by Casey Peeler
Our meal is filled with flirting, fun, laughter, and pushing limits. When we both can’t eat another bite, the waiter brings the check. After Emmett pays, we walk outside. The night air is damp and cool, and I can feel my hair starting to frizz.
“Em, I got an idea. You wanna hear?” He looks at me with question in his eyes.
“Of course.”
“Let’s go out to the train tracks behind the Thompsons’ place. Maybe we can catch one coming by.”
“Sounds like a plan to me,” he says with a half-grin.
During the half-hour ride back to Pleasant Hill, I try to get as close to him as I can. Damn this console! Emmett looks my way and smirks, and if I didn’t know any better, I’d think he was thinking the exact same thing.
As we approach the Thompson property, Emmett finds a place to park the truck off the road and hidden from any cars that might drive by. We don’t want the 5-0 called on us. Once he’s satisfied with the spot, he grabs a flashlight, and we make our way through the field toward the pond. We are greeted by the sound of bullfrogs, gnats, and a few horses.
As I swat away the gnats, Emmett laughs.
“What’s so funny, Em?” I ask.
“I never thought I’d have to keep away gnats. I always thought it would just be Jace.”
“You are too funny, and there’s no need to swat away Jace. I think he’s finally taken the hint,” I say as we begin to walk around the pond and toward the tracks on the hill.
As we reach the tracks, I motion for Emmett to come on. With the flashlight lighting the way, I use the track as a balance beam while he follows me.
“Em, do you wanna play Truth or Dare?” I ask as I continue to walk.
“Sure, you can go first,” he says.
“Em. Truth or dare?”
“Dare,” he says confidently.
“I dare you to do a toe touch.”
“Are you serious?” He stops on the tracks. “Hold this,” he says as he hands me the light. “Now, if I rip these jeans, you’re gonna owe me.” He rubs his hands together like he’s making a wish, and then he looks at me and jumps. It’s not anywhere close to a toe touch, but it makes me laugh. “My turn,” he declares as he takes the light from me. “Rae, truth or dare?”
“Dare,” I say assertively.
“I dare you to sing to me.”
Taking a step toward him, I inhale deeply and sing “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not?”
“Keep goin’,” is all he says as he takes a step closer to me. As I finish the song, he moves my hair behind my ear.
“Em, truth or dare?” I ask, inches separating us.
“Dare.”
“I dare you to kiss me.” He smiles and pulls me into him, and our lips do the talking. As our kisses deepen, the faint sound of a train whistle looms in the distance. I open my eyes and see Emmett has heard it as well.
“Rae, truth or dare?” he asks.
“Dare.”
“I dare you a round of chicken on the tracks.”
“You’re on.”
Emmett
I know the moment I make that dare, I’m gonna lose, but this game of chicken is going to be a little different. As soon as she agrees, I pull her lips back onto mine and wait for the sound of the train.
As the train approaches, Raegan acts as if it is invisible. She’s so damn stubborn, and that makes her so freakin’ hot. She continues to press her lips to mine while her hands roam my body, making concentrating on the approaching train more difficult.
“Not thinkin’ ’bout chickening out, are ya?” she whispers into my ear.
“No,” I say as the ground below begins to tremor, and one single headlight lights the way. Inside, I’m about to freak out. I don’t want to die, and she’s sure not going to. As I pick her up off the ground, she wraps her legs around me, and my body tenses as we stare into each other’s eyes while the whistle continuously blows and the ground feels as if it’s about to crumble beneath us. When my heart can’t handle it anymore, I break my stare and move us from the track. Once we are safely off the tracks, I attack her lips yet again not wasting another minute. I’m not sure if it’s the fear of what we could have lost, but in this moment, I can’t get enough of her. As I continue to get lost in her, I’m brought back to the present as the train rushes by and the rush of air makes me realize just how much I need her.
“Rae, truth or dare.”
“Truth,” she says.
“What’s your favorite memory of me from before I left?”
