Page 21 of Honey Be Mine
“I don’t understand how any of that works.” His father was frowning. “You’re telling me a person can post this stuff online without having to sign up or join up or register somehow?”
“Yep.” Everett finished off his tea and set the glass on the railing. “It’s a mite frustrating.”
“I bet it is.” His father’s sigh was long and frustrated. “It seems to me that whoever is doing this has some real issues, son. You’re not worried about that?”
“I’m worried about plenty.” He glanced at his father. “Speaking of—how are things going with Gramma Dot?”
“Fine.” But the furrow between his brows said otherwise.
He suspected his parents kept a lot of his grandmother’s struggles quiet. Out of respect or pride, he wasn’t sure. But he understood. It was hard for him to see Gramma Dot on one of her off days, he could only imagine how hard it was for his father. To see his mother in a temper? Yelling things and not making sense or recognizing him? It hurt his heart, and his father’s heart was likely breaking. “She wasn’t all that fine the day of Camellia and Van’s wedding. I’ve never seen her like that—not herself and ready to fight.”
His father’s gaze locked on his mother—who was happily feeding the chickens with her goat kids following her every step. “It’s going to get worse. I know that. But I can’t put her in some home. Not yet. Not while most days are fine—”
“Whoa, Dad.” Everett placed a hand on his father’s arm. “I didn’t mean that. I meant how areyoudoing with Gramma Dot? What can I do to help?”
“Son, you already do so much. Too much.” He gave Everett a long look. “It seems to me that Mayor Contreras is expecting a lot for someone employed by the county. You should be getting a raise.”
He glanced at his father. “He’s trying to get me to run this next election.”
His father’s brows rose. “For mayor? You want to do that?”
Everett chuckled. “I don’t not want to.”
“My boy. Mayor of Honey.” His father grinned. “I’ll be.”
“I don’t know. It’s only a couple of months away... There’s a lot that would need to be done if I decide to do this.”
“Good thing you’ve got an army of friends and family to get things done then.” His father winked at him.
“What are you two handsome boys talking about?” Gramma Dot held the porch railing as she took the porch steps, one at a time, and joined them.
“Oh, you know, Gramma Dot. Being handsome and solving the world’s problems. That sort of thing.” He draped an arm around her shoulders. “What have you been up to?”
“Feeding goats.” She smiled down at the two babies circling her. “And cleaning up after goats. The sweet little things.” The goats bleated in unison, as if they knew she was talking about them. “You two are getting spoiled, aren’t you? But they helped me feed the chickens. Oh, and earlier we made some cornbread to go with the stew for supper tonight.” She paused, her smile mischievous. “We as in me and your mother, not me and the goats.”
“Well, that’s a relief.” Everett laughed.
“I do love your cornbread, Momma.” His father rubbed his hands together.
“Don’t I know it? But don’t you go trying to sneak any, Leland Taggert.” She wagged her finger at him. “You’ll just have to hold your horses.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He chuckled.
“There’s plenty for you, Everett, if you want to stay. Plenty for a date, too. Though I notice you’re here without one. Again. You ever heard the expression, getting a little long in the tooth? I can’t account for it. Didn’t that article stir up any new prospects? Or light a fire under Rosemary?” She pressed a finger in the middle of his chest. “What’s going on with you two anyway?” Gramma Dot peered up at Everett, her brown eyes alert and focused. “She’s the one that should be having dinner here by now.”
Where had that come from? “Rosebud and I are just friends, Gramma Dot. You know that.” Maybe she wasn’t as clearheaded as he thought.
Gramma Dot’s brows rose high, and she clucked her tongue in disapproval. “Leland, you have a brilliant son. You know that. I know that. But sometimes, he’s downright dumb.” With a mutteredhumph, Gramma Dot walked to the door, held it wide so her baby goats could go in, then pulled it shut behind them.
His father was laughing.
Everett scratched the back of his head. “That was out of nowhere. That doesn’t concern you?”
“Not really.” His father clapped him on the shoulder. “Your mother and grandmother have been set on you marrying Rosemary Hill since you were knee-high to a grasshopper. When she left, it was hard seeing how you pined after her. Now that she’s home, the two of them are hoping the two of you will finally get together.”
Everett stared at his father. Dane was the only one he’d ever confided in, and over the years, he’d learned to regret it. Otherwise, he thought he’d kept his feelings for Rosebud under wraps. Apparently, not. But... “Pinedafter her?” He blinked. “I’ve neverpinedafter anyone.” At least, he’d never admitted to it.
His father stared back.
