Page 85 of Butter My Biscuit

“Don’t you go stealin’ my bestie away,” I warn with a chuckle as we get out of the truck.

When we enter, the house smells like a freshly lit fireplace and Folgers. I can hear Mom and Dad chatting in the kitchen. The rest of the house is dark and quiet. It’s still early though.

“Mornin’,” I yell.

“In here,” Dad hollers.

I make my way down the hallway, where they’re sitting at the breakfast bar, smiling at one another with mugs in their hands.

“Howdy,” I say, looking between them.

“What’s going on?” Mama says, looking at the clothes I’m wearing. She gives me a look of disapproval when she sees the big, fat finger flipping her off, and then my father’s eyes widen.

“What the hell is that?” He points to my shirt.

“Oh, just a goodfuck you very muchT-shirt. Ya know how it goes. Laundry day,” I say with a shrug, wishing Grace had hadanyother shirt of mine. These clothes are setting the tone.

Mom looks offended.

“Anyway, I just came to fulfill my favor and help Remi move. What about y’all?”

“Nothin’ much.”

When I walk further into the kitchen, I see Stephanie in the corner. She’s wearing a purple sweater, and she’s smiling with a cup of coffee in her hands.

“Stephie?”

“Hi, good morning.”

She’s thelastperson I expected to see today.

“Stephanie just told us the good news,” Dad says.

Mom’s expression softens as she looks back at my ex. Mama always liked her, even though she’s one thousand percent Team Grace.

Remi enters the kitchen and stops when she sees we have company. She looks at me like I have answers.

“Uh,” she mumbles.

Stephanie clears her throat. “I’m moving back to Valentine, and I’ll be working at my parents’ firm. Happy New Year!”

For once, I can’t hide my shock. “What? Really?”

“Whoa.” Remi looks between us. She gobbled up every word Lexi spilled last night and understands what this means.

I give her a smile. “Wow, that’s fantastic.” I walk across the room, and she stands as I hug her. “Excited you’re here.”

“Me too. I was leaving my folks’ place and thought I’d stop by and visit. You busy today?”

“Yeah, he’s helping me move today,” Remi interrupts, giving her a wave.

“Whoa, Remington? You were seriously this tall when I saw you last.” She holds her hand up to her waist.

My sister grins, but I know shehatesit when people call her by her full name.

“Yeah. Crazy what ten years can do, huh? Anyway, great seeing you.” She turns to me and points her thumb over her shoulder. “We have shit to do. The sooner, the better.”

Mom shakes her head. “Someone’s in a mood.”

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