by Casey Peeler
“Guilty,” he says, taking a step back.
“Awe, y’all! I love y’all and Jackson is going to love y’all, too!” Madelyn says and in unison, Addie Mae and I both say, “Jackson?”
My sister looks at Tate, “Yeah, we wanted a name that was strong, one that had meaning. I thought my maiden name was perfect.”
“I love it, sis,” I say as I hug her once more before going back to the grill, taking Tate with me.
Chapter 8
Addie Mae
THE MOMENT THE GUYS TAKE off toward the grill, I walk Madelyn around and show her everything. As we get to the table that has a football, she picks it up and starts to cry.
“Addie Mae, you are the best friend a girl could have. I can’t believe you pulled this off with Sawyer.”
“Well, until this cookout is over tonight, let’s not say we’ve pulled this off.”
“Girl, you know what I mean. Sawyer and a baby shower? How in the hell did you get him to agree to this?”
“Beer?” I say, laughing.
“Gotcha. But seriously, how in the world did all of this happen with you being in LA?”
“Your brother and a little help from my mama. I was a little unsure this morning, though.”
“Yeah, that conversation was pretty heated. It all makes sense now, but if I tell you something, you promise not to kill me?”
Pausing, I look at Madelyn, “Maybe?”
“Y’all look good together.”
I do a double-take, trying to process what she has just said to me. “I didn’t hear you correctly.”
“You did. I know this is for me, but I wish you could have seen the two of you when we got here. For starters, he was checking you out downing that beer, but when you two walked toward us, you looked like you belonged together.”
“No, Mad.”
“Don’t give me that shit. The getting on each other’s nerves was always a cover back in the day for both of you. Why don’t you tell him how you really feel?”
Shit. Madelyn has known me my entire life and she’s right. I’ve always had the biggest crush on Sawyer, but it was a crush on my best friend’s hot has hell older brother, and he was totally not into me.
“Mad, for starters, he isn’t that into me because he’s made that perfectly clear over the conversations the past six months, but it wouldn’t matter. I’m in LA and he’s here. It would never work.”
“I’m betting on you two. That’s all I’m going to say about it.”
Shaking my head, I walk her over to the photo booth and we have a quick photo opportunity ourselves.
“Well, aren’t y’all the cutest?” my mom says, walking up with gifts in her hand. I take them from her as Madelyn begins to socialize with others. I place the photo in the book.
The afternoon goes off without a hitch and the burgers are amazing. Once everyone has finished eating, I grab everything for the first game.
“Alright, y’all! It’s game time! So everyone knows the measuring with a string game, right?” All the ladies say yes and the guys don’t say a word. “Okay, we’re going to play it a little differently. So ladies, find your guy and partner up.” Looking over at Sawyer, I motion for him to come my way since we’re the only single folks here.
“Do I really have to do this?” he whispers.
“Yes, we’re the hosts and we’re so going to win.” I smile as I turn to the guests. “Okay, so everyone has a roll of toilet paper, paper towels, and a few newspapers. Instead of using string, we’re going to have the guys create the perfect Madelyn belly. The person whose belly is closest in size to Madelyn’s will be the winner. Mad, come on up here and take a seat. There’s no cheating, you can glance up here but that’s it. No coming up side by side to measure. Everyone got it?”
The women say yes and the guys grumble. “You ready?” I question Sawyer.
“Yeah, but you know we can’t win. We’re the hosts,” he whispers.
“Well, look at you knowing your hostess etiquette.”
“Have you met my mom?”
“Good point.” Looking at everyone, I say, “Three minutes. Ready…set…go!” All the ladies begin to take the paper goods and stuff the bellies of their guys. I look to Sawyer and start to do the same. I take the newspapers and begin to make ball with them and glance over to Madelyn. Once I’m satisfied, I pass them to him. There is no way I’m putting my hands up his shirt. He smiles as he starts to stuff his shirt, and when I have the correct amount of materials, I look between him and his sister. Good gracious, it looks like he’s trying to be Santa with that belly and not a basketball like her belly.