Chapter 28
Raegan
What do I say? I have to answer truthfully. I try not to grin like a crazy person when I think about it, but I can’t help it. “When you brought me the stuffed bunny. That’s my favorite memory of you.” I say as Emmett continues to hold me in his arms.
“Why?” he asks, and I know he’s not following the rules.
“The day you brought me that bunny was the day I realized that someone other than Grandaddy truly cared about me. I knew life would get better, and it reminds me every time I look at it.”
As I slide down his body, Emmett stands there, stunned. “You still have it?” he asks.
“I do.”
“Raegan, there’s a reason things happen in this world, and I have no doubt all those years ago was part of the plan. I just can’t believe you kept it.” He says as he brushes my hair behind my ear.
“It’s always been a reminder of what happened with my parents, how you graciously gave like only a child can do, and how I never wanted to forget you… ever,” I say as I look into his eyes.
“Over the years, I wondered if you kept it or just tossed it into the yard sale pile. I can remember going with my mom to pick it out. You were so crazy over Thumper, I knew the moment I saw it, you had to have it.”
“You’re right. I had to have it, Em,” I say as I take a step toward him. “It led me to you.” I place my hand on his cheek and bring my lips to his.
Emmett scoops me into his arms and walks to his truck. He turns on the radio, it begins to play a slow country song. As I lay in his arms in the bed of his truck, he begins to kiss the side of my neck as his hands roam my body. My body shivers, and I know it’s time to cross a line that I can never come back from. Sitting up, I smile at him and bite the side of my lip. He takes the hem of my shirt and begins pull it above my head. Emmett looks at me with his eyes full of desire. “Are you sure, Rae?” He asks.
“I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life.”
After giving myself completely to Emmett, I know that I have fallen head over heels in love with him. As he holds me in his arms and we look up into the moonlit sky, I realize I am going to have to tell him about Grandaddy. The question is when.
“Em, do you ever feel like everything in your world is out of control?” I ask as I prop up on my elbow.
“I used to before I moved back here, but that’s life. It’s out of our control. All we can do is hang on for the ride and hope we survive.” Survive. The word hits me hard.
I push away the thoughts and ask him, “How’d I get so lucky?”
“I think we’re both pretty damn lucky, if you ask me,” he says and then pulls me on top of him.
*****
Saturday morning arrives faster than I would have liked, but my first thought is that I get to spend the majority of it with Emmett—hot, sweaty muscles, and no shirt—or at least this is how I picture the day.
After tossing on old clothes, I take my Braves ball cap and pull my hair through the hole on the way down the stairs.
“Mornin’, Sunshine,” Grandaddy greets me as he sits at the table reading the newspaper while drinking his coffee and eating breakfast.
“Mornin’,” I say as I pour my cup of coffee and make a plate of breakfast.
As Grandaddy puts the coffee to his mouth, a huge smile escapes his lips. “So, I take it you had a good time last night?”
Oh, Lord, does he know? Is it that obvious? “I did. What about you?” I
banter back.
“Ya know, just watched the Braves and then called it a night. I’m just a regular party animal.”
“I know. What am I gonna do with ya?” I giggle. “I’m gonna scarf this down and start my chores, so I can help once Cole and Em get here.”
“I already got the eggs this mornin’. We’ll both feed the animals and be ready to go. Take your time.” It’s almost as if he is soaking in these little moments we have together.
After breakfast, we make our way to the barn and feed and water the animals. Then, we sit on the porch with Hank and another cup of coffee while we wait for Cole and Emmett.
As we swing back and forth, not much is said. We just enjoy the quiet and each other’s company.
“How are you today?” I ask him.
“I’m great, actually.” Great? How is he great? “Spending time here on the farm, working, and being with my favorite girl in the world. It doesn’t get any better than this, Sunshine,” he says as he puts his arms around my shoulder and hugs me tightly. He’s right. It doesn’t get any better than this.
