Page 26 of Something More

Once inside, I started going through it all. Payroll went in one pile, sales into another. Sales made on old farm equipment in one, profits from the local market in another. I had about twelve piles of different types of expenses and profits by the time I was finished. Next, I grabbed one pile and sat down at the table with it. I powered up the laptop and went to work entering all the data into various spreadsheets. I was trying to keep things as basic as I could because this was going to be all new for my dad. The plan had always been to do this together for a few years and then I’d take over completely. I needed to use something I could teach him to use so he wouldn’t feel as if I were pushing him out.

I spent most of the day working on getting everything organized. I didn’t even realize how late it was until Jack came waltzing in. He was covered in dust from head to toe and looked exhausted.

“Hey, buddy. Did you have a good day?” I stood from the table, walking into the kitchen. I grabbed a giant pitcher of lemonade I’d made earlier in the day and poured a large glass.

“It was fun, but I’m tired.” He sighed.

“Hot too, maybe.” I smiled as I handed him the lemonade. “I bet Grandpa was happy for the help, though.”

“He said I worked harder than the guys.” He grinned as he finished off the lemonade and put the glass in the sink. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand before looking around. “You made a mess.” He giggled.

“Yes, I have a mess. I’m going to start cleaning it up though, so I can cook dinner. How about you take a shower, and we’ll eat when you get out?”

“Ok.” He groaned as he stretched his arms above his head. His shoulders kinda dropped as he made his way toward the bathroom. His feet shuffled along, and I wondered if he’d even be able to stay awake long enough to eat tonight.

When I heard the shower turn on, I started picking up all my piles of papers. I stacked them in a way that I could get back to everything in the morning. I wanted to get this finished in the next couple of days so I could talk to my dad about it. The sooner we got organized, the sooner we could stop ‘bleeding money’, as my mom said. We hadn’t even discussed what my salary would be yet. I’ve been living off of Alex’s life insurance policy for the last year.

I stacked everything on the corner of the table and started grabbing items to make tacos. This was always a favorite of Jack’s, and it was something quick. I knew I needed a fast meal to get him to eat before he crashed. It made me happy though, to see him jumping right into life here.

*****

“Do you think we could have a garden here sometime?” He bit down on a crunchy taco, cheese and lettuce falling out onto his plate.

“Sure. You know Grandma has a big one right down the hill. Maybe we could section off a part for us. There’s more sun down there.”

“Cool!” He nodded as he licked his fingers. “I want to grow some peppers, and tomatoes, and maybe some squash.”

“It’s kinda late this year to be planting. Summer’s almost over. Why don’t we make a plan for what you’d like to grow, and we’ll get ready for next spring? I’m sure Grandma would love to teach you gardening.”

“Do you think she’d let me help her now?” He grinned.

“I know she would. She’s going to be hoeing up the potatoes pretty soon.” I smiled as I thought about all the years of helping my mom in the garden. Pulling weeds, picking vegetables, and the few times I got stung by bees. Farm work was always a family affair and some of my most favorite memories come from it.

“Do you think we could talk about this more tomorrow? I’m tired.” He yawned as he stood to carry his plate over to the sink.

“You bet.” I began clearing the dishes. “Grandpa kept you busy, huh?” He nodded as he turned and wrapped his arms around my middle. I hugged him to me. I knew these moments were numbered and there would come a day when he no longer gave hugs freely. I squeezed tightly before releasing him. When he stepped back, he smiled up at me.

“Grandpa says I’m the man of the house now.”

“That you are.” I ruffled his hair. “Get some sleep.” He turned and headed toward his bedroom. I, on the other hand, began cleaning up the dinner dishes. After turning the dishwasher on, I grabbed a glass from the cabinet and poured myself some wine. I sat down on the couch and kicked my feet up as I turned on the TV. I flipped through the stations until I found something I liked, and then relaxed back into the cushions. It was still fairly early, but it was nice to just do nothing. The house was finally put together the way I wanted, and things seemed to be settled. Sitting down with my father and really talking about the financial state the farm was in was really all that was left.

When I finished my wine, I turned off the TV. I might as well go to bed. It wasn’t super late, but this way I could get an early start tomorrow. I was setting my glass in the sink when my phone vibrated. It was a text from Hank.Come outsideit read. I stuffed my phone back in my pocket and headed for the door. I slowly turned the knob and opened it. I looked around and didn’t see anything. The glow from my porch light only reacheda few feet into the front yard. “Hey.” He stepped out of the shadows. He was dressed in a simple tee and jeans.

“Hi,” I grinned like a schoolgirl.

“I didn’t get to see you today. I wanted to stop over and say hi.”

“It was a busy day. Jack had fun with you guys.” I closed the door behind me and moved closer to him.

“We have fun with him. He’s a great kid.” He rubbed at his jaw. “I was thinking we could start a new tradition tonight.” He moved closer and wrapped his arms around my waist. “I want tell you goodnight every night.” His voice was a gruff whisper as he leaned down and placed a soft kiss to my lips. I all but melted into him. When he pulled back, I slowly looked at him.

“I like this new tradition.”

“Me too.” He kissed me again. “Goodnight, Codie.”

“Goodnight.” I swayed slightly when he released me. He turned and disappeared into the darkness as he went back to the bunkhouse. I stood watching this time, straining my eyes to see him until he got too far away.I could get used to this,I thought as I went back inside. I turned off the lights and went to bed to dream of a future with Hank.

Chapter 14

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