“Move that mess to look like a basketball Sawyer,” I say to him as he begins to move it around.
“Better?” he asks.
“Nope.”
He looks at everyone else still working. “Then fix it, Addie Mae. Even though we can’t win, I want to get it right.”
Looking at him, I walk up to him and try to move it from outside the shirt but it’s not working. Screw this. Taking my hand, I place it under his shirt and begin to mold the papers around to look like a basketball. Once I’m pleased, I start to remove my hand and as it grazes his washboard stomach, I do my best not to look up at him. My eyes fail me, and he’s looking at me with a shit-eating grin. Quickly, I stand to see who is still working and looking at my watch, we’ve got thirty seconds. “Thirty seconds, y’all!”
As the timer ticks down, we then call the men to stand beside Madelyn. I’ve never laughed so hard in my life and I’m thankful that my mom has been getting photos of everything. Sawyer walks over and it is almost a perfect match with his sister.”
“Y’all stay right there. Cate, make sure you get that picture of my babies!” Betsy says.
“Oh, I got it already. No worries,” my mama says to her.
As Kyle walks up, it’s obvious that Jessie has paid close attention to Madelyn’s belly and they are obviously the winners.
“It looks like Kyle and Jessie are the winners.” Walking over to them, I give them a little football trophy. “Hold on, y’all. We need a group photo.” We all stand together, the men with their bellies to the side and us behind each of them. Quickly, I hurry to the photo booth and grab the props. We each take one and on the count of three, we smile.
Once we finish, I go to put them back while Sawyer takes the papers down to the fire pit for the next bonfire. We play a few other games and then it’s time for gifts. Madelyn and Tate take a seat as Sawyer and I take turns bringing them gifts.
“Hey, you’ve got that helmet, right?”
“Yes. It’s right here.”
“Great! I’ve got the jersey wrapped. Let’s give them together at the end.” He shrugs and takes another gift.
Madelyn and Tate have anything from diapers to peepee teepees. There has also been a mommy and daddy survival kit given, and so much more. Looking at the two gifts left, I look to Sawyer, “You ready?”
“Addie Mae, I was born ready.” I roll my eyes as we walk toward them.
Sawyer hands her the wrapped package and as she unwraps the helmet, she passes it to Tate so he can look.
“Sawyer, that was so thoughtful. Has everyone signed it?” she asks.
“Everyone but Tate,” I say, handing Tate a black marker. He takes it from me and signs it.
“It will be perfect for his room,” she says as tears start to fall again. I hand her my package. As she unwraps the box, I hold my breath, waiting for her to see the jersey.
As she opens the box, she pulls it out and looks between the two of us. “Y’all, it’s perfect, but y’all are making me a crying mess!”
“Dude, that says Ellis on the back!” Tate says with excitement.
“Sawyer, thank you.”
“It was all Addie Mae.”
“Well, I did have an in at the high school,” I say as I nudge him with my elbow and smile. “You might want to keep looking in there, though,” and Sawyer looks to me.
Madelyn, looks t
o find a sheet of paper. She takes a moment to read as Sawyer looks at me confused. She passes it to Tate as her eyes fill with tears.
“Oh my gosh, Addie Mae, that’s too much.”
“No, it’s not,” I reply as Sawyer looks at me.
* * *
Sawyer
What in the world is she up to? Here I am standing here with just a damn football helmet and she looks like freaking Superwoman or something.
“Addie Mae, this is too much.”
“I can do it so I want to.”
“Do what?” I finally ask.
