AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Kaitlyn!” he shouts from his office.
I huff, then turn around and walk back toward him.
“Yes?” I ask, looking at my smartwatch, hoping he catches the hint that I’m pressed for time.
“This came,” he says, grabbing an envelope and handing it to me.
Confused, I take it and pull the piece of paper from the neatly cut slit at the top. I read the first few lines and realize this is the official paperwork for the rescue. There’s an official seal from the state of Texas declaring the sanctuary as an official nonprofit. Of course we’d applied electronically and were approved, but holding the certificate in my hand makes it more real.
“Thought you could hang it in the office in the new barn,” Dad suggests with a proud grin.
“Yes, wow.” I look down at it in awe. “It’s really happening.”
“Considering the stables are nearly done, I’d say there’s no doubt about that,” he teases.
I tap the envelope against the palm of my opposite hand. “Thanks for this.”
“Proud of you, sweetheart.”
Now I’m the one cheesing.
“Grab me some apple pie from the B&B, will ya?” he calls out as I walk out.
“Yeah, okay!” I shake my head.
I quickly stop by the rescue to see how the progress with the barn is coming along. We have a little over two weeks before the grand opening. Once I’m out of my truck, I take a quick walk through the barn for some photos. I hold up the envelope in front of the entrance, then snap a picture for Payton.
Kaitlyn: All we need is a frame!
Payton: I’m on it. We’ll have our first rescue before we know it.
Kaitlyn: I’m getting a little nervous! A giddy nervous, though.
Payton: Me too. Feels surreal.
I smile at his message before heading to the B&B. Instead of piling my plate full of carbs, I make a grilled chicken salad with a side of fresh strawberries.
Just as I take my first bite, Maize walks up and stares at me. “What are you doin’?”
“What’s it look like?” I swallow down the lettuce.
“It looks like you’re eatin’ like a rabbit.” She plops down in front of me.
“I’m just tryin’ to stay healthy.”
She meets my gaze. “So how’s the baby-makin’ goin’?”
“Not great.” I take a bite of chicken and angrily chew. “I’m frustrated as fuck.”
“Let me reword that. How’s the sex?” she mocks, stealing a strawberry.
I sigh. “Good. Oh my God. So fuckin’ good. It makes it worth it. I mean yeah, I want a baby, but I can’t say I’m not enjoying myself trying to make one.”
Maize narrows her eyes at me. “But you’re still just friends?” She lifts her fingers and quotes her final words.
“How’re the girls and Mav doin’?” I ask. Between her and Gavin’s busy work schedule, I don’t know how they keep up with three kids.
“Don’t try changing the subject. The kids are rowdy and keeping us busy as usual. Now answer my question.”
