South of Heaven

by Ali Spooner

  “No way, you won it fair and square.”

  “I know, but I owe you four hundred,” he whispered.

  “Which you can start repaying next week, but today that’s yours to enjoy.”

  Kendra helped him carry the heavy coolers to the back of his truck. “Can I come help restock tomorrow?”

  “Absolutely,” she replied. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

  †

  The rest of the weekend passed in a blur. On Monday, Kevin and Paul were sitting up drinking coffee when Kendra and Lindsey came down the stairs.

  “Good morning,” Kevin stated. “I know y’all won’t eat, but will you have a cup of coffee with us before you go?”

  “Sure, Dad,” Kendra replied.

  “When are you planning on leaving?” Lindsey asked Paul.

  “Later this morning. If I don’t make it all the way, I may lay over in Atlanta.”

  “Please be careful and let me know when you’ve made it home.”

  “You sound just like a mother,” he said.

  “Very funny,” she replied, but grinned at him. “I’m glad you came for a visit.”

  “I am too, and I hope later in the fall, you all will come for a visit.”

  “I’d like that,” Kevin and Kendra both answered at the same time.

  “I guess that’s settled then.”

  When Kendra and Lindsey stood to leave, they all hugged one another. Paul whispered in Kendra’s ear and she smiled before saying, “Thanks, I will forever.”

  She turned back to her dad. “We’ll see you Friday, love ya.”

  “Love y’all too. Be safe.”

  Kendra draped an arm across Lindsey’s shoulder as they walked down to the boat. “That went better than expected,” she commented.

  “Yes, it was a great weekend. I have to know, though, what did Dad whisper to you.”

  Kendra stopped and turned to face her. “He told me welcome to the family, then told me to love and care for his little girl.”

  Lindsey smiled. “I didn’t hear what you told him.”

  “I said thanks, I will forever.”

  “Forever,” Lindsey echoed, smiling.

  “Or as long as you’ll have me.”

  “Forever may not be long enough.”

  Recipes from Ali

  Several readers have asked me to begin including recipes of some of the foods I describe in my books, so this will be the first. My dad, Charlie, frequently had cookouts or fish fries for the customers he served. One of his most loved dishes was his hush puppies. You definitely couldn’t eat just one. Here is a basic recipe that I hope you enjoy.

  Charlie’s Southern Boy Hush Puppies

  1 bag hush puppy mix – Preferably Dixie Lily in the red bag

  1 finely chopped sweet Vidalia onion

  1 can drained whole kernel corn

  1 can Ro-tele tomatoes

  1 can Budweiser beer

  1 tablespoon ketchup

  A pinch of Cayenne pepper

  Mix all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Add additional beer as needed to make a moist batter. Using a teaspoon, mound the batter on the spoon and carefully slide the batter from the spoon into a deep fryer with oil heated to 350 degrees. The batter will sink until it begins to cook. When done it will float to the top and be beautifully browned on all surfaces. Remove carefully and drain until cooled. Salt to taste while still warm. For a bit of spice, you could add diced jalapeno peppers.

  Best served with seafood. Can be dipped in a variety of sauces or eaten plain. Highly addictive, so consider yourself forewarned!

  Ali

  About the Author

  Ali Spooner

  Ali Spooner, a native of Florida, calls Pensacola her forever home. Ali has been writing for many years as a hobby, and with the assistance of the Affinity team, she has taken her love of storytelling to a new level.

  Ali’s characters range from cowgirls and psychics to a healthy dose of supernatural beings. She has written stand-alone titles as well as series. Ali is an avid reader and her other hobbies include photography, outdoor activities, and watching college sports.

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