Page 12 of Johnathan

“Ducktake! Ducktake! Bye, Daddy.”

“Bye, Trouble.”

“That’s not my name!”

“It should be,” John mumbled under his breath. “Sorry about that.”

“About what?” Abby stood up from the cooler. “Katy’s the best. And it sounds like you two have already had a very exciting morning.”

“She’s really giving me a run for my money these days.”

“That’s her job as a four year old.”

“So true.” John looked at the price sheet she’d placed out for the farmer’s market. “Where’s Sam? I can’t remember the last time he wasn’t here.”

“Oh, he’s here. Had to take a call from one of the guys at the ranch. I can help you if there’s something you want to order? Or we have a few cuts left in our coolers if you want to take something home today.”

“Hm. I’m not a great cook, but Jackson and I were thinking about grilling tonight.”

“That’s nice. I bet it’s fun to spend time with your nephew.”

“Yeah, it’s the best. It’s fun for Katy to have someone to play with now, too.”

“I really wish Sam would settle down. I’m never going to get nieces or nephews at the rate he’s going.”

“You don’t get sick of the craziness from teaching?”

“No. I love it! I mean, I’d rather be home with my own kids one day, but for now, I love teaching. Kids are so pure at Katy’s age. They still want cuddles and to be seen as good friends. Honestly, I think the teachers with kids any older than ten are the ones who need to be checked on.”

“True.” John’s eyes darted down to the cooler. Right. She was supposed to be helping him pick out what cuts he wanted, not rambling on.

“So, did you and Jackson have a cut in mind that you wanted to cook tonight?”

“Nah, we’re not picky. Maybe some New York Strips if you have them?”

“I just so happen to have a few left. How many do you need?”

“Four. Unless,” John paused. “You should come hang out.”

Her eyes jumped up from the cooler.

“I mean, you and Sam. It’s been a long time since we saw him.”

Oh, that made more sense. She felt her heart sink a little as she realized it was a pity ask. John wanted to see Sam, and she was the little sister tag along.

“I’ll definitely pass the invite along to Sam. I’m not sure what’s going on at the ranch, but if it’s anything serious, he’ll probably be tied up.”

“Oh. And you?”

“I don’t want to intrude on your family time.” She slid four packages across the table.

“You wouldn’t be intruding.” His hand raised to his neck and he rubbed it back and forth. Nervously? The idea that John would be nervous talking to her made Abby want to burst out laughing. So, no. That couldn’t be it. Maybe she was making things awkward. “I could give you my number and you could just text me later if it works for you.”

“Oh, that sounds good. But I have Grace’s number, I’ll text her if I’m able to. That way I don’t have to bother you.”

John’s face fell as she passed over the bag with his steaks in it. “Right, okay. That sounds good. Here you go.” He handed her the cash to pay for the steaks. “Have Sam text me if he’s going to make it. See you later, Abby.”

“Yeah. Maybe. See you soon.”

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