Page 65 of Building What's Meant to Be

“A smooch?”

“No, a smoosh. I’ve never been smooshed. It’s between a smooch and a kiss, the warm-up if you will.”

“A smoosh. I like it.” Especially because it’s something that’s all our own.

I take her hand as we exit the office to ward off the reminder of the countdown—twenty-nine days for her and possibly fewer for me when the Kraven brothers find out that I’m going to do everything in my power to keep them from taking over Butterbury.

Outside, familiar laughter filters from the street. Bess and Cassian go still. Like a teenager caught by his parents, my instinct is to drop Tinsley’s hand, but my heart tells me to tighten my grip. Not to let go. Not to back down.

Bess’s gaze lands on our joined hands. “Hey, bro. Whatcha doin’?”

Cassian, usually serious, wears a smirk like he’s about to watch some entertaining reality TV.

“Leaving the office. Had to check on some things. Long day over at Bubba’s.”

“Oh, right. Your community service,” Bess says.

“Hi, guys.” Tinsley gives a friendly wave. “I also had my first day at Sweethearts.”

Even though she’s not here, I can practically hear Mae making a snarky comment about how she’s thankful the place is still standing or she’d say something about how hard it must be for Tinsley having to work like a regular person.

Instead, Bess smiles. “What do you think of Bubba?”

Ah, she’s being civil, but this is a test to tell whether Tinsley is one of us or still the selfish, social media-obsessed, city girl Mae likely warned her about. I know my sisters well and I wish I could caution Tinsley.

“My first impression of Bubba was that he was a bit dim,” she starts.

Bess gasps.

“You asked. I’m being honest. My second impression was that he was a squatchy, conspiracy theorist what with all the hair and the comment that Stoll is wrapped up in some deal to sell Butterbury to Kraven Casinos.” She flips her hand dismissively.

I don’t miss the sharp look Cassian throws my way.

Tinsley goes on, “My third impression is that Bubba uses more of his brain than most people. His hands too. He’s the best pitmaster in the world for sure, not that I have anything to compare his BBQ to, but it was amazing. Lastly, like Rhondy, he’s a Butterbury staple and I’m willing to fight for him not to lose his business if someone plans to plunk a casino down there.”

Even though we’re on Main Street, if someone dropped a pin, a feather, or something equally small and light, we’d be able to hear it.

“Okay, she passes,” Bess says.

“I saw him with his kids. He’s a loving dad. I heard him talking to his wife. If a guy looked at me like that, even if he was a hairy beast, I’d know I was loved. But he’s worried. I’ve been to the casino loads of times for concerts and events. It’s fine,but the world, or at least Butterbury, needs Bubba more than it needs another casino. Also, I think whatever is in the secret sauce is addictive.”

Cassian laughs like he agrees one hundred percent.

“Wish Mae could’ve heard that Ted Talk,” Bess says.

Tinsley’s eyebrows pinch with concern.

I say, “I don’t think you need to prove anything to her. Just be yourself.”

Bess nods in agreement. “We were with Mae and Taylor at the Creamery, but they went home. She didn’t feel well.”

“Too much ice cream?” I ask.

Bess holds her arms in front of her belly. “And a lot of baby.”

“I’ll stop by the farmhouse tomorrow. We’d better get back. Another full day ahead of us.”

We wave goodbye to my sister and Cassian and head back to the property in the Maybach.

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