Page 50 of Forever with the Farmer's Daughter
“Yes, she is,” Kenny says coming up behind us. He claps me on the shoulder before heading straight to his wife. “But I love her anyway,” he says greeting her with a kiss.
Aubrey smiles up at my cousin. “I love you too, Country. But I’m still kicking you all off the farm at noon so I can have an uninterrupted afternoon with my bestie.”
Craig comes up beside me and leans his arm on my shoulder as we watch Kenny and Aubrey interact. He nods toward our cousin and his wife. “You’re halfway there, brother.”
“Halfway where?”
“Halfway to having the kind of life they have.” He pats me on the back. “Now, let’s get back to work.”
Following my brother, we head back to the barn to finish mucking the stalls. My mind reels as I work and think about what Craig said. The fact he’s right brings a smile to my face. Momma and Dad always told us when we found the one we were meant to be with we’d easily see them by our side when we thought of the future. Every image I have in my head has Samantha right there with me as we build a life together.
A little before noon,Aubrey allows us in the house long enough to wash up after our morning chores. Once we’re ready, we hop in Kenny’s truck and head to town to have lunch at the diner.
When we arrive, the place is just starting to fill up. Teresa stands behind the counter pouring coffee but looks up to greet us when we enter. “Well, if isn’t three of my favorite guys.”
We all grin and greet her in unison. “Hey, Teresa.”
She picks up the coffee cups and nods to a few empty tables. “You boys find a seat and I’ll be right over.”
We make our way over to an empty table, saying hello to people along the way. We settle into our chairs and leave the menus to rest against the napkin holder untouched already knowing what we’ll order. We grew up coming to this diner, there’s no need to ask about the specials, they’ve been the same for as long as any of us can remember.
With three glasses of sweet tea in hand, Teresa approaches our table and sets a glass in front of each of us. She stands next to Craig and points her pen at me. “You know, I’ve waited all these years for this one to come back to town and sweep me off my feet. Instead, he comes back and tosses me aside.”
Kenny grins and dips his head, trying not to laugh, while Craig, who’s always ready to laugh at my expense, eggs her on. “I know, Teresa. I promise he wasn’t raised that way.”
“Aww, Teresa, you know you were the first girl to steal my heart. It took me going halfway around the world to get over you. Now I’m back, and I think I’ve found a girl who can give me what you and Eddie have.”
She puts her hand over her heart and sighs. “Well, if she isn’t smitten with you, you let me know and I’ll have a chat with her.”
I wink at her and grin. “Thanks, Teresa, I will.”
Without asking what we want, Teresa heads behind the counter to place our order. Kenny takes a sip of his tea, sits up straighter in his chair, and looks me right in the eye. “You thinking about making things official?”
I smile. “Thinking about it. Though I’d rather not talk about it here. And I’d appreciate it if you’d keep it to yourself.”
He and Craig both grin, but it’s Kenny who speaks. “Understood.”
Teresa returns with our meals and all our attention turns to the plates in front of us.
Once we’re finished, we pay the check and head for the door. As I step outside, Coach Markham approaches. “Hey, fellas, good to see you.”
“Hey, Coach,” we all reply.
“Cameron, there’s something I want to talk to you about. I was wondering if you had time to stop by before practice one day this week?”
“Sure. In fact, I could probably do that today.”
I look to Kenny and Craig and they both nod as Kenny confirms. “Yeah, there’s no need to rush back to the farm.”
“Great! Let me grab my order and I’ll meet you at the high school.”
We climb into the truck and head to the high school. As we pull out onto the highway Craig asks, “What do you think he wants to talk to you about?”
I shrug, “Probably wants me to talk to the team or something.”
When we get to the high school, the guys and I head out to the football field and take a walk along the sidelines. Memories of my days on the field flood my mind with each step we take. Craig and Kenny played baseball, but they were in the stands every week along with our parents, cheering on the team while I played.
Kenny laughs as he points to the bleachers. “Craig, remember when you got caught under the bleachers with Tammy Nolan?”
