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“Fine!” Maize says, knowing she won’t win.
“Well, if you’re serving up slices, I want one too! And don’t be stingy,” I say.
“Same!” Uncle John adds.
Maize pretends to be annoyed, but I know how much she loves cooking and finds joy in us being obsessed with her food. Five minutes later, she’s walking into the main area carrying three small plates.
“It’s still warm,” I say excitedly, noticing steam rising from the top. Kenzie doesn’t wait before she’s stuffing her mouth full. I take a bite, and it’s so delicious that I quickly devour it regardless of the big breakfast I just ate. Maize happily snickers.
“So yummy and addicting. I think I need three more slices. How is this even legal?” I say, tempted to lick the crumbs from my plate. Kenzie and Uncle John nod in agreement.
“Y’all are just saying that.”
I roll my eyes because she knows better. “Not many people can cook as good as Grandma. So shut the hell up.”
That makes her laugh. “I mean, I don’t wanna low-key brag or anything, but I know it’s delicious.”
“Of course you do,” Uncle John says. “Good job!”
A guest walks up, and we move out of the way. I follow Maize and Kenzie onto the back porch, giving the lady privacy to speak with Uncle John.
“So, next weekend is your twenty-third birthday…” Kenzie glances at me. “We’re going out, right?”
“I’m sure I have to work.” I walk to the edge of the porch and look out at the rolling hills.
Maize interrupts my thoughts. “Nope. I’ll take care of Dad. We’re celebrating instead. I mean, when’s the last time the three of us got together?” She loops her arm in mine.
Kenzie comes to the other side. “It’s been a while, Rowan. Let’s drink and dance the night away.”
“I honestly forgot about it. I totally would if I can get off work.”
Immediately, Kenzie walks inside, causing Maize to shake her head. She turns to me. “You doin’ okay with everything?”
A ragged breath escapes me because I know she’s referring to the breakup. I texted her soon after it happened because while she’s my cousin, she’s also one of my best friends. Always has been. We’re close in age, only a year and a half apart, and grew up doing all sorts of stuff together.
“I’m making it.”
“You’re better off without that douche in the long run. Seriously, I don’t know what you saw in that polo-wearing pretty boy anyway. You need a real man. A cowboy. Someone who can fit in with the fam.”
I suck in a deep breath, chuckling at her description of Nick. She’s not wrong, though. “Sometimes love is blind.”
“That’s what they say,” she sing-songs. Soon, Kenzie is bursting through the back door.
“You’re off next weekend,” she states matter-of-factly.
“Really?” I’m actually kinda shocked because I’ve only been home for a week.
“Dad was cool with it. You only get to celebrate your birthday once a year,” she tells me. “I’m gonna get with Elle too and tell her to cancel all her plans next weekend and meet us. It’ll be just like old times with all of us girls together!”
Maize squeals, and we’re all giddy with excitement. I would love for Elizabeth to join us. Elle’s in her last year of veterinary school and is interning at a local office, but she’s been so busy with work this week, I’ve barely gotten to see her. Our schedules are completely opposite these days, but I hope that changes now that I’m here for good. Before I can say another word, my phone rings with a call from Riley.
“Zoey’s going into labor!” he shouts, not even giving me a chance to say hello.
“OH MY GOD! Right now?” I yell.
“Yep, her water broke. No baby yet, but Zach will be here soon! We’re going to the hospital. Gotta go. Calling everyone else.”
He immediately hangs up, not waiting for a response. Maize and Kenzie impatiently wait for me to explain.
“I’m gonna be an aunt today! Oh my God! I gotta go.” I give them both hugs.
“Should we come with you?” Kenzie asks.
“Only if you want to sit in the waiting room for hours,” I say.
Kenzie laughs. “How about you tell us when Zoey starts pushing and then we’ll come up?”
“Sounds great!” I’m overjoyed as I tell them goodbye.
I rush through the back door, letting Uncle John know the good news on my way out. He’s just as ecstatic about it as I am. “I’ll be up there later! Don’t worry about going to work tonight. I’ll get Ethan to cover for you.”
“Okay! Thank you!” I yell through the common area and hurry home where I know Mom and Dad are eagerly waiting for me.
“Let’s go!” Dad rushes as soon as I walk in. We’re giddy as can be as we drive to the hospital in San Angelo. The hour drive feels like an eternity. By the time we make it into the parking lot, I’m ready to hop out before Dad parks the truck. Once we’re inside, Mom leads the way to the delivery floor, and her co-workers congratulate her as we pass them.
