Page 12 of Forever with the Farmer's Daughter
Momma walks into the room, keeping my thoughts from straying too far into the direction of Cameron Hutchinson. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t find my earrings. Turns out they were in the jewelry holder on my nightstand.”
“Well, I’m glad you found them. You look great, by the way.” She really does. Living on a farm, we spend most of our days in practical clothing. Today Momma has stepped it up and is wearing a floral summer dress and a pair of white flat sandals. Her chin length brown hair is starting to show some gray, but her hazel eyes are sparkling with excitement at giving Aubrey her gift.
“Thank you, sweetheart. I’m going to let your dad know we’re getting ready to leave.”
“Okay, can you take the present out as you go? I’ll grab the banana pudding and meet you outside.”
“Sure thing,” she says as she picks the gift up off the table and heads out the door.
I open the refrigerator and pull out the bowl of banana pudding I made last night. Aubrey had some at the last church dinner we attended and loved it. She called me two nights ago saying she was craving it and asked if I could make some for our lunch today. I couldn’t possibly tell her no, so Momma and I ran to town the next morning to get what I needed.
I step off the porch and walk to my SUV as Momma and Daddy walk out of the barn. Daddy’s face falls when he sees the bowl in my hands. “Don’t tell me you’re taking all the banana pudding with you.”
I put the bowl in the backseat and close the door, before turning back to face my parents. “Now Daddy, would I do that to you when I know it’s your favorite? There’s a small bowl in the refrigerator for you to have with your lunch today.”
Daddy grins as he hugs me to his side. “Have I told you lately, you’re my favorite?”
I laugh and kiss his cheek. “I’ll be sure to tell Beth and Christine the next time they call.”
He laughs and shakes his head, knowing I won’t really tell them, at least not until the next time I see them. He walks Momma around to the passenger side and opens the door for her. He gives her a kiss and helps her inside. “You girls have a good time.”
“We will. Don’t work too hard, Daddy.”
Daddy chuckles. “You don’t have to worry about that.”
When he closes Momma’s door, I put the car in gear and head down the driveway to the highway.
Momma and I talk about the farm, the upcoming fair, and what we are going to do to draw visitors to our booth. By the time we pull into the drive leading to Hutchinson Farm, we’re no closer to an idea than we were when we left the house.
We pull up next to the farmhouse and park beside Aubrey’s car. Getting out of the vehicle, Momma gets the gift from the backseat while I get the banana pudding. When we reach the steps leading up to the porch the screen door opens and Cameron steps outside. Seeing us, he hurries over.
“Mrs. Kincaid, here let me help you.”
Taking the gift from Momma, he offers her his hand as she ascends the steps. “Thank you, Cameron.” She beams as she takes the final step up onto the porch.
“My pleasure, ma’am,” he replies. Giving me a wink, he graces me with a brief smile, “Samantha, nice to see you again.”
“Hi, Cameron. You too,” I reply honestly, and a little breathy.
Momma’s eyes dart between us before she saves me by starting a conversation. “Samantha tells us you’re home for good.”
“Yes ma’am. Kenny and Craig have already put me to work.”
“That’s good, you know what they say about idle hands.”
Cameron chuckles as he opens the screen door for us. “Yes, ma’am I do.”
Momma steps inside and I follow her. Cameron peers into the bowl I’m holding as he steps inside behind me. “Is that banana puddin’?”
I glance up at him over my shoulder and his nearness catches me off guard as I drag my gaze up from his broad chest to meet his eyes. It takes me a second to remember he’s waiting for an answer. “Um, yes, it is.”
“I haven’t had good banana puddin’ in years.”
“Since you were so nice to help us inside, I’ll make sure Aubrey saves you some.”
“Thanks,” he says with a wink and then sets the gift down on the coffee table. “Aubrey, your guests are here.” He glances over at Momma and then back to me and smiles. “You ladies enjoy your lunch.”
I nod speechless and watch as he disappears out the front door. When I turn back around, Aubrey is grinning at me. “What?”
