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J.T. got to Joey’s house not long after they arrived. Tim Merrill looked down at him from the top of the steep roof.
“How you doing J.T.?”
“Good. How’s it looking up there?”
“Not great. But we’ll get it fixed right up.”
J.T. gave him a wave and smiled at Joey as she came out of the house. “How much is it going to cost to get it fixed right up?”
“You don’t want to know. My dad about had a stroke.”
“But he’s paying for it, right?”
“Yes. That was the deal. So far, he’s paid for all the repairs.”
“I’m glad for your sake. But I still hate that he’s involved.”
Finn came through the door. “I’m ready!”
“I guess we should go, then.” He looked at Joey. “You should come by in a while and see how he’s doing.”
“I will. I’ve got some painting to finish, then I’ll come check out the cowboy in action.”
Finn took J.T.’s hand and tugged on it. “Let’s go.”
“Alright. We’re going.” He waved at Joey. “See you in a bit.”
J.T. moved Finn’s car seat into his truck, before they got in and drove away. Joey stayed on the porch until they hit the road. He glanced at Finn.
“I thought we’d run into town real quick to get a couple of things.”
“Aww.”
“It won’t take long. I promise.”
They drove to town and stopped at Bobby Joe’s Mercantile. It was the place to go for anything you couldn’t find at the hardware store or the grocery store. J.T. took Finn’s hand.
“Stay close. I don’t want to lose you on our first outing together.”
They went to the back of the store where the clothing, shoes, and western wear was located. The woman behind the counter gave J.T. a smile.
“Good morning J.T. what can I get for you today?”
“Hello, Maggie. This young cowboy here is in desperate need of some boots and a hat.”
Finn looked up at him. “For real?”
J.T. laughed. “You’re going to ride a horse, right?” Finn nodded. “Well, then you need to gear up for it.”
Maggie smiled. “What’s his shoe size?”
J.T. shook his head. “I have no idea.” He set Finn down and took off one of his tennis shoes to check the size. “Looks like a nine. Does that sound right?”
“Yes. That sounds right.” She went to the shelf and retrieved several boxes, then brought them to J.T. and Finn. “We’ve got a couple different colors and styles.” She opened the boxes and showed them to Finn. “What do you think?”
Finn looked at them all, then looked at J.T.’s dark brown boots. “I want some like my dad’s.”
Maggie looked at J.T. and raised an eyebrow. Apparently the news hadn’t gotten all over town yet.
