Yes!
Me: You know, I met this city girl. If anyone can take me out of the country, it’s her.
I’m honest to a fault and I mean it. I could and would do that for her. Only for her.
Jamie: Sounds like we’re both lucky.
Me: I know I am. I miss you already.
Jamie: Miss you too. I’m getting back on the road. This is my last stop before home. I’ll call you when I get there.
Me: Okay. Be safe, James.
I feel like a damn broken record telling her to be safe all the time, but it worries me that she’s driving all on her own. I can’t keep asking her to do this. Next time, I’m going to her. Olivia can handle things for a few days.
Too antsy to sit around, I grab my keys and head over to Aaron’s. At least being around others will distract me… I hope.
When I pull into the drive, Whitney is sitting on the front porch reading. I don’t see Aaron.
“Hey, stranger,” she calls out. “Our girl make it home?”
“Not yet. She’s almost there.” I walk up on the porch and take a seat in the rocking chair beside her.
“You’re not mad, are you? That we surprised you?”
“Fuck no. It’s the best damn surprise ever. I just hate her driving all that way on her own. I hate that we live so far away, and I hate that she’s not here with us right now.” I rest my elbows on my knees and hang my head. I can’t seem to get out of this; first I’m spilling my guts to mom and now Whit. I need to man up.
“She’s a big girl, Mike.”
“Yeah, she’s also a beautiful girl driving all on her own. Do you watch the news? You know how many damn crazies there are out there. Fuck!”
I feel her hand land on my shoulder. “She’s fine. You really like her, huh?” I turn to look at her and she laughs. “Stupid question, I get it.”
“I’m driving myself crazy, Whitney. I never should’ve let us start this. I can’t handle her being so far away. I just don’t see how—”
“Why do you have to declare anything now? You’re both good with slowly getting to know one another. Take turns every few weeks going to visit, and she’ll be here for the wedding. Slow is good—look at me.” She grins.
“I don’t really remember anything slow. Aaron was hooked right away.”
“Maybe, but things between us were slow. I was hooked early on as well, but we took our time. If it’s meant to be, you’ll find a way.”
Gravel crunching has us looking toward the driveway where David and Dad just pulled up.
“Look at you, beating us here,” Dad says in greeting.
“Hey, Whit. Where’s Aaron?” David asks.
“He’s out at the barn getting the truck loaded up. He told me to send y’all over when you get here.”
“I’ll drive,” David says, already turning back to the truck.
I stand to follow them.
“Mike,” Whit calls out. I turn to face her. “Time,” she whispers. “She’s in this with you. Y’all just need some time.”
I nod and head toward my truck to get my gear. Once I have it all loaded into David’s, I double-check that I have my phone and grab the charger just in case. I have a full battery, but I’m not risking it going dead until I know she’s home.
“We spreadin’ out?” Dad asks once we reach the pond.