The little creek was just behind the house to the left, bordered by trees and grasses. My dad and gramps had brooked up a small area that gave us a place to swim. It was about four feet deep at the shallow end, dipping into eight by the other side, and twelve feet around, and it was heaven on a hot day. The water flowed over the edge, making a small waterfall that was fun too. I had added some decking beside it a few years ago and put in a firepit. There was an old table and chairs that had seen better days, but they worked. Cody loved coming here, and the spot was well used. Swimming, barbecues, fires complete with marshmallows.

And today, the company of the cute kid and her mother, who was somehow proving to be irresistible.

Quinn unpacked the food, and my mouth watered at the fried chicken, potato salad, and the brownies she put out. The container of pickles made me chuckle, but I knew they’d be tasty.

I bit into the chicken, suddenly famished. “Wow. That is incredible.” I took another bite, savoring the flavor. “Best fried chicken I’ve ever had.”

“We have it at the Dill on Wednesdays.”

“I’ll make a note of that.”

“Your other place of residence cooling off?” Quinn asked with a grin as she took a bite of her chicken.

“Permanent iceberg.”