“I like the way you think,” Oliver says, leading me toward the truck. “Come on. I’ll get the sling.”
Moments later, I’m on the roof with a bucket of feed, speaking to Agatha in soothing, hushed tones.
“It’s gonna be okay, girl,” I say to her as the crane inches toward where I’m standing. The ropes and hooks swing slightly in the breeze.
I harness Agatha in the sling, making sure to keep the pressure off her belly. Though she doesn’t love me pokingaround as I hook her up, she seems to sense I’m there to help and allows me to continue.
Once the rig is close enough, I fasten the sling to the rope, pulling to make sure it’s secure.
“We’re ready,” I call down to Oliver, who gives Martinez the go-ahead. In a matter of seconds, Agatha is lifted into the air and placed gently on the ground. She bleats her displeasure as Oliver dashes to unhook her, and she darts toward the barn no sooner than the harness hits the ground.
I ease myself back through the window and rush downstairs to the sound of cheers from the rest of the firefighters and Mr. Greene’s neighbors who have now gathered in the yard to watch the spectacle.
“That was incredible,” Oliver says, meeting me at the bottom of the front porch steps with open arms. It’s the second time this week I’ve found myself in his embrace, and I’m afraid I like it a little too much. “Youwere incredible.”
The way he lowers his voice so that only I can hear him stirs something deep inside me and causes me to take a step back.
“You guys did great too,” I say with a tight smile. “But I should go check on Agatha.”
“You want me to help you with—” Oliver starts to offer his assistance, but I cut him off.
“I’ve got it from here. Thanks.”
“Hey Rookie, don’t you have somewhere to be?” Martinez asks Oliver as I start toward the barn.
I don’t hear his response, but I glance back just in time to see the doors to the rig close with him inside.
Lucy racesoutside to meet me as I trudge up Mom’s sidewalk after getting back from the farm Sunday afternoon.
“Sorry I’m late,” I say, glancing back at the unfamiliar pickup parked on the street in front of the house. “Mr. Greene’s goat was on the roof, and then she went into labor.”
“I’ve been trying to call you,” she shout-whispers.
“Did I mention I was dealing with a pregnant goat on a roof?”
She runs up the stairs and blocks the door. “Before you go inside, I need to tell you something, and I want you to know that Willow and I had nothing to do with it.”
I narrow my eyes at her. “Did you guys try to bring up Mistletoe Fest again? Y’all know that’s a bad idea.”
“Trust me, I wish that’s all it was.” A nervous laugh bubbles out of her. “No, it’s something else. Or rathersomeoneelse that’s joining us for dinner.”
“There’s nobody Aunt Rose could invite to a family dinner that would surprise me,” I say. “Her ability to shock me went out the window when she showed up to my birthday brunch with that Elvis impersonator.”
I start to push past my sister, but she grabs my arm. “I’m pretty sure this isn’t Aunt Rose’s guest.”
I study her worried expression, and then it hits me all at once. “Oh my God. Does Mom have a date in there? She does, doesn’t she?”
Why didn’t she say something earlier? I’ve been staying with her for days and she hasn’t uttered a word about it. Maybe she felt it best to wait until we were all together, but still, I’m hurt she didn’t give me a heads-up.
Lucy opens her mouth to speak, but I maneuver around and head toward the sound of laughter in the kitchen. I can’t say I didn’t hope that our mother would date again, but I expected there would be some sort of conversation about it first.
I enter the kitchen to find my mom in full Martha Stewart hosting mode, laughing with none other than Oliver while the rest of my family looks on in amusement.
My mouth is frozen in anO, and Oliver’s gaze snags on me, looking almost as stunned as I do.
“Come on, kids.” Ellie’s voice is an octave higher than normal. “Let’s go to the playroom.”
She and Willow herd Noah and Emily out of the room, tossing worried glances back in my direction.
