Did my message prompt this trip? If so, why? What does he need to do? And why in the world does it involve tools? We stopped by the tool barn as we left, and I swear I saw Archer toss a shovel into the back of the truck.
Initially, I came along to be with Archer. Now, I’m just hoping I can keep him out of trouble.
Around the midway point, he pulls into a truck stop. “Potty break. And we’ll get snacks.”
I stare at him, hoping he’ll drop a tiny morsel of information.
But he only grins. “Thanks for not asking any questions.”
So much for getting information.
“I’m worried about you, Hazy.”
Laughing, he runs around to my side and opens the door. “Don’t be. I know we need to talk about your message. And we will. Later. But you don’t need to worry about me.”
I pull him in for a kiss. If I can’t get answers, at least I can get this. “I’ll believe you, but if that changes, please tell me when I need to start worrying.”
“Sure thing.”
Once we’re back on the road, I close my eyes. Archer is holding my hand, and I’m choosing to believe he hasn’t lost his mind. But I still can’t think of a reason he’d need to bring a shovel on the trip.
I might as well sleep for a while.
Sometime later, I yawn as the truck rolls to a stop. I wonder how long I’ve been asleep. But when I open my eyes, the relaxed feeling immediately evaporates. “What are we doing at the cemetery? And do not tell me no questions.”
“I won’t say it then. Want to wait here? I shouldn’t be too long.”
I grab his arm. “Hazy, it’s been a rough few days. Emotional. Stressful. And my message was probably hard for you to take after everything else, but you cannot dig up your grandmother.” Words are tumbling out of my mouth, and I don’t even care if they make sense at this point. I’m just trying to keep him from dragging out the shovel. “Please. Let’s just go back to the ranch.”
He pushes a button to keep the interior light from coming on when he opens the door. “So what’s the answer, are you staying here or going in with me? Company would be nice. Plus, you can be my lookout. I think Mr. Hoover still works security here. He’ll make his rounds at some point.”
“What are we going to tell him if he finds us in the cemetery in the middle of the night? Have you thought about that?”
“We’ll just start kissing.”
I blink and pray this man is messing with me. “You’re serious?”
“Totally. How about this? I’ll carry you, and you can carry the shovel. Then we only have to make one trip.”
I’ve always heard the phrase “crazy about him” but tonight, I’m crazy for him because I nod and swing my legs out of the truck. “I’ll be your lookout.” And I have no idea what he’s digging up.
He hands me the shovel, then lifts me out of my seat. He carries me like he did the night of the fire. His clenched jaw makes it clear that I’m a strain on his manly muscles, but he has the courtesy not to grunt as he hurries through the dark cemetery.
Under a huge oak, he sets me down. Then hunched down, he scans the area. We’ve been here before. His parents are buried under the shade of this tree.
He reaches for the shovel. “Thanks for coming with me. And, Lettie, I am not planning to dig up my grandmother. She’s buried over by the fountain, next to my grandfather. But it says a lot that even though you were worried that was the reason I drove to the cemetery, you’re still here with me.” After a quick kiss, he walks to his mom’s grave.
I hold my breath, wondering if coming was a mistake.
He closes his eyes and heads toward the tree, touching his heel to the toe of the other foot with each step. And he counts as he goes. After seven paces, he plunges the shovel into the dirt. “Here’s hoping my foot length hasn’t changed much since I graduated.”
Now he’s giving me tidbits of info, but I’m still as confused as ever.
He digs a minute, then stops. “What seemed like such a great idea back then now seems dumb. I’m sorry for dragging you out here, and if this does get us in trouble, I’ll swear it wasn’t your idea.”
“Let’s just hope we don’t get into trouble.”
After the hole is easily a foot deep, he stops and drops to his knees. “Why isn’t it here? Do I have the wrong spot?” In the moonlight, his concern is evident.