Page 156 of Lost Trust

Bryce nods, his expression easing. “That’s what I needed to hear from someone who wasn’t blowing smoke up my ass.” He turns back toward the computer. “I appreciate the input.”

I stand, pushing the chair back. “Anytime.”

I’m halfway to the door when Bryce calls after me, “Oh, before you go.”

I turn.

“You tried Buck’n Diesel Energy yet?”

I grin. “Yeah.”

“What do you think?”

I reach for the door, looking back at him. “It’s named appropriately.”

Bryce bursts out laughing. “That’s what I thought too.”

I shake my head and walk out of the office.

I glance down at my wrist. Only six more hours until I’m done for the day and I can make good on my promise.

Charli sent me into town to pick up the fabric and quilting cotton she ordered for the staff cabins and student bunks. Apparently, she and the girls have decided everybody needs festive holiday bedding this year.

Six rolls of fabric and enough cotton to cover half the county later, I’m carrying the last stack through the back door.

I take it straight to Grandma Evelyn’s sewing room and set everything down where she tells me.

“There,” I say, dusting my hands off. “Your delivery.”

Grandma looks up from her sewing machine with a smile. “Thank you, sweetheart.”

Momma is sitting in the chair by the window, sipping coffee.

I walk over and wrap an arm around her, kissing her cheek before doing the same to Grandma.

“Hey, Momma.”

“Hey, baby.”

I’m halfway to the door when Momma says, “So … a little birdie told me my boy might be falling in love.”

That stops me in my tracks.

I turn around slowly. “In love?”

The words sound foreign, coming out of my mouth.

Momma’s smile widens.

I look between her and Grandma. “Which one of my brothers is the snitch?”

Grandma chuckles. “Both of them.”

I groan.

“And Jovie,” Momma adds.

“Shelby,” Grandma says.