“Pay for his college,” she says and I turn to look at her. “School is important and I want him to have the option to achieve his dreams because we know that’s possible, Sawyer.” I’m completely speechless. This girl is too much. Here she is walking back into Mason all high and mighty, showing off her money by paying for my nephew’s college. Who does she think she is? Trying to refrain from showing my emotion, I look at my sister who cuts her eyes to me. I don’t ruin this for her, but when she stands to give us a hug, I help Tate move the gifts back to the table. Taking the jersey and helmet from her, I go to put it on the gift table to display when the piece of paper falls out. Looking over my shoulder, I see that no one is watching and I read what is written on the plain-colored paper.
Dear Madelyn & Tate,
The moment I heard about your new bundle of joy, I couldn’t contain my excitement. This little boy will be loved by myself and Sawyer forever. Yes, I’ve planned this entire “cookout” with Sawyer and Baby Ellis is going to be blessed to have him as an uncle. He loves him as much as I do.
Over the past few months, I’ve learned that Sawyer and I are a lot alike. We both are goal oriented, reach and achieve our dreams, and have hearts for helping even if we go about it differently. I hope that we can both show him in our own ways how to do this as well. I know I’m not his aunt, but this little boy has stolen my heart and I can’t imagine how you feel as soon-to-be parents.
So, I want to do something because I can. I want to pay for his college. I know he could get a scholarship, which is great, but I don’t want money to be a limitation on him. He’s going to do great things in this world. I know that I’ll never be able to have my own child, and Mad, that’s no news to you, so please, let me do this for him.
Baby Ellis, you are loved so very much and I’ll always be here for you. I’m only a phone call or flight away!
Love,
Aunt Addie
Taking the paper, I quickly fold it and put it in my pocket to give to Madelyn, but it’s the rawness of what Addie Mae admits that slams into my heart. How does she know she won’t have kids? Why do I want to hold her in my arms and take the pain away? “You read it, huh?” I hear Madelyn say behind me.
“Yeah,” I say as I pull it out of my pocket and pass it to her. “I didn’t figure she wanted that for everyone to read.”
“Probably not. I know it’s not my place, but you can’t be mad at her for offering that.”
“I know.”
She doesn’t say anything, but walks up to me and hugs me. “Thank you, Sawyer, for everything today. You and Addie Mae did an amazing job.”
“She did most of it.”
“Not from what I heard,” she says with a smile. “Oh, and we’re going to head out soon. I’m exhausted.”
She goes back to make rounds, telling everyone goodbye and I start to help carry their gifts to the car. I swear, didn’t I just move them to the gift table? As I walk back, I notice Addie Mae talking to her mom and some other people. She has a smile that’s contagious and the way she looks today makes me question my thoughts about who I believe she is.
Chapter 9
Addie Mae
“ADDIE MAE, YOU NEED ANY help cleaning up?” Mama asks.
“No. I’m good. I’ll see you a little later this evening.”
“Okay, suga,” she says as she hugs me and kisses my head, walking with Betsy into the house before going home. The moment that the last guest is gone, I begin to clear off the tables. Sawyer is putting up the grill and other items that belong in the barn.
Taking all of the decorations to my truck, I wonder what in the world am I going to do with them. “You know, we could probably donate the Mason-colored items to the high school,” a voice says behind me.
Turning, I see Sawyer standing there with a few items in his arms.
“That would be great. Can you take them or do I need to have Mama drop them by Monday?”
“I’ve got an idea. Why don’t we load them up and drop them off tonight? I’ve got a key, and let’s go grab a bite to eat at the Mason Bar and Grill.”
“That sounds like heaven, but I was hoping to do a little fishing tonight.”
“Really?” he says, looking like I’m talking Greek to him.
“Yes, you know I’ve always loved to fish. It’s my way to enjoy the quiet. I’ve even found a small lake not too far from LA that I escape to every now and then.”
“Well, why don’t we get it to go?”
“Sounds good to me, but I’ve got to get outta this dress first.”
“No problem. Let’s swing by the high school and then we can drop your truck off at your parents’.”
Placing my hands on my hips, I look at him with question. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d call this a date, Sawyer Jackson.”
