Page 15 of Bookworm
Holt stands at the edge of the pasture with Lady Lightning, and our newborn daughter in his arms. It’s unseasonably warm for January, but the baby is still bundled in a snowsuit and a thick wool hat. I have a feeling she’s daddy’s girl already. The two have been inseparable since we brought her home from the hospital.
“You know,” Granny says, bumping against Earl’s shoulder, “I didn’t see him taking to fatherhood so well, but he’s a natural.”
“Careful there, Granny. You keep touching him like that and people might get the wrong impression,” I say with a smirk.
Earl looks down at Granny and smiles. “Trust me, I would be the lucky one.”
“Yes, you would,” Granny says. “I’m already keeping him off the street most days and giving you two peace and quiet.” She chuckles. “If he wants anything more, he’s going to have to earn it.”
Earl blows out his lips. “If you’re waiting around for me to impress you, I fear I’ll be long gone before that happens.”
“What are these two arguing about now?” Holt meets us at the top of the hill, Blossom peacefully sleeping in his arms. She’s only six pounds, but she looks even smaller against his giant frame.
“Nothing,” Granny says, leaning into him for a hug. “We’re just heading out. I see Waylon just pulled up, though. You owe him another rodeo tour?”
Holt rubs his back. “Nah, the last one was good enough for me. I was lucky I didn’t do any permanent damage. I’m not sure what he wants.”
Earl kisses baby Blossom on her head and turns toward the truck. “We’ll see you two soon. Don’t wait up.” Granny rolls her eyes and grabs Earl by the arm to walk him away.
Before they get too far, Holt pulls Earl in for a hug. “See you later, Dad. Stay out of trouble.”
It’s only the second time I’ve heard him call Earl‘dad’and the first time I’ve seen them hug. Even at our wedding, they only waved goodbye to each other.
“Don’t read into it,” Holt says, glancing toward me.
I grin. “I already have.”
Waylon parks at the end of the driveway and walks up slowly, taking a survey of the property as he moves. He’s a tall man, covered in ink, with a long beard that he keeps trimmed just below his chin. I can’t imagine why he hasn’t found a woman yet. My friends are always asking about him.
“What do you think he wants?” I reach for Blossom, but she fusses when I touch her.
Okay… you can stay with Daddy.
“I’m sure it’s something about the cattle drive. He’s been looking for day labor or a few more cowboys. Maybe he’s wondering if we know anyone.”
Waylon tips his hat and greets Holt and I. “Nice to see you two again… and to meet this little girl. Everyone in town is talking about her. Granny says she’s the next rodeo queen.”
Holt shakes his head. “Not if I can help it. I plan to keep her locked up until she’s at least thirty. Even then, we’ll screen all her visitors. What’s going on with you? Everything okay?”
Waylon nods. “We’re all good here. I’m just hoping you could help a man out.”
Holt and I look toward each other with a narrowed gaze. Waylon is usually a straight-shooting man. When he wants feed, he asks for feed. When he needs help with a tractor, he asks for it. This cryptic conversation is new.
“What’s going on? We’re always here to help.” Holt shifts and readjusts Blossom in his arms as a cool wind blows across the driveway.
“Well,” Waylon stalls, “I need help with a girl.”
“Interesting, you old dog.” Holt nudges Waylon and grins wide. “Who’s the lucky lady?”
“That’s the thing,” he groans. “It’s a little messy.”
“Okay.” I’m desperate to tell him to spit it out, but the man is still a business contact, and I’m beyond curious why he made a special trip over here to tell us he’s met someone. “What’s the problem.”
Waylon rubs his hand over his beard. “She’s a friend’s daughter.”
“Are you serious?” Holt, who has no social decorum, let’s his voice slide into a weird criticizing tone that I have to clean up.
“Everyone around here knows everyone. Of course someone you want to date has a family you know.”