Page 4 of Something More

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Dakota

“Rise and shine,” Mom’s soft voice filtered through the house. I rolled over and yawned as I blinked against the sun shining through the window. I needed to get moved into the guesthouse so I could wake up when I wanted to. I was many years removed from farm life, and even when I was in the middle of it, I didn’t enjoy this part. Why did I need to be up so early when I didn’t have to go anywhere or do anything?

“Breakfast was ready three hours ago. You plan on eating today?” She poked her head through my door.

“It’s only eight,” I whined.

“The day is ticking away.” She smiled. “Come help me. I’m baking pies today.” She whistled as she turned and rushed away down the hall.

A few seconds later, my son appeared in the doorway. “Mom? When are we moving into the new house? I don’t like this.” He was rubbing his eyes.

“Soon buddy, soon.” I sighed as I sat up. I looked out the window. In the distance you could see a tractor pulling the hay wagon as the hands tossed bales. Jeffry was sitting on the tractor directing the guys as they tossed bales up and Hank stacked them. I knew it was him just by the way he moved. His tanned skin glistened with sweat, and his long legs bent as he grabbed the bales to lift them onto the stacks. I’d miss this view when I moved into my house, but I’d be able to sleep in. “Let’s get some breakfast and then I’ll see when our stuff is being delivered. I need to get some help unloading the truck.”

“Ok.” He frowned.

“Come on.” I opened the bedroom door wider and ruffled his hair as we walked downstairs to the kitchen. I needed coffee and to talk some sense into my mother.

As we came into the kitchen, Jack took a seat at the table while I grabbed a mug for coffee. “No hashbrowns.” He frowned.

“You’re in the South now, buddy, we eat grits.” My dad chuckled as he served Jack a plate with all the fixings. “Just try it.”

Jack shrugged as he began shoveling food into his mouth. He must have been hungry because he cleaned his plate and didn’t complain. “Whatcha got to do around here?” he mumbled as he wiped his mouth.

“I was thinking I’d teach you how to collect the eggs from the chicken coop and that could be your job from now on.” Dad smiled.

“Is it hard?” Jack’s brow furrowed.

“Only if you don’t know what you’re doing.” Dad chuckled. “Ginny’s always done that job, but she’s a lot busier now with her classes. I thought you’d be a good replacement now that you’re living here.”

“Cool.” He grinned.

“Just watch for the rooster,” I warned.

“I got it covered,” Dad reassured. “You finish up here, and we’ll go down as soon as you’re dressed. I told Jeffry you’d be bringing the water truck down around lunch time.” He looked over at me.

“Ok, I was planning to start moving in.” I sighed.

“You got plenty of time to move. I need your help with this.” He went back to drinking his coffee. This was my dad’s way of saying the conversation was over and I was to do as I was told. It’s always been like this, and I can see he’s back to it now that I’m here.

“I’ll help when I can, but I’m an adult now, Dad. You can’t just bark orders at me like I’m one of your hands.” I was respectful but firm.

“She’s right, dear.” Mom stepped in. “Codie came to help, but she has her own life now, too.”

“I’m sorry.” Dad frowned. “I’m not used to seeing you girls as grown-ups. I still see the little girl with her bouncy ponytail following me around wanting to learn how everything works.”

“I’m still your little girl, but I have my own things I need to do now, too. I can do water duty today, but please ask in the future,” I compromised.

“I can do that.” He smiled as I moved over beside him and hugged him around the neck.

“Love you, Daddy.” I kissed his cheek.

“Love you too, baby girl.”

“I’m ready!” Jack skidded to a stop as he burst into the room. “Teach me all the things.” He grinned.

“Ok. First, you need boots. It’s messy in the coop.” He looked down at Jack’s flip-flops.

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