Page 16 of The Cannon
Whenever my mother uses that name she’s feeling awfully soft. Melancholy. She says it’s when she’s thinking of us as her babies. It’s lovely really.
“I’ll help too,” Sawyer says standing.
All the men except Grandpa head for the kitchen. He likes to be with the girls. Says that’s how he finds out what’s really going on in the family.
I watch as the men disappear into the other room.
“Quit staring at us!” I whisper yell at the entire group.
“But you’re fun to watch,” January says chuckling.
“Why? There’s absolutely nothing going on.”
They all five break out laughing and it carries me with them. Sawyer peaks his head around the corner, startling us quiet. Shit we look guilty as hell.
“Well don’t stop laughing on my account.”
Grandpa to the rescue.“Bristol just told us a dirty joke.”
What? Oh crap.
A sexy smile is Sawyer’s response. Well, that and the cast down eyes. Oh my. That’s adorable coming from a man.
“They need you to open a pickle jar. Apparently you’ve got special talents in that department,” he says.
Thank God. Distraction.
“It’s my superpower.”
I rise and follow him, turning my head back and shooting my family a stink face as I go.
“Open this,” Atticus says placing the jar on the edge of the counter.
“Behold, Atlas unchained,” my father says as he’s slicing the pie.
“Let me try first,” Sawyer says.
“Don’t mess with your pitching arm!” Brick says.
I lean an elbow on the granite counter and enjoy the show. Every man that’s ever been in my life has challenged my crown. Don’t know why I can beat them, but I can. Consistently. Must be in the wrist.
Sawyer picks up a knife and bangs the edge of the jar. He’s got this ridiculous smirk on his face like he’s thought of something the last five people hadn’t.
The trial begins. White knuckles show first. Then a little grunt escapes his lips. Then the leg spread to bear down. It’s hysterical.
“Stop it!” Brick orders, setting the jar back on the counter.
“I think it was just about to budge,” Sawyer says softly.
I take the jar and apply the pressure needed. It opens with a pop. This amuses the men to no end.
“I bow to the strongest woman alive.”
“We all have our talents,” I grin.
Sawyer looks around to see if anyone is watching. When he’s satisfied they’re all occupied, he locks eyes with me and mouths, “Want to see mine?”
My jaw drops. But just for a second before I bite my bottom lip shut. Something deep down inside my frozen heart thaws and makes me give him a little smile. His eyes widen in pleasant surprise that I didn’t outright reject the idea.
