Page 42 of Loving Decker

A whole group of teens had come up on some ATVs. They were loud enough to be at a football game for sure.

“Sorry.” He nodded in their direction.

“No, this is great. They’re like the halftime show.”

He grinned. “Totally.” Relieved she was such a good sport, he leaned back on the nice warm rock and ate his sandwich while she narrated the teens’ silly jumps and climbs. Eventually they were both laughing and having almost as much fun as their first kiss might have been.

Almost.

Chapter Fifteen

Faith drove over to the Dawsons for another Sunday dinner half wishing she lived there all the time. Her house got lonely. And with all of her family’s pictures, evidence of their previous life together, staring at her all the time, she felt less and less comforted and more reminded that this house was not her own anymore. It belonged to a time past. Especially with Grandpa in the hospital and her thoughts consumed by selling, she felt more and more like she needed to move on. But that was silly, she reminded herself; of course the house would always be hers. She was just going to sell off some of the extra land.

She pulled into the Dawson driveway. Their house was huge, and Mama Dawson had kept it updated. Everything looked new or mended and lovely. The flowers along the front added to the charm. It was comfortable and homey. Faith basically loved the place. She gathered the side dishes she’d brought from the back seat. The salads and the cake were some of her best. She loved baking and didn’t have much of an opportunity unless she created one or offered to bring something when she was invited somewhere.

Decker met her on the porch. “Faithy Haws, you just made my day. Let’s get you and those fixin’s in this house.” He relieved her of both salads and the cake and held open the door with his foot. “Come on in, Faithy Haws.”

“Are you ever gonna stop calling me that?”

“Do you want me to?”

“No.” She responded quickly, maybe too quickly, but she didn’t want to lose her nickname. “I like it.”

“Then it stays.”

“Faithy!” Grace shouted as she ran forward to give her a hug.

“It sticks.” She hugged Grace back.

Everyone was in town. There were no video chat attendees today. She didn’t imagine there were often days when the boys would forego the Sunday meal.

Faith dug in and helped get everything out on the table and the sideboard, and soon she was sitting next to Decker at the large Dawson table, ready for someone to bless the food.

Dylan was smiling at her, Mav too, but Nash was having some kind of argument with Grace. “Dude, you’re just gonna have to stick around long enough to see for yourself.”

They stopped when they realized everyone could hear them. And Faith wondered just what was going on there.

But then Mama sat down. “It’s so good to see everyone. Great to see you, Faithy. I trust all is well with you?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Any change with your grandfather?”

“No, none.”

She nodded. “I know he was so proud of who you have become, and he would be so proud of all that you’re doing here. You working the land, running your house, holding down a job, all on your own.” Her smiling eyes showed so much approval that Faith was warmed to her toes. “And you Dawsons, your father would be so proud of each one of you men and of the women in your lives. I hope you know I am as well. The crops are coming. The cattle are brought in on time. The rodeo is bringing in sponsorship opportunities as well as extra cash flow. And we all know the great work Decker has done with our books.”

Decker smiled, surprised it was even mentioned, but pleased he’d done something to help out.

“Maverick has brought us together and led us as I know your father would want. We miss him, but he’s here. I see your father in each one of you and on the land all around us. Let us pray.” She reached for the hands of Bailey and Kate, who sat on either side of her. And the rest of those at the table joined hands as well.

Her words were quick and straightforward and important. “Bless us with knowledge to know how to move forward. Bless us with peace in our town and family to do so with love and understanding. Bless this land. Bless this family and all those associated with us. Bless our guests, that Faith will always feel welcome here.” And her list of thank-you’s was even longer. Mama Dawson knew how to praise the Lord and to thank Him, and Faith learned a thing or two from her every time she visited.

When she was finished, Nash got them started as he usually did. “Now, after all those words, a man might just pass away from hunger. Could someone pass the ham down here to get us started?”

Everyone laughed. And food started flowing and happy conversation as well.

Decker reached for her hand and squeezed it. “I’m happy you’re here.”

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