Firefly Lane (Briar County 1)

They took Holden’s car, Marilee giving him directions.

Monroe’s family’s farm looked huge, and a line of cars waited to get into the driveway, even though the movie didn’t start until eight thirty. “Damn, you weren’t joking about this being popular. People really love goats that much?”

“They’re so cute! I want a miniature one…or a baby. I have to keep myself from playing with Roe’s goats all the time.”

“He wouldn’t mind,” Holden told her. “Just ask him. He’s a good guy. He’d probably be thrilled he could do something nice like that.”

When he glanced over, he noticed Marilee giving him a strange look, her forehead slightly wrinkled. “Wow…you know him that well already, huh?”

“No better than you do. You know he wouldn’t care. You just don’t want to seem like you’re a bother, and it wouldn’t be.”

“I hate that you read me so well.” She stuck her tongue out at him playfully, while he tried to work through why he felt so comfortable speaking for Monroe. Hell, Marilee technically knew him better than Holden, but…that didn’t feel right. She might have more time on Holden, but he and Monroe shared different kinds of conversations than she did with him.

When it was their turn, Holden pulled into the rocky driveway, beneath the rustic, wooden sign that said: COVINGTON ACRE FARMS. There was a field for parking, and then they had to walk across the grass toward the pasture where they were screening the movies. There was definitely goat poop everywhere.

“They really go all out,” Holden said after Marilee gave their tickets to the gentleman taking them. He could see the large movie screen ahead of them. People were sitting in folding camping chairs or lying on blankets—which he didn’t figure was a good idea because of the previous discussion. There was also a food truck, a small concession stand, and then he noticed the ice cream stand that said: SUNDAE’S BEST ON THE ROAD. It was clearly portable, something Deacon must have driven in, and there was already a line for his famous ice cream.

“They do go all out,” Marilee said happily, “and I love that it’s such a family effort. Even though Roe has his own career, he still helps out on the farm. His brothers and sister and their spouses all have a job, and even the kids help. Outside of that, from what I’ve heard, it’s all longtime Briar County residents that work for Covington Acres. They’re big on community.”

Holden didn’t respond because he wasn’t sure what to say. To be honest, he was a little overwhelmed by it all.

“We should find a place to sit before we do anything,” Marilee said.

They stuck toward the back, until Holden pointed toward an open grassy area on a small hill. “How about over there?”

“Okay,” Marilee replied at the same time as Sean’s, “Whatever.” He was still moody off and on, but he was a thirteen-year-old. It was normal.

They made their way over just as he heard, “Hey, who gave you the night off?” in Monroe’s deep, husky voice.

“I sneaked off. My boss is kind of a dick—jerk,” he corrected himself when Marilee swatted his arm. Lindsey and Wyatt stood with Monroe. “Sorry.”

“It’s okay on our end. They’re thirteen. Their friends have worse mouths than we do.” Monroe looked over at Sean. “How ya doing, man? The cabin working out okay for you?”

“Yes, sir,” Sean replied.

“You can call me Monroe—or Roe if you want. Most people do. You know Wyatt from school, right?”

“Yes, sir—Monroe, I mean.” Sean’s eyes darted down. “Hey.”

“Hey,” Wyatt replied.

“You’ve met his mama before?” Monroe added.

“Yep. Hi,” Sean said to Lindsey.

“Hi, Sean. It’s good to see you again. And you too, Marilee. I love your shirt.”

“Thanks,” Marilee replied.

“Do you guys mind if we share your hill with you?” Monroe asked.

Holden glanced at Marilee, who looked at Sean, as if slightly concerned, before she said, “We’d love it.” How could they give any other reply?

“Here, let me do this.” Holden plucked one of the bags from Marilee and began pulling the chairs out. Sean helped as Monroe and his family did the same. It was hard not to look at them as a unit. Monroe had said people assumed they were or would be together, and Holden could see why, sexuality aside.

Once they were all set, Sean immediately had his face in his cell. Marilee and Lindsey began talking as Holden’s gaze found the other man’s. “Sorry,” Monroe mouthed as though realizing Sean might be uncomfortable. “I’m anxious to see the barn.”

“Hold your horses. It’s almost finished,” Holden told him. “Me and Sean got a lot done on it yesterday.”

“You’re helping?” Wyatt asked him with a spark of interest.

“A little bit. Not a lot.”

“Did he let you use the saw?”

“Yeah, it was awesome.”

“Holdy!” Marilee shrieked. “You didn’t tell me that!”

“What happened to that being our secret?” Holden teased Sean. He hadn’t really told him to keep it from his mom.