Total pages in book: 65
Estimated words: 60933 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 305(@200wpm)___ 244(@250wpm)___ 203(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60933 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 305(@200wpm)___ 244(@250wpm)___ 203(@300wpm)
“Yes, they are,” I agreed.
“Now sit. Let me feed you. It’s good for my soul,” she told me as she motioned toward the table. “Denver wanted me to tell you he was sorry they couldn’t make it. Sandy is due to have that baby any day now, you know.”
I nodded. “Yeah, I saw that on Facebook. I sent them tiny Dallas Cowboys jersey as a baby gift,” I told her. Denver, my first boyfriend and longest friend, had gotten married two years ago to a girl from the school I used to attend with them in North Carolina.
Gran laughed. “Sending a Panthers fan a Cowboys jersey. That’s a good one.”
I smiled at her and shrugged. “I told him that he could wear it when I come to visit. I also sent them the high chair they were registered for, if that makes it better.”
Gran placed a slice of cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top in front of me. “Eat. You’re always too thin. You need to eat more,” she scolded. It was something she’d been fussing about for as long as I could remember.
I didn’t need to be told twice. I had just put the first bite in my mouth when my dad came walking into the kitchen. “That smells too good for me to stay in my office,” he said, then he looked at me. “Hello, honey. I see you didn’t waste time getting some.”
“Girl needs to eat. Now you sit and I’ll get you a slice,” Gran told him.
He winked at me and thanked Gran before taking the chair across the table from me. “Where’s Ryker?”
“Still at the field. He’s bringing over casseroles his momma made later.”
“I have a few things I want him to sign. I’ve got some business associates who are Cowboys fans,” he said.
This was nothing new. Dad had Ryker sign things most every visit. Hunter would think that was hilarious. I smiled, imagining him being here watching us now. I often felt like he was. It was a peaceful feeling that would come over me. When I was alone and it happened, I would talk to him as if he were there.
“Okay,” I replied, then took another bite.
“You still up for the dedication? Talking, that is?” he asked, a concerned frown between his brows.
“Yes. I’m nervous, sure, but I need to do this. Hunter would want me to,” I told him. I always believed Hunter would be there. We might not be able to see him, but he wouldn’t miss this. I was going to make him proud.
“Good girl,” Dad said as he reached over and squeezed my hand.
CHAPTER THREE
RYKER
When Aurora’s expression changed from one of enjoyment to tension, I knew it was time for us to leave. So much talking and visiting was wearing on her. I made our excuses and got her to the silence of the SUV.
“Thanks,” she said softly.
I leaned over and kissed her. “You’re welcome, but it was a little selfish on my part. I wanted you to myself.”
She laughed and kissed me once more before leaning back in her seat with a sigh. “They can get loud, can’t they?” she said.
“Oh yeah, but so can my bunch,” I replied.
We drove in silence, and I knew she needed it. After living most of her life in her own world of silence, being overstimulated with noise could wear her down. Going back to my parents’ wasn’t going to be any better. My aunt and uncle were there, and I knew they’d all be drinking and eating the ridiculous amounts of food my momma had made today.
Instead I drove us to the back side of the Lee property, which had remained untouched. I hadn’t been back there in years, but there was a pond, and it would be a good spot to look up at the sky. When we drove past my parents’ house, she looked over at me but didn’t ask.
There were no clouds tonight, and it was unusually cool for May in the south. There was no chance of her getting cold, but she wouldn’t get hot, either. These were the rare nights that Alabama got in the spring that should be enjoyed.
When I parked the truck, I glanced over at her. “It’s quieter here. My house would have been just as noisy.”
“That sounds nice,” she said, then reached to open her door and climb out. I hurried around to make sure she didn’t trip over any branches, then let down the tailgate and picked her up to place her in the back of my father’s new Ford. She scooted back, and I climbed in beside her.
“It’s a clear night, and we can look at the stars. Only talk when you want to,” I told her.
She smiled so sweetly up at me, I felt that familiar possessive tug in my gut that only Aurora could do to me. The moonlight made her green eyes, which I’d been obsessed with since the moment I saw her in the entryway of Lawton High School, sparkle.