Page 69 of Loving Decker

“I’ll leave it here for leftovers.”

“Thanks. It’s no fun to cook for one.”

“You should just come on over to ours. We have dinner on every night. Mama even hires a cook now.”

“She’s a smart lady.”

The kiss he gave her was short but intense, and she clung to him a little desperately for a moment. But then he stepped away and walked out the back door. “I’ll see you at the signing.”

She left her hand up, waving goodbye, long after he’d gone.

Chapter Twenty-Six

The morning of signing day started early, and Decker was finally ready. He had done his research. He had his proof. He had a plan. But he felt unsettled. Was it not a good thing to save his town? Why was he feeling dissatisfied?

He called Faith. It only rang once. “Hey.” She sounded breathless.

“What are you doing now?”

“The attic. I got everything out of there. Man, we have stuff from my parents’ childhood.”

“What! I bet we do too, actually. I wonder if anyone has ever cleaned out our attic.”

“I’ll have to go through this stuff. It’s gonna be a good journey.”

“I’m proud of you. You’re on fire, woman. Is there anywhere else in your house that needs an overhaul?”

“Not really. I’m still painting. And then I might give away more furniture. But this is great. It feels good. I think the house was holding me back.”

He nodded. “I like that. Sometimes we have to take drastic measures to step away from situations that hold us back, is that what you’re saying?”

“Maybe.” Her tone was cheerful, teasing. “Or to follow our dreams, right?”

“Right. That’s what I’m thinking.” He was more excited to tell Faith his findings than anyone, but he had one more call to receive this morning, one more verification, before he told a single soul. “So, are you free after signing day?”

“Yes, always.”

“Save the rest of the day for me.”

“Bold.”

“I’ve got nothing but boldness left, Squirt.”

She laughed in surprise; he loved that laugh. “You haven’t called me squirt in…forever.”

“Well, it’s high time then, don’t you think?”

“Yes, I used to hate it. But now? Now it’s fun.”

“You just hated it ’cause it was the year I finally grew taller than you.”

She sighed dramatically. “That was a terrible year. You thought you were so cool. You kept trying to boss me around.”

“No way. I will never ever be the boss of you, Squirt.”

He could hear the smile in her voice. Her energy was back as well. He hoped, no, he prayed today would be a good day.

“With that thought, I’ll see you in an hour.”

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