“Nah, I just hate for you to have to pay more than you need to on that rental. Plus, it’s stupid for us both to drive and I know it’s going to take both of our vehicles to get it over there.”
“Good point.” Walking to the tables, I start to turn them over and put them up as Sawyer walks up to help. Within a few moments, they are back in the barn and everything is put away. “I’ll meet you at the high school,” I say as I walk toward the truck and drive toward Mason High.
Pulling into the parking lot, I wait on Sawyer and follow him to where I need to go exactly. As he goes to the field house, I follow and then put the truck in park.
“The field house?”
“Yeah, I’ll get the guys to deliver it where it needs to go Monday.” We both take arms full of decorations and place them in the corner of the field house. Once we’ve brought everything in, I take a moment to look around.
“How does it feel?” I ask him.
“How does what feel?” he questions as he looks at me confused.
“How does it feel to live this dream? To be the hometown hero on Friday nights?”
He laughs as he looks around. “Hero’s a little far since we just had our first game, but it feels pretty damn amazing, that’s for sure. I am worried about will happen if we don’t win. You know how it can be around here.”
“Yeah, but that’s not going to happen. Look at tonight. You did great.”
“Maybe, but it’s still a lot to keep in focus.”
“I can see that, too.”
Pausing, he looks at me, “Let’s go eat.” Obviously, he’s ready to change the subject.
Walking out of the field house, he turns off the lights, locks up, and Sawyer follows me home. Turning off the engine, I go inside and hurry to change.
“You’re home earlier than I thought,” Daddy says.
“I’m changing and going fishing. I’ll be back later.”
“Want some company?”
“Sawyer’s going. You can come if you want,” I say and as he starts to answer, Mama reminds him that she needs help putting the canning away in the cellar. Smiling at her, I know exactly what she’s trying to do and for some reason, I think I might have to thank her later.
Going to my room, I slide on a pair of cut-off shorts and a tank top from my drawer. Pulling my hair into a low ponytail, I grab my worn out Mason ball cap from my suitcase and slide it on along with my boots before walking out the front door.
* * *
Sawyer
The moment the front door opens, my heart stops. I take back everything I said about her and being fake and not Mason. It w
as all a lie because that girl is authentic country girl hiding behind the lights.
As she opens the Jeep door and climbs in, I can’t help but smile as my eyes scan her perfect legs. Looking to her, I shake my head when I see that old Mason ball cap that she stole from me all those years ago.
“What?” she questions.
“I haven’t seen that hat in what, ten years?”
“Maybe, but it’s perfect for riding in my Jeep,” she smiles and I drive toward the Mason Bar and Grill.
I hold the glass door open as we enter and walk toward the bar.
“Great game, Coach,” Boss says behind the bar. “What can I get y’all?”
“Wings for me. Addie Mae?” I question.
“Wings and some homemade chips, please. Oh, and extra ranch.”
Taking a seat, we wait for the order. “Y’all need a beer?” he asks.
“Yes, please,” she says and I nod as he slides the cold ones our way.
We don’t say anything for a few minutes, only sip on our beers.
“So, tell me what it’s like in LA?” I ask.
“It’s huge compared to here but it’s also so fast-paced. I love my job, but I do miss being here. There is something about the stillness of Mason and the fact that I don’t have to worry about the lights and cameras.”
“I understand what you mean…” I start to say something as the most annoying voice sounds behind me. Lori. Addie Mae looks over her shoulder and smiles.
“Can I get another one, Boss?” I say as Boss starts to laugh and Addie Mae looks at me, unsure.
“Me, too. So what’s up with that?”
“What?” I say as I lift the beer to my mouth.
“Oh, don’t play dumb. You should see the way you rolled your eyes when you heard her come in. Whatever happened with y’all anyways? The way Mad talked was like y’all were going to get married or something.” As the words come out of her mouth, I almost spew out the liquid.
“Hell no. There’s not enough money in the world to marry that girl.” Just then Lori walks up to us.