Page 57 of When Sparks Fly

Without trying, she’s claimed a piece of me. No matter what happens over the next few months, I know I’ll never be the same.

As I’m making my way up the steps with to-go bags, Mama pulls in the drive. She parks next to me and opens the hatch, grabbing grocery bags from the back. I shift the food to one hand and head down to help.

She smiles warmly. “Thank you, honey. Everything go okay in town?”

“Yep.” I wrangle a few bags into my arms, alongside the takeout bag, and push open the front door for us, letting her pass through.

“Good.” She heads into the kitchen and begins unloading.

“I’ll grab the rest.”

Once everything is unloaded, I wash my hands and fill a glass with tap water, setting it on the counter. I use the towel hanging from the oven door to dry my hands.

Mama snatches it quickly and snaps my leg with it. “These are decorative!” she chides playfully.

I laugh and wrap her in a bear hug, before pressing a firm, wet kiss to her soft cheek.

“Sutton!” she squeals.

“It’s just decorative!” I jog from the kitchen, snatching my glass from the counter before she can whip me again with the towel. Her laugh floats after me.

My parents have always been a wonderful team, but when it comes to the kitchen, Mama is very traditional. That’s her domain. Instead of getting in the way, I sit at the dining table watching her organize her haul, completely in her element.

Before long, Dad sits down at the table with me, pulling containers from the paper bag before us.

“I may have a solution for your photographer issue.” My dad’s eyes slide my way, but he says nothing. He pushes a Styrofoam container to me.

“Oh?” My mother’s voice is muffled from her place in the pantry.

“Yeah.” There isn’t an easy way to do this. She’s going to question me to no end either way.

After a moment, she comes into view, stopping in the cased entry between the two rooms. My father chews silently, anticipating entertainment.

“Maci.” I shove an extra-large bite of food into my mouth.

Her eyes light up. “I remember now that Ruthie said she’s a photographer. When did you see her?” She doesn’t care that my mouth is full. She waits.

I swallow and gesture to the takeout bag. “At the restaurant. She happened to be there with some friends.”

She hums a response and turns to continue with the groceries. “And you’re going to be seeing more of her?”

I work to keep my face blank. We haven’t spoken of my comment about finding my future wife since the night I came back from the bar. I know she’s fishing.

“That’s the plan.”

My dad is studying me with an ill-hidden smirk.

“She gave me a card. You two can work out the details.”

“Wonderful!” Her head pops into view again, her eyes are bright. She’s definitely not referring to the Fall Festival.

Finally, she makes her way to the table to sit down. Her eyes twinkle, but she says nothing. My dad’s grin is too loud next to me.

Chapter 25

Maci

Wednesday morning, the mailbox is full when I make it back to my apartment. There’s another colored notice on my front door. I need to let them know to prepare my lease renewal.

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