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His message is followed by three more pictures. All three of Remi smiling. I can only imagine the faces he was making at her to make that happen.
Me:You’re good with her.
Sterling:Good practice for when I have my own.
If I’m lucky, it’ll be with me. Mom slides back into her seat, so I wrap up my text.
Me:At lunch with Mom. Text later.
Sterling:Tell her I said hello. Be safe and have fun.
Me:Will do.
I slide my phone back into my purse just as the waiter approaches. We order our drinks and an appetizer while we study the menu.
“What does Sterling think?” Mom asks.
“He’s still hoping something closer to home will come up. Harris or Willow River.”
“Atlanta is only forty minutes from Dad and me now that we’re living in Harris.”
“Yeah, but still, something not in Atlanta would be ideal.”
“It will all work out,” she says.
“It will. They might not even offer me the jobs, so I’m not going to worry or think about it until the time comes.”
“Good plan,” Mom says as the waiter approaches with our drinks. We both order grilled chicken salads. “Now, tell me when you’re going to admit that you’re in love with your best friend.” she states, taking a sip of her lemonade.
It’s on the tip of my tongue to deny it, but she’s my mom. She knows when I’m lying. “I do love him. I’m going to tell him. I have a plan. We have just been friends,” I tell her. “The last couple of months, things have been different. There has been this… connection that’s even deeper than we’ve shared before. And the chemistry… it’s there.”
“Finally.”
“What?”
“Sweetheart, I’ve seen it for years. Your dad told me to mind my own business and let the two of you work it out. I’ve been waiting for this moment. We love Sterling.”
“Don’t get your hopes up. He could tell me he doesn’t feel the same way.”
My mom’s head falls back in laughter. Heads turn to look at her, but she doesn’t seem to care. When she finally lifts her gaze, she’s wiping happy tears from beneath her eyes. “Sweetheart, that’s not going to happen. That man is in love with you too. Has been for years.”
“Let’s just… not get our hopes up.”
“Too late.” She grins. “I’ve been hoping for this for years.” She winks, and it’s my turn to laugh.
Soon, I tell myself. Soon I’ll know for sure. He’s going camping with his brothers next weekend, so the weekend after, I’m spilling my heart out to the man I love.
CHAPTERNINETEEN
Sterling
It’s the final night of our annual Kincaid boys’ family camping trip. We got here on Thursday, and even though it’s been a blast like always, I’m ready to be home. I miss Alyssa. In the past, I missed her, but not like I do this time. I’m carrying my phone around like I need it to live, and I’m checking to see if I have messages from her multiple times per day. Thankfully my truck charges my phone when it’s not running. Something that Declan’s Tahoe doesn’t do. Basically, we’re all taking turns charging our phones in my truck.
There are eleven of us, including Dad and Deacon. We’re all sitting around the fire nursing beers. Archer made campfire chili, and Deacon grilled some burgers too. It might not be the best combo, but there are no rules when it comes to camping.
Thursday, we didn’t do a lot. We set up camp and just had a chill night. We got up early Friday and fished all day, and today, we hiked the trails. The weather has been perfect, and it’s been nice to catch up with just us guys. I look forward to this every year.
“Dad.” Brooks leans forward in his chair. “We were talking.” He motions to the group of us. “Remember when we discussed doing another camp weekend but bringing the women and, well, now the kids along with us?”
