Page 83 of Chasing Fireflies

“How could you possibly do that?”

I shrug. “If there’s a way, I’ll find it.”

“Cash Williams, you stop this self-doubt mess. If the chief thought you could do it, then you can.” She grabs my arm and turns me to face her. “You deserve this opportunity. You work hard, and everyone respects you around here. Make a name for yourself. I think you should do this. Grab life by the balls, baby cakes.”

I laugh. “Lord, woman, you sure know how to talk someone into something,” I say as I put my arm around her shoulders, and we start walking again. I reach down and grab a piece of wheat. Sticking it into my mouth, I look out at our land.

“I’ve been talking you into things almost our whole lives, baby. Why should I stop now?”

“I can’t find a reason,” I reply. “Guess I’m going to go for it. I’m going to grab this thing called life right by the balls.” I look down as she laughs. “Give me a kiss, baby cakes,” I say as I lean down and capture her sweet lips.

*

A Few Months Later

Cash

“Jesus, there’s enough food here to feed a small army,” I say to Ben.

“Well, it’s not every day the mayor announces a new chief.” He nudges my side and sticks a piece of ham into his mouth. I roll my eyes.

“Did you buy that ring?”

“Yes.”

“When are you gonna ask her?”

“I don’t have a clue.”

I laugh. “Nervous?”

“Well, shit yeah, I’m nervous. Weren’t you when you asked Sara?”

“No,” I say in all honesty. “It wasn’t planned.” I look over at her laughing with Leigh and Maci. She’s in a short brown dress with a black floppy hat over her pretty curls.

“Why did you two wait so long?” he asks me as he pops another piece of food into his mouth.

I shrug. “Just wasn’t something we thought about or talked about. Thought maybe we’d be one of those couples who never got married, but just was always together. But married or not, I knew she was mine. Neither of us needed a ring or a piece of paper to prove that.” I look back at Sara, and my mind takes me back to almost eight years ago.

I knock on Sara’s parents’ door before I slide my hands into my pockets. I hear heavy footsteps, the door flies open, and there’s my girl.

“I heard you coming.” I laugh as she jumps into my arms.

“Come on. Mama’s driving me crazy,” she says, grabbing my hand and nearly dragging me to my truck. I open the door, and she slides in first. Debbie runs out the front door.

“Sara! You put your seat belt on! Cash, don’t keep her out too late.”

“Yes, ma’am,” I say as I shut the door and start the truck. Once we are out of her sight, Sara slides over and puts her feet on my lap.

“Good grief, that woman. She’s been on my ass all day.”

“Why?” I ask her as I drive toward the lake.

She laughs. “Because I snuck out last night and left muddy footprints on the carpet.”

“You snuck out?” I look over at her with narrowed eyes.

“Yeah, I went to the water tower. Couldn’t sleep,” she says, wiggling her toes and yawning.

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