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“Have I told you about my mom’s pie making skills? She’s the queen and wins the best pie at the county fair every year. They are to die for.”
“We’re only going to be here for three days. Don’t balloon out, babe.”
I cocked my head at him. Balloon out? I bit my tongue until I tasted blood. “Jake, turn in this driveway. We’re here!” I squealed with delight and clapped my hands.
Nobody will ruin my visit!
My childhood home was on twenty acres, which was a small plot of land to some. But my parents made their living off organic produce and apples. A person didn’t get rich off of this type of living. We’d lived a modest life, one I’d loved as a kid.
The white picturesque farmhouse with a gray metal roof stood proud among the apple trees in a welcoming, tranquil manner. They were striking, with green leaves and red fruit tucked into the branches.
“This is different from what I imagined,” he told me. “You’re so trendy, sophisticated, and an art enthusiast. You love fine dining and wine. I would’ve never guessed you grew up in Mayberry.”
“You’re not being very nice.”
“What did I say that was mean?” He pulled to a stop in front of the house, where a walkway led to the porch.
“It’s beautiful, like we just arrived at a romantic bed-and-breakfast.” My face heated. I was on the defensive for my family. How could he mock the place? The white railing on the porch was adorned with garlands of sunflowers. Pots of multi-colored flowers lined the steps up to a red front door. In the middle of a large wreath there was a sign with my family’s name: Smithfield.
Pride bloomed in my chest as I admired the charming and well-kept farmhouse.Don’t let him spoil your cheerful mood.
“Jake, let’s have an enjoyable time, okay?” I leaned toward him to plant a passionate kiss on his lips. Putting my hands behind his head, I deepened our lip-lock, hoping to seduce him into behaving himself.
“Shit, you taste incredible.” He responded rapidly, and I felt triumphant.
A tap on the window startled us apart. I whipped my head around toward my window and my dorky sister Olivia was peering in with a huge mischievous grin on her face.
“You weirdo!” I shrieked as I opened the car door and launched myself into her embrace.
“Were you about to have a quickie?” Olivia teased as she squeezed me. “I totally would. He is a lot hotter in person. Wowsers,” she whisper-shouted in my ear.
“We had to get what we could before going inside with all you nosy people.”
“You always were the smart one.”
“And you the fun one.”
“And you the gorgeous one,” she said, laying it on thick.
“And you, the snarky, adorable one.”
We laughed, tossing our heads back, as we paid each other compliments. We could go on for hours. God, I’d missed doing this with my baby sister.
“Shelby!” my mom squealed in delight as she rushed toward me and wrapped me in her arms. “Oh my Shelby, I’m so happy to see you! It’s been too long.”
“I know, Mom. I’ve missed you so much, but I’m here now. Where’s Dad?” I asked as I pulled away, then saw him coming down the porch stairs. He looked like he had aged ten years since I’d seen him last. A sharp pain stabbed my heart. “Hi, Dad.”
“There’s my Shelby girl.” He gave me a bear hug. He felt and smelled like my dad. All was right in my world. Well, except for Olivia, staring star-struck at Jake. Honestly, did she have to be so obvious?
“Come and meet Jake, Dad.” I reached for my guy’s hand. “Jake, these are my parents, Miles and Debra. Mom and Dad, this is Jake Phillips.” My heart was literally racing as I did the introductions. What was going on with me?
“Mr. and Mrs. Smithfield, it’s a pleasure to meet you. You have a nice set-up here,” Jake replied politely.
“Well thank you, Jake. Please call me Debra. We’re very casual around here.”
Dad nodded in agreement. His tall frame looked thinner, but nothing alarming. He had more gray hair and his eyes weren’t as bright as I remembered.
“Shall we go inside?” I asked, directing everyone to take this reunion into the house. I worried my dad might need to sit down.