When Cole’s truck approaches in the distance, Grandaddy takes my cup and goes inside. I stand on the front porch with my hands in my back pockets, waiting to see Emmett emerge from the truck. Ohmygosh! I never knew a pair of worn-out Carhartts and a t-shirt with the sleeves cut out could look so dang good! My eyes meet his, and he smiles. Cole takes a look at both of us and shakes his head.
“Mornin’, Rae,” Cole says as he walks past me and into the house.
“Mornin’,” I reply, but he’s already inside. Emmett is standing on the first step and eye level with me.
“How are ya this mornin’?” he asks.
“I’m perfect. What ’bout you?” I say as I bite the corner of my bottom lip.
“Life couldn’t get any better than right now.” With those words, my heart melts, yet again. He gives me a brief kiss on my lips before we make our way inside to meet Cole and Grandaddy.
After Grandaddy gives each of us a task and what will be accomplished by the end of the day, we take our positions and work until we break for lunch. I pull out chicken salad and fresh rolls for lunch. They each eat two, and I can’t help but feel my heart warm as the three men that mean the world to me are in the same room. That’s when Grandaddy begins to cough uncontrollably.
“Grandaddy!” I yell. “Are you okay?” I look at Cole for direction.
Grandaddy waves us off and takes a large gulp of water. “I’m fine. Just eatin’ too fast.” I let out a breath of relief. We sit about fifteen more minutes before we hit the field hard to try to finish before mid-afternoon.
When Emmett excuses himself for a moment, my eyes go straight to Grandaddy. “Are you sure you’re okay?” I inquire.
“I promise. Now, Cole, I wanna have this done by three. I know y’all got better things to do than work here all day.”
“Yes, sir. We got this,” he says and then makes his way outside. I clean up the kitchen quickly and hurry to help them.
After the last bale of hay is lifted onto the truck, we make our way to the front porch to enjoy a glass of ice-cold sweet tea.
“So, what y’all youngins doin’ tonight?” Grandaddy asks.
I look to the guys for guidance.
“I’m not sure. I know there’s a field party, as usual,” I reply.
“Y’all haven’t been over there in a while. It’s not ’cause of that Jace boy, is it?” Grandaddy questions.
“Nah, I’d just rather not, I guess, but Jordyn is about to have a fit for me to go.”
“I’m game if you are,” Emmett states and looks at Cole.
“Y’all know I’m not goin’,” Cole says as he throws up his hands.
“Smart move, Cole!” Grandaddy laughs as he stands and says he’s gonna find a spot in his recliner.
Once Grandaddy is inside, we all look at each other. “I don’t know how he does all of this,” Emmett says.
“It’s easy, Em. This is his world. He doesn’t know how not to work. Honestly, I think that has been what’s kept him going all these years… well, and me, of course.” I smirk.
“Well, Lovebirds, I’m ’bout ready to get out of these clothes. I’ve got a hot date tonight,” Cole says boldly. Both Emmett and I snap our heads toward him.
“With whom?” I question.
“Tammy,” he responds.
“You mean that girl with whom you swear you’re just friends?” I ask, placing the last two words in air quotes.
“That’d be the one. I guess we’re not ‘just friends.’” He laughs as he stands. “Emmett, you’re riding with me,” he says with a wink. Ohmygosh! Cole knows!
“Yeah, so, Rae, do you wanna go to the party tonight? Might be fun.”
I ponder his question for a minute. “Sure, I wouldn’t mind a little dancing by the fire,” I say as I brush my hand across his chest and start to walk toward the door. He grabs it, turns me to him, and attacks my lips.
“I’ll see ya at seven,” he informs me as he backs away and down the steps toward Cole’s truck. I wave, but not before making sure Cole has us both covered tonight. He’ll give Emmett our shine before he picks me up. I need to get a little tipsy and forget the fact my world is changing.
As the screen door slams behind me, oops, I hear Grandaddy holler for me from the recliner.
“Yes, Grandaddy?” I ask as I enter.
“Look, I’m not blind, and I know what it’s like to be a teenager. Just be careful, and if you need me, call me.”
