Page 119 of Sweet Like Whiskey

Jackson

“Now we’ll ease into plank,” Annabelle says, her back straight as she balances on her toes and forearms. “Try to keep position, even if you get some company.”

The class mimics her, some chuckling as goats climb on their backs or try to nibble their fingers. The kids of the goat variety love it, happy to dance around the class and get attention.

Ash seems to love it, too. He’s right in the middle of the group, stretched out along his blue yoga mat. There’s a wide smile on his face and a laugh at the corner of his mouth as he tries to flick his hair away from one of the goats without breaking his pose. The little bugger goes back in for another chomp.

Virginia comes to Ash’s rescue, giving the goat a gentle nudge until it hops away.

“I like this,” my mom says, leaning on the fence beside me.

I grunt, glancing her way. “What’s that?”

“Growth,” she says simply. “Forward momentum. It’s good to see. Both for the ranch…and for my sons.”

“Sentimental,” I mutter.

My mom laughs. “Takes one to know one, Jackson dear.”

She ignores my grumble.

“What did I used to tell you, hm?” she asks, nudging my arm. “When the days seemed dark…”

I sigh. “I just had to wait ’cause the sun was coming.”

“That’s right,” she says firmly. “And look. Here he is.”

My eyes seek out Ash again. He’s lying on his back now, grinning up at the sky. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anything as lovely as him.

“You here to gloat?” I ask my mother. “Take credit for the two of us coming together?”

She huffs a short laugh. “I can’t take credit for that, much as I want to. It wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t right.”

I can’t argue with that.

“But,” she says.

“Oh, here we go.”

“Iwouldaccept a thank-you for giving y’all a nudge. If you were so inclined.”

I clamp my teeth together. “I’m not thanking you for keeping him here against his will.”

“It was hardly against his will. He was happy to stay.”

“You tricked him.”

“Did no such thing,” she says. “I only offered him a room.”

“Instead of a vehicle.”

“Are we gonna go around and around again? I’m happy to dance, Jackson, but you’ll never out-step me.”

“When you get old,” I say slowly, “I’m gonna stick you in a home.”

“You never would,” she says easily.

No, I wouldn’t.

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