Page 9 of Small Town Firsts

“It’s chicken-n-dumplings, baby.” She greets me with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Hot damn, I was right. My favorite.

“Thanks, Mom, sounds good after a long day,” I call out over my shoulder as I walk into the kitchen with the bag of ice and the croutons.

I’m standing in the doorway between the kitchen and dining room, bracing for my nephews to plow into me, when Jake tells me, “You might as well have a seat. Preston and Lucas are at home with Paige. Both boys have ear infections.” I nod my head and take a seat at the table, disappointed.

Dinner is delicious, and I thoroughly enjoy catching up with my family. I miss my nephews, but I get a kick out of hearing about them. Mom asks about my business and tells everyone about this new recipe she wants to try for our next dinner. And throughout all of it, I can’t stop smiling.

All in all, it was a great night—good food, good conversation—but I’m beat and ready for bed. “Mom, you need any help with the dishes?” I ask as I stand to carry my plate to the kitchen.

“No, baby, I got it. You call me later this week, okay?” I kiss her cheek and promise I will.

I head to my truck with my brother hot on my heels. “You seem happy,” he throws out.

“And that’s weird because . . .?” I challenge as I fish my keys out of my pocket, hitting theUnlockbutton.

“No, not weird. You just seem more . . . jovial than usual.”Jovial? Who even says that?

“Nah, man. Nothin’ new here,” I counter, holding his gaze. “Nothin’ at all.” He regards me suspiciously, not quite believing me.

“Nothing, huh? All right, bro, if you say so. Have a good night.” I start to get in my truck. “And whenever you want to tell me about her, I’m here to listen.”

I freeze. Shit, he knows me too well.

“Man, I don’t even know her name.” It slips out before I can stop it. I think he’s almost as surprised as I am by my accidental admission.

“Ha! I knew it! Tell me about her,” he demands, pumping his fist in the air. I roll my eyes, crank the engine, and ease out of the driveway, not bothering to answer him.

CHAPTER 6

CASH

Beep-beepbeep-beep.My alarm clock blares, even though it feels like my head just hit the pillow. Another night of shitty sleep. I’m not sure why I’ve been so restless. Maybe I’ve been working too hard?Yeah. That’s it.

Add in that I probably haven't eaten a good meal since those chicken-n-dumplings the other week. Today calls for some real food and some relaxation. I blink the sleep out of my eyes, snatch my phone off the nightstand, and notice a text from Drake.

Drake

Whatcha got going on today?

Cash

Not much. Got a few emails to send and a call or 2 to make.

Drake

Perfect. Get that shit done and head over. Ribs on the grill.

Drake

Simon’s coming too.

Cash

Sounds good. See you soon.

After a scalding shower,I throw on some cargo shorts and a Carson’s Custom tee and head into my office to hammer out those emails. I take a seat at my desk, a one-off made from gorgeous quarter-sawn white oak and stained a deep golden brown. It makes a statement against the beige walls and light wood floors. Pulling up my calendar on the computer, I make a short list of who I need to email and who I need to call. After sending a handful of emails, I've had it with office work. Shifting the calls to Monday on my schedule, I power down the computer and head to Drake’s.

The winding country roads make the drive feel longer than it is. Surrounded by open fields, it’s like Drake lives in the middle of nowhere, which I guess he does. Gotta have a lot of land to peanut farm.

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