Page 66 of Building What's Meant to Be

Tinsley and I talk aboutBubba’s BBQand after her impassioned speech, she’s fully onboard to fix up the place and even contributes a few ideas like a live edge bar by the windows for customers dining alone or in pairs, a backlit metal sign that reads Bubba’s BBQ hand worked by Buck in his forge, and some plants to add a splash of green to the otherwise neutral décor.

Even though it’s still spring, the windows are down and Tinsley’s hair blows in the wind. Wearing a smile, and floating her hand on the breeze, she looks wild and free, totally at ease.

Totally Tinsley. More herself than I’ve seen her. Totally the woman I want to kiss more than anything.

“Aiden, watch out,” she says abruptly.

Like with the cat in my office, a pair of eyes reflect in the headlights of the car. Thankfully, I am far enough away that I’m able to stop in time.

A very tall and elegant llama stands in the middle of the road.

“What is it?” Tinsley asks.

“That’s Svetllama.”

“What-llama?”

“Mae and Taylor’s llama, Svetllama. She keeps escaping, trying to visit Archie at night.”

Tinsley looks at me with concern.

Getting out of the car, I chuckle. “Once again, welcome to Butterbury where the animals have a lot of character.”

Tinsley locks the doors.

“She’s harmless. Perfectly safe. Just big and intimidating in the dark.” I greet the llama with soft words. She knows me, but putting her nose in the air, she turns her back on me. “Oh, don’t tell me Mae turned you against me. Svetllama, you of all people should understand forbidden love. You’re sneaking around to meet an ostrich.”

She makes a humming sound which could mean anything.

“Listen, if you’re concerned about Tinsley, don’t be. She’s sorry for what happened with Taylor and Mae.” I pull out my phone to call Svetllama’s owners before I actually give Tinsley cause for concern.

Tinsley’s eyes were wide but now they’re soft with curiosity. I guide the llama to the passenger side of the car and gesture that she rolls down the window.

“Mae and Taylor are on their way. Svetllama, don’t spit,” I warn when I sense her stiffen.

“She spits?”

“Only at people she doesn’t like.”

Tinsley’s eyebrows crimp, but she gets out of the car.

I take her hand in mine and show her Svetllama’s favorite place to be pet.

“She’s so soft.” Then she clears her throat. “Svetllama, you’re so soft.”

Svetllama hums again as if approving of the comment and leans into us.

A truck rumbles our way and brakes on the other side of the road. Once more, with Tinsley’s hand in mine, I feel like I’m in trouble, but we don’t pull apart even though Tinsley draws back a little. I flash a look of confidence even though if anyone is going to take my head off, it would be Mae.

She follows Taylor slowly out of the truck.

I let him take care of Svetllama and hurry over to my sister.

“Hey, you okay?”

“I’m pregnant. Very pregnant.”

It’s then I remember that while I was preoccupied with Cindy Clawford aka Twinky, the due date came and went.

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