Page 38 of More Than My Hometown

“We got a bit delayed because Kendall Farlow took a tumble,” I say.

“Oh, I hope she’s okay.”

“She is,” Maisey adds. “Likely a broken elbow, but overall, not world ending. Speaking of, I should probably head to Tifton. Kate’s already left and I told her I’d meet her at the ER.”

Right. Well, now this is awkward. Because I one hundred percent want to kiss her goodbye—for the fourth time this afternoon—but my mother is standing right here. Sure, my parents are the least prudish people on this earth, never shying away from a little PDA themselves, happily being the model for a healthy marriage not only for my siblings and me but for all of Hickory Hills. But that doesn’t mean I want to kiss the woman I’m newly…with…in front of her just yet.

Fuck.

Maisey, however, apparently doesn’t think twice. Pressing up onto her toes, she presses a quick kiss to my lips.

“See you Saturday.”

“Oh good, then you’ll be home for Sunday dinner,” Miss Belle says. Then, not skipping a beat, she adds, “Ewan, why hasn’t Maisey made an appearance at Sunday dinner yet?”

Nicely placed guilt trip, Mama…

“She will on Sunday. Promise.”

“Perfect! Maisey, I’ll give you a call and we can do lunch while he’s out camping.”

“Sounds good,” Maisey says. “But I should go—don’t want to leave Kate waiting.”

I grab her hand and steal another kiss before she turns and runs to her car. Miss Belle gives me a knowing look that I choose to ignore, opting to go with a simple, respectful nod to excuse myself to my assigned bus.

Ten minutes later, we’re finally on the road, the wild teenage chatter surrounding me fading into the background as I think about the events of this afternoon. About how amazing that kiss was. How amazing Maisey was. And just how much I want to make sure I do everything I can to make sure she stays in Hickory Hills.

Pulling out my phone, I notice the little text icon, wondering how I missed it.

Maisey

Sunday dinner? As a girlfriend?

I chuckle, quickly tapping out a response. Because there’s only one thing to say to that.

Welcome to the family, baby