Page 211 of Heartbeats & Highways

“Dad taught you how to drive?” Fern asked in surprise. “I didn’t know that.”

There were a lot of things our children didn’t know. Like the truth about how I grew up, and what we’d done to protect me from those people and get me out of that situation.

“When I moved to Waco, I didn’t have a license,” I said. “And when your father met me, he taught me how to drive. You know what he called me whenever I was behind the wheel?”

“What?”

I smiled. “Grannie. Because at the time I was afraid of the gas pedal.”

“You were?”

“Yes.” I nodded and shot Savage another smile before looking at my daughter. “You’ll practice some more and then you’ll take your test again. You’ll pass. I know you will.”

She grinned. “Thanks, Mom.”

I tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Why don’t you run over to Willa’s and see if you can catch Iris. They’re gonna get ice cream sundaes and I know you want to spoil your dinner.”

“You’re the best.” She hugged me quickly and then ran off to join her siblings, the front door slamming shut behind her.

“Hey, babe,” he said.

I looked at the man I’d married. After all these years, he still made my breath catch in my throat.

“Hey yourself.”

“We’ve got the house to ourselves,” he said, resting his hands on my hips and pulling me toward him. “I know what we can do before the kids get back.”

I looped my arms around his neck.

“Oh yeah?”

The front door opened. “Helllllloooooo!”

“God damn it,” Savage muttered.

I cleared my throat and gestured with my chin to the swear jar on the counter.

“Thanks, Willa. You just cost me a buck.” Savage glared at his friend.

Willa was carrying a pie, and she set it down on the counter. “I thought Duke was going to be violently ill when he handed over his car keys to Iris for a joyride. He popped a beer to calm his nerves.”

“He could’ve told her no.” Savage laughed.

“When has he ever been able to tell any of the kids no?” Willa demanded.

“I guess I better go over there and drink with him in solidarity.”

“Guess you better,” she agreed.

Savage winked at me and then left.

When we were alone, she asked, “Did you tell him?”

“Tell him? I didn’t have time to tell him.” I rubbed my third eye. “It’s been kind of nuts today.”

“Welcome to my life. Cooper is already a menace on the road. I’m just glad I have another two years before Ava gets her license.”

Our conversation turned from children to the trip Duke and Willa had booked. “I can’t remember the last time we took an adults-only vacation. You’re good to check in on the kids?”

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