Page 12 of Something More

“Maybe you can help me then.” I tried to catch my breath as we calmed down.

“Sure.” He moved over to where the toppled headboard was leaning against the wall and propped it back up.

“Ok, you hold that still, and I’ll clip this in.” I lifted the side rail once again, but this time with Jack’s help the bed didn’t move. The pieces clicked together, and we moved to the other side. “I should have asked you to help when I first tried to do this. You’re not a baby anymore.” I ruffled his hair as we both stepped back to admire our work. “I will need one of the guys to help get the mattress and box spring in place. It’s way too heavy for us.”

“But we did good.” Jack jumped in excitement and then offered me a high five.

“Yes, we did.” I brushed my hands on my thighs. “Why don’t you finish emptying these boxes, and I’m going to start on the kitchen, then maybe we can eat here tonight.”

“K, Mom.” Jack grabbed another box and began pulling items out of it to place on the shelf.

I made my way into the kitchen, pausing to look out the living room window at the guys coming out of the barn. Several had their shirts off and were glistening from sweat in the sunlight. Jeff was waving his arm around as a few flung water at each other. I looked to see if Hank was among the group, but didn’t see him. I felt a bit of sadness and then anger because I shouldn’t be feeling the way I do. I can’t explain it; there are days when it feels like I just lost Alex yesterday and everything hurts. I feel this immense sadness that just weighs me down and all I want to do it cry. Then, there are days when I see Hank and I remember what things were like with us, and I miss that. I feel like it’s been a year and I should be moving on. I start to let myself think about what may be and then I’m swamped with guilt.

I went into the kitchen to start putting dishes away, when there was a knock at the door. I didn’t know who would be coming over since they just got back from the fields. I set the plate down that I’d just unwrapped and made my way to the door. When I opened it, Hank was standing there in jeans and a gray tee. “Did your daddy ever teach you to not open the door until you know who it is?” He smiled softly.

“Fine.” I went to close the door and he stopped it by placing his hand on the wood.

“I heard you might have some heavy stuff in here that needs moving.”

“I do, but I don’t think I’d be much help.” I frowned as I imagined Hank on one end of the couch and me on the other.

“I brought help.” He motioned behind the open door and Jeff’s head poked around. “Thought you might want some experienced guys doing this so nothing get broken.” He chuckled.

“Sure. Thanks.” I backed up so they could come inside. As they stepped through the door, they removed their hats and placed them on the dining table. “I have a bed that’s part way put together in the back room, and then I could really use your help with mine.” I motioned to the room Jack had claimed. He cheered when Hank and Jeff appeared and stacked his mattress. They spent the better part of an hour getting everything just right before they left, taking Jack with them. I had plans to finish unboxing the kitchen, and I’d rather have him outside with them than cooped up in here. I was surprised he wanted to go swimming though, after all the resisting he did when Alex tried to teach him.

When the sun started to set, I called it quits for the night. I’d gotten enough unpacked that I could go into town tomorrow and begin stocking our pantry. Tonight, I just wanted to go grab some supper at the big house, and then relax in my living roomwith a good book. It felt different, being back now. I had a place that was mine. It was small, but it was enough for me, and it was close enough that I could get help if I needed it, but far enough away for us to have our privacy. Jack and I would be happy here, and I think that would make Alex happy, too.

Chapter 7

Dakota

It felt great to sleep in my own bed again. When I was finally able to climb between the sheets and close my eyes, it took no time at all to fall asleep. I probably would have slept the day away if it wasn’t for the sound of Jack’s feet as he attempted to make his way to the living room. The wood floors creaked, and after the third board groaned, I gave up. “I can hear you out there,” I teased.

“I was trying to be quiet,” Jack called before my door slowly opened and his head peeked around the corner.

“I know. It’s ok.” I patted the edge of my bed. He rushed over and climbed in. “What would you like for breakfast? I stole some of Grandma’s biscuits when we were at the big house last night.”

“Ooh, yeah. Did you get jam too?” He grinned.

“Is there any other way to eat them?” I laughed as I ruffled his hair. I was going to miss these days. It wouldn’t be long before he would deem himself too old to climb on my bed.

“Yes!” He jumped up and rushed out toward the kitchen.

“Be careful,” I called. There were a bunch of boxes out there still, and I’d left quite a few dishes on the counters with the intention of putting them away this morning. When I rounded the corner, Jack was opening drawers, and several biscuits were on the counter on plates.

“Ah ha!” He raised his hand in the air, holding a butter knife. He kinda danced over to where he’d left the biscuits and began spreading jam on them.

“Thanks, buddy.” I yawned. I was trying to avoid having to go to my parents’ place, but I didn’t have any coffee here. Just as that thought was dawning on me, there was a knock at the door. Jack’s head snapped up, and I turned, confused as to whowould be knocking. Only a handful of people knew I’d moved in. “I’ll get it.” I yawned again. I needed to make sure I got all things caffeine today at the store.

When I peered through the window by the door, I could see a tall shadow but couldn’t make out who it was. “You guys awake in there?” His voice was low, almost too low to hear.

“Just a sec,” I called as I unlocked the door and slowly opened it. I peered around it to be met with Hank’s gaze. His piercing blue eyes twinkled in the morning light.

“I thought you might need this since you haven’t been shoppin’ yet.” He handed me a tall Thermos. “There’s cream and sugar in there as well. I hope you haven’t changed the way ya take it.” He looked down and scuffed his boots on the new welcome mat I’d put out yesterday. “Well, I better get goin’. Gotta finish stackin’ today.” He tipped his hat and turned around to walk away.

“Thanks,” I called. He didn’t turn around, but he nodded that he heard me.

“Here, Mom.” Jack handed me a plate of biscuits just as I finished locking the door. We sat down on the couch together and dug in.

---