Page 95 of The Way We Score

When I was in the city, I’d pull up the images of our little pomegranate on my phone, and energy surged in my chest. She’s tiny, but the outline is so bright. Her heartbeat is as strong as this bond growing between us, and I’m already imagining holding her in my arms.

Standing in the parking lot of Dr. Pierce’s office, I wanted to kiss Liv so badly. We’re so close to being back, it’s hard to wait. We’ve been making small steps with each passing week, and I know now, as I cover these miles in my truck, we’re at the beginning.

Our second chance starts now.

“Didyou know as recently as colonial times, birds were so numerous, people thought they could never go extinct?” Liv stands inside the chicken coop in that pretty dress with the cherries on it.

Her strawberry hair is back in a ponytail, and she’s wearing gloves as she checks on Henny “the goof” Lane. Of course, I don’t say that out loud.

I rolled into town after one a.m. and crashed in my bed at the house. I slept hard, but when the sun broke on the horizon, I was up, quickly unpacking, showering, and heading here to her mom’s house to brew her morning coffee.

Ms. Plum greeted me at the door with a warm smile and a big hug. She told me Liv was out here feeding the chickens and checking on their crazy little brooder.

“Can’t say I did.” I’ve got the garden hose, and I fill the water trough while she prepares individual cups of food and water for Henny.

The little white chicken makes the strangest sounds. They’re noises I’ve only heard onJurassic Park, but for whatever reason, Liv thinks it’s so special.

“I was listening to a podcast.” She steps out of the chicken coop to where the other birds are pecking around and spreads feed on the small picnic table-trough, along with ground oyster shells. “It said there were so many birds, they would block out the sun at times.”

My brow rises, and I nod. “What happened?”

“Ladies fashion. Everybody wanted to wear feathers.” She puts a hand on her hip, studying the flock. “I sure could go for some buffalo wings right now. There’s a Buffalo Wild Wings in Foley.”

Talk about a record-scratch moment. “It’s nine o’clock inthe morning, Liv. I’d be glad to get you some, but I don’t even think they’re open yet.”

Her lips twist, and she glances up at me. “Are they open for lunch? I wonder if they deliver.”

Taking out my phone, I search for options. “It looks like they have online ordering… in a couple hours.”

She walks over to hold my arm. “Buffalo wings and a chili cheese burrito. Doesn’t that sound delicious?”

My brow furrows. “Together?”

“I bet Krispy Kreme is open now.” Her eyes widen, and she rises onto her toes. “Chocolate glazed donuts would be so good for breakfast.”

“You always said Krispy Kreme was too sweet for you. It made you sick.”

“Remember when you made those cinnamon rolls for me in New York? That would be even better.”

Swallowing my laugh, I slide my finger along her chin. “Give me ten minutes.”

It takes less than five to jog back to my house and grab a can of cinnamon rolls out of the refrigerator. I’m on my way out again, when I see Dylan trotting up the hill from the restaurant.

“Garrett! You’re home!” She runs straight to me, laughing and throwing her arms around my waist. “What are you doing with the cinnamon rolls?”

“Liv’s craving them.” Scratching my thumb over my chin, I huff a laugh. “She’s kind of craving everything all at once. Buffalo wings, chili cheese burritos, Krispy Kreme donuts…”

“Now Iknowthat’s the baby.” Dylan’s eyes sparkle as she skips beside me, holding my arm. “Liv never liked Krispy Kreme. She said it was so sweet it made her sick.”

“She wanted chocolate-glazed Krispy Kreme donuts.”

“And you’re bringing her Pillsbury cinnamon rolls?” She makes a littletisk-tisksound, shaking her head in disapproval.

“She changed her mind halfway through. I’m not sure if shewants this stuff all at once or if she’s just checking them off as they come to her.”

“Text me, and I’ll see what Thomas and I can whip up for dinner.” She laughs, twirling towards the house again. “I’ve got to get ready for school, but have fun!”

“I already am.”

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