Page 39 of Something More

“It’s called being a kid.” I shook my head. I moved so I could watch him out the window as he ran down the driveway to the road. Just when he came to a stop, the bus came around the corner. Once he stepped on, I turned my attention to Hank. “What is all this?” I motioned to his bare chest.

“I’m eating breakfast,” he mumbled around a bite of food.

“You’re naked.” I waved my hand at him.

“No—” he stood up “—I’m wearing pants. This would be naked.” He hooked his thumbs in the waistband and shoved his pants down to his ankles, kicking them to the side. Then he sat back down and continued eating.

I just stood there, mouth hanging open, unsure of what to say or do. “But… what if someone comes in here?” I rushed over and locked the door.

“Jack’s gone to school, the guys have seen me naked, who else do you think I should be hiding from?” One side of his mouth curved up in an amused smile. “I figured you’d like this view.”

“I do, but… I mean… it’s just…” I fisted my hands at my sides. I turned and went over to the sink and started putting dishes in the dishwasher, pretending that I didn’t remember our escapades on the island the day before.

“It’s ok to be turned on.” He had gotten up and was standing behind me. He reached around me and set his plate in the sink. “I think I’m going to take a shower, and then we can start planning. Wanna join?” He brushed up against my back. I leaned into him but told myself I needed to resist the temptation. “It’s always been a fantasy of mine to wash your hair,” he whispered. “Think about it.” He stepped back and headed for my bathroom. I told myself not to look, but my desire betrayed me, and I turned just as he disappeared down the hall.

I rushed to finish the dishes, and when I heard the shower roar to life, I quickly stripped and joined him.

*****

“So what is it you wanted to talk about?” My father was going over inventory in the barn.

“I was hoping that I could use the upper field this weekend.” I smiled. I wasn’t sure how my dad would take this news, but I knew that I couldn’t hide it.

“What do you need the field for? Planting won’t happen until spring.” He was jotting numbers in a notebook. No matter how much I’ve shown him how to take notes on the tablet I bought and then to sync it to the laptop, he still insists on doing things the old way.

“For a wedding?” I nibbled my lip and rocked back on my heels. “Just something small. Only family and friends,” I barreled on. “Hank asked me to marry him.” There, I said it.

“And you want to have the wedding here. In the upper field.” It was more of a statement than a question.

“Yes Daddy, please?” I wanted him to be happy. I wanted him to look at me the way he did when I was little and see the girl who was madly in love with her beau.

“I think that could be arranged under one condition.” His eyes narrowed and he attempted to look stern.

“Yes, Daddy?” I leaned in and wrapped my arms around his neck.

“I get to give you away.” He smiled and kissed my cheek.

“Of course.” I pulled back and released him. We stood for a moment and then he broke the silence.

“Are you happy?”

“Very.” I grinned.

“I feel like you’re in a good place right now. You’ve grown up and you’ve gotten a second chance at love.”

“I do love him.”

“So where is he? Hiding until you tell him it’s ok?” Dad laughed as he started walking to the doors of the barn. He looked in both direction and then turned to me.

“He’s talkin’ to Mama.” I grinned. “He’s gonna sweet talk her into cookin’.”

“I know your mama is gonna say yes. Parties and cookin’ are her two favorite things. I gotta finish all this up, but why don’t you and Jack come to dinner tonight. You can share your news. I’ll invite your sisters, too.”

“Ok. Love you, Daddy.” I waved as I started walking toward the big house. I’m sure my mama was talking Hank’s ear off and already planning things.

“Now, you just leave it to me. I’ll have all of it ready,” Mama called as Hank was coming out the door. She waved at me and Hank’s eyes went wide as if silently asking for help.

“This Saturday. Nothing fancy, but we’re doin’ this on Saturday,” I called.

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