Looking around at my family, I see my praise didn’t go unnoticed. Dad and Grandpa are smirking at me; Mom and Grandma are wearing grins that could light up the state of Alabama.
“I’m glad she’s been such a help,” Mom says.
I nod. “She really has.” I dig into my food, hoping to end this part of the conversation.
The last five days have flown by. I’ve enjoyed spending time with my parents and grandparents. I don’t get to see them nearly enough. Dad, Grandpa, and I went fishing. It was great to spend that time with them. I could tell it wore Dad out, but he insisted we go.
Grandma and Mom purchased the largest suitcase I’ve ever seen and filled it to the point of bursting at the seams with baby items. Grandma made her a quilt, while Mom went crazy with dresses and what she called onesies, socks, and a whole bunch of other stuff I have no idea about, like burp cloths.
Mom drove me to the airport and it was a tearful goodbye. I’ll miss them, but once I’m boarded on the way back to Kentucky, it’s Kinley who filters through my mind.
Chapter 12
McKinley
Evan comes home today.
That’s my first thought as I slowly open my eyes to the early morning sun. We’ve texted a couple of times since he’s been gone, but it’s not the same. I think this is the longest we’ve gone without seeing each other since I’ve been home.
I’ve missed him.
I know it’s wrong and we’re just friends, but a girl can miss her friend, right? Groaning at my thought process, I reach for my phone. I see I have a missed text from Aaron.
Aaron: Morning! Text me when you roll your sleepy ass out of bed. I
have a favor.
Checking the time of the message, I see it was sent at 5:55 this morning. It’s now 8:02.
Me: What’s up?
Aaron: I was supposed to pick Evan up from the airport, but one of the
horses is sick. I’ve been in the stables since about two. Anyway, can you pick him up for me?
Today is Sunday, and I don’t have anything on the books for the studio. Being a photographer, I don’t have a traditional nine-to-five schedule and I love it.
Me: Sure, what time is his flight?
Aaron: Lands at two.
Me: Got it.
Aaron: You’re the best sister ever!
Me: LOL. Remember that when I come cashing in my IOU.
Aaron: You got it, little sister.
I smile at our banter. I love my brother. We’re friends just as much as we are siblings. I wonder what he would think about the thoughts I’ve been having about his best friend. When I was younger, I had the biggest crush on Evan. Now, this is…different. I can only assume it’s because we’re older, but my thoughts and these feelings go deeper than my teenage crush. When I was younger, I just wanted his attention and wondered what it would be like to walk down the halls of the high school holding his hand, being his girlfriend. Now, I want to trace every inch of him with my tongue. I want to strip him naked and have my way with him. Definitely not a schoolgirl crush.
I’m excited for him to come home. Yesterday afternoon, Mom and the ladies from church had Ethel’s ‘great-grandmother-to-be’ shower. The ladies really went overboard with the gifts. Ethel was in tears, so overwhelmed by the support. If I heard it once yesterday, I heard it a thousand times, that Evan is such a great guy and they commend him for doing this on his own. If they only knew how scared he is. I think I’m the only one who gets to see that side of him, well, besides Aaron.
Mom and I drove Ethel home with Mom’s Jeep Cherokee loaded down with gifts. Ethel asked us if we would just go ahead and take them to Evan’s to prevent having to transfer them today when he gets home. I agreed and used the key he told me to just keep for now. I’ve been in and out of his place so often helping him with the room, he said it was easier than hiding it under the rock every day.
Rolling out of bed, I grab a quick shower and throw on my signature jean shorts, tank, and cowboy boots. I’m in the kitchen toasting a bagel when Mom walks in.
“Good morning,” she chirps.
“Morning.”
“I still can’t believe all the gifts. The ladies really outdid themselves,” Mom says.
“They really did. I’m relieved because he needs everything.”
“He comes home today, right?” she asks.
“Yeah, I’m actually picking him up from the airport. Aaron was supposed to, but I guess he’s been up with a sick horse all night.”
“Yeah, your dad’s been out there too. He came in about six this morning and I packed them both a big breakfast. They were still waiting for the vet to get here.”
“Which horse?”
“Morning star.”
I cringe. Morning Star is a broodmare, one that is currently in foal. She was bred to a stud whose fees are fifteen thousand dollars. Not to mention, she’s been with us since she was a baby---over ten or so years now. I’m sure Dad and Aaron are both worried sick about her. They both try to play tough guy, but are just as attached to the horses as Mom and I.
“Anything I can do?”
“Not that I know of.”
“Well, I think I’m going to get some editing done before I leave for the airport.”
“Sounds good. I’m going to pack a cooler with a few snacks and drinks to take up to the stables.”
Traffic getting to the airport is terrible. When I finally make it, I have to park in the south forty. Luckily, I left to allow plenty of time. I still have thirty minutes before his flight is supposed to land. I find a seat outside of his gate and pull out my Kindle. A girl never leaves home without the necessities. It’s hard to concentrate because I keep checking my watch every five seconds. I’m more excited about seeing him than I should allow myself to be. It’s only been a week. I’ve read the same sentence fifteen times; giving up I slide my Kindle back into my purse. Instead, I pull out my phone and scroll through my Instagram feed. Olivia posted a picture of a cute new pair of boots. I comment I need to know where she got them. I’m a sucker for cowboy boots.
“Kinley?” My head pops up at the sound of his voice.
Evan is walking toward me. Without thinking, I jump from my seat and run to him. I throw my arms around his neck and give him a tight hug. Taking a deep breath, I breathe him in. His arms are around me, resting on my waist, and he buries his face in my neck. I’m not sure how long we stand there, but reality crashes around me as to how intimate our embrace is. I pull away and put some space between us.
His chocolate eyes follow me. “Aaron?” he asks, his voice gruff.
“Morning Star’s sick. He and Dad have been up most of the night with her. He asked me to pick you up,” I explain.
His eyes roam over me as he begins moving toward me. My body freezes at his approach.
Leaning down, he whispers, “Thank you,” against my ear as his lips brush my cheek.
My breath hitches in my throat.
Evan stands to his full height, throws his carry-on over his shoulder, and grabs a rather large suitcase. It’s more than I would think he would have traveled with. “Mom and Grandma went a little overboard shopping for the baby.”