“Get out of here. Go find yourself a woman to take up your time. Maybe that will help you be less of a busybody around town,” I joke with Rhett. He and I have been friends since we were knee high to a grasshopper. Laney wasn’t even born yet, and we were tearing shit up and putting it back together, especially in the summer. We’d get our daily chores done, then go out to the barn where all the old tractors went that couldn’t be used anymore. They were mainly kept for parts or pieces in case one of the newer ones broke down. Well, Rhett and I decided it was time to work on one of the oldest out there. Let’s just say the governor was gone and we were flying down the dirt road with both of our dads on our heels, yelling for us to get our asses off the tractor before they tanned our hides. I’m not sure how they hid what we did from our moms, though we did have more chores than ever that summer. Apparently, two ten-year-old boys needed something else to do besides run around and get in trouble.
“I’m going. Not so sure on the woman aspect though. The rate I’m going, it might be another ten years before I find what I’m looking for.” He shrugs his shoulders, then takes a long gulp of his beer.
“Hmm, we’ll see about that. Go visit with your sister. I have something I need to take care of, and if Laney sees me, you know she’ll attempt to intervene. I love her for it, but there are some things a man has to do, and this is one of them.” I slap his shoulder, both of us going our separate ways. I make sure he gets Laney’s attention, and then I’m on my way to Mr. Spencer. If I’m going to make Laney my wife, I’m damn sure getting his blessing beforehand.
“About time you bring your hind end over here. You’re lucky I’m not walking any better, or I’d have grabbed you earlier.” That’s how Mr. Spencer greets me. I play along with his song and dance because we both know I damn sure said hello to him the minute we walked into the house before Laney blurted out our news. Not that I minded one bit, though she probably could have waited until we made our rounds to every family member.
“I have a feeling with that wife of yours, it won’t be too much longer until you’re chasing her around.” For someone to say he wouldn’t have made a full recovery, he sure is showing them.
“You got that right. If I don’t, some other old geezer would.” He may still be using a wheelchair, but at the rate he’s been going, he won’t be for long. That’s something everyone is happy about, he more than anyone.
“I suppose I should tell you what my plans are when it comes to Laney.” I make it a joke, seeing the glimmer of humor in his eyes.
“I reckon you’re going to marry her. None of this not being married stuff other people do. I guess it’s okay for them, but I know my Laney bug, and I damn sure know you. Welcome to the family, formally, Creed.” That went over entirely too easily.
“Thank you. I figured you were going to give me the what-for. I’m not sure I deserve Laney, but I’ll bust my ass with all that I have and let her know just how much I love her.” I shake his hand.
“Already know you will. I appreciate everything you’ve done for my family. I know it’s not been easy. You’re a fine young man, and I couldn’t have picked anyone better for my daughter.” Fuck, that takes the cake. I nod my head in response, words aren’t needed. Laney’s eyes meet mine. That soft smile she gives me, it sealed her fate long ago. Now it’s time to claim her completely.
Eighteen
Laney
After everyone started taking their leave from my parents’ house, I knew it was time to head to Creed’s place. I don’t live here for all intents and purposes, though I’m here more nights than I am home. Unless there’s an outage and Creed is gone overnight. That’s when I stay home. If not, right here in his arms is where you can find me.
“What are you doing out here all by your lonesome?” Creed asks. When we got back to his place, I was so overjoyed with happiness that I wanted some time to decompress, the high from finding out we were expecting and then wanting to share it with the world right away. Well, now I’m on the downhill slope of the energy leaving my body, so much to think about and what will happen next.