“Yes, sir,” I say as I head to take a shower, so I can get supper ready before the party. After I dry my hair, I throw on a pair of yoga pants and a tank and walk downstairs to get supper cooking.
Looking in the cabinets and freezer, I have no idea what to make. After working all day, nothing sounds good except a gallon or two of water. As I continue to stare, I’m startled when Grandaddy breaks my train of thought.
“Come on. Let’s get a burger,” he says.
“A’ight.”
Grandaddy and I make our way to the Tasty-T for the best burgers south of the Mason- Dixon Line. As we approach the order window, he lets me order first, and then we find a picnic table to sit and eat. Even with the cool fall air, it’s still nice outside.
As our order is shouted from the window, I stand to pick it up, but Grandaddy insists on getting it. I meet him halfway to grab the drinks anyway.
After Grandaddy takes the first bite, he shakes his head and says, “Um, um, um, man, that’s good!” He’s right; it sure is. While we eat, he talks about the farm, things he wants to get done over the next week, and then it happens. He starts asking questions no one ever wants to talk to their grandfather or any parental figure about.
“Rae, you love him, don’t ya?” he asks between bites of fries.
I stare at my fries, but I might as well be honest with him, because there’s no use in starting to lie now. I look Grandaddy directly in the eyes. “Yeah, I love him, but I haven’t told him yet.”
“I knew you fell in love with him all those years ago, but to see you both as young adults makes my heart happy. I always knew the right guy would come along to replace me.”
“He’s not gonna replace you! No one can!” He shakes his head again.
“Sunshine, there comes a time in every child’s life where their parents are no longer the loves of their life. It’s okay. In fact, I’m glad Emmett showed up when he did, even though I would like to shoot him for it, ya know?” My eyes bug out of my head. Always keeping it real. I try to change the subject, but he raises his hand to stop me. “I’m not going to, but I knew this day would come. I’m not saying I agree with it or like it at all. Lord knows I don’t want to be a great-granddaddy anytime soon, so you take yourself to the doctor this week, missy.”
I’m in complete shock, which I shouldn’t be, because this is Grandaddy up one side and down the other, I reply, “Yes, sir.” Mental note: See the doctor on Monday.
After my
reply, Grandaddy goes back to talk about the Braves, and that’s when I decide to plan our trip this summer.
“Grandaddy, who do you want to see the Braves play? I mean, when we go this summer?”
“I wouldn’t mind seeing the Red Sox or Rangers. So, we’re really gonna do this?” he states.
“Yup, we are.” I pull out my phone and check the calendar. “Looks like it’s gonna be the Braves versus Red Sox.”
“Allll righhht!” he says, and my cup runneth over with pure happiness.
On our way back to the farm, Grandaddy and I roll down the windows and crank up the radio. When Miranda Lambert’s “Over You” comes through the speakers, I let my voice do the talking.
“Man, oh, man, I’ll never get tired of hearing you sing,” he says.
“Well, I did learn from the best.”
“Who me?” he asks as I shake my head yes. “Shoot.”
“Grandaddy, you know it’s the truth. Come on. Sing it for me.”
He grins, and with that, he turns down the radio and sings my favorite hymn, “Amazing Grace.” As his deep voice hits every note right on key, I smile at him, and when the chorus begins, I harmonize with him. We spend the remainder of the ride home singing and acting like there isn’t a care in the world.
As Grandaddy puts the truck into park and turns off the ignition, he turns to look at me. “Sunshine, when something happens to me, whether it’s today, tomorrow, or fifty years from now, promise me that you will sing for me.”
Tears threaten my eyes. “I promise.” After we walk into the house, I go straight to my room to get ready for the party with Emmett.
A few minutes before seven, I see Emmett’s truck pulling up the driveway. I hurry to finish up my makeup, but not before Grandaddy lets him inside. I can hear them talking from my room, but can’t make out a word. Lord, please, don’t let Granddaddy tell him that he knows!
Emmett
As I start to knock on the front door, it opens mid-knock.
“Evenin’, Mr. Lowery,” I say.