Divided Interests (Southern Bride 3)

Without answering, she reached into the oven and pulled out a casserole dish. After placing it on the wire rack, she waved her hands above it to smell her masterpiece.

“Whatever you decide to do, Lucas, your father and I will support you. I have to admit, I’m curious as all get out to know what you’ll find in this mysterious chest.”

“Me, too. I tried to get into the attic this morning, but it’s locked. You don’t happen to know where Granddad would have kept the key?”

The back door opened, and my father walked in.

“I don’t, but I bet he does,” Mom said, pointing to my father.

“I do what?” Dad asked, removing his hat and setting it on the counter before pulling my mother into his arms and kissing her. I couldn’t help but smile.

“You’re all sweaty, Carl. Go clean up. Lunch is ready.”

He nuzzled his face into her neck, causing her to giggle. I had missed this. Missed being around my family. Seeing the love my parents had for one another. A part of me avoided it because I didn’t want to be reminded of everything I had given up.

“Go, before lunch gets cold!” my mother said, pushing my father out of the kitchen.

With a wide smile on her face, she turned back to me. Tilting her head, she regarded me for a moment. “Are you okay, sweetheart?”

I cleared my throat and forced myself to give her a small grin. “I’m fine, Mom. Just a bit tired. I’ve missed being with y’all. Being home.”

“We’ve missed you, too. I do hope you will think of staying in JC, Lucas. I cannot even begin to tell you how much better you look in your cowboy boots over those stupid city slicker shoes.”

With a laugh, I pulled my mother into a hug. “It’s good to be home, Mom. Really good to be home.”

My phone rang, and a part of me hoped like hell it was Paige. When I pulled it out from my back pocket, I was instantly disappointed.

“Goodness, is it a bill collector?” my mother asked with a laugh. “You almost look afraid to answer it.”

I sighed. “It’s Bianca.”

My mother rolled her eyes.

“Better take it, I guess.”

“Of course,” my mother said, her voice void of any emotion. That was her typical demeanor anytime she spoke about Bianca.

“Hello?” I said as I stepped out onto the back porch.

“Lucas, darling. I’ve been waiting for you.”

I rubbed the sudden ache in the back of my neck. “Why would you be waiting, Bianca?”

“For you to come to your damn senses, that’s why.”

“When I said it was over, I meant it was over.”

“Because that little tramp showed back up?”

“I’ve already told you not to call her that, and I meant it the first time.”

She huffed. “So, I see your distaste for her has faded away. Have you fucked her?”

With a frustrated sigh, I shook my head. “Is there anything you need, or are you just calling to give me a headache?”

“You still have stuff here at the house. I thought maybe you might want to get it, or I could bring it to you. See the little house you got from your grandfather.”

“I already told you, I don’t want anything. I’ve got my clothes, that’s all I need.”

“So that’s really it? You’re going to leave me. You clearly have lost your fucking mind. Her? Really? You’ve got a woman like me on your arm and you want a nobody from your hometown.”

My body tensed as my heartrate sped. “Let me tell you something, Bianca. Paige is ten times the woman you could hope to be. She’s beautiful, kind, loving, and nothing like you. And yes, I’ve really left you. Erase my number from your phone as I’ll be blocking yours. We have nothing left to say to each other.”

I hit End and let out a breath. With a long look out over my folks’ ranch, I let it all settle in. This was my new life. A new beginning. A second chance. Smiling, I pulled my phone back out and sent Paige a text.

Me: Are you free tonight?

I waited a minute or two, hoping she would reply.

Paige: Depends on why you’re asking.

Me: I want to start over, Paige. I’m tired of fighting. Can we call a truce? Have dinner with me. I’ll even cook.

Paige: Have you fallen and hit your head? Wait, is this really Lucas? He lost his phone, didn’t he?

With a chuckle, I typed my reply.

Me: I have not fallen or hit my head. It’s really me. I need to talk to you, Paige. Please.

Paige: I don’t have any plans other than painting.

Me: Perfect, I’ll be there in a bit to help. Then we can eat around six or so. I’m at my folks’ place for lunch.

Paige: I’ll see you in a bit then.

Hope bubbled in the middle of my chest. I walked back into the kitchen only to find my folks getting ready to sit down for lunch. What was I doing? I needed to get over to the house and talk to Paige now. I was done wasting time.