Southern Pleasure (Southern Heart 1)

“Morning,” Mom says as I walk into the kitchen.

“Morning. Something smells good.”

“Waffles. You just missed your dad and Aaron. They’re helping Evan with some branding today,” she tells me.

Although both my father and Aaron, as well as Evan, raise and breed thoroughbred horses, they also have cattle. Branding is time consuming. It’s an all hands on deck kind of job. Evan has a small crew who works for him, but with his grandfather unable to help, my dad and Aaron have been lending him a hand the last couple of years. He does the same for them.

“Evan mentioned that last night. He called to tell me where he was going to leave the key. I’m going over after my morning session to start painting the nursery.”

“You know I’ve been meaning to ask you. Your Dad and I want to get him something special. I know he will refuse a shower, although he shouldn’t,” Mom says.

“Yeah, that’s a pride thing, I think. Men just don’t get that a shower is all a part of having a baby. Of course, in his defense, if the baby mamma was involved, she would gladly accept a shower. He’s so out of his element.”

“He’s been a trooper though. He really wants to do right by this baby,” Mom adds.

“Yes, he does. He’s a great guy.”

“Hmm.”

“What hmm?” I ask her.

“Nothing. So do you have any ideas of what we can get him?”

“The furniture is bought, all except for the rocking chair, but he wants to get that himself. Really clothes, bottles, everything,” I laugh.

“I so wish he would let us have a shower. I was talking to Ethel at church on Sunday and she’s worried about him.”

“Why don’t you all throw a ‘grandparents’ shower? It’s a way around it. I know the ladies at church would understand the meaning of what you are doing. You all can shower Ethel with gifts for her new great-granddaughter.”

“McKinley Rae, that’s perfect! You, my daughter, are one smart cookie.”

“Oh, go on,” I tease her. This causes her to laugh. I love my parents; they’ve been there for me and Aaron every step of the way. We’re lucky to have them.

“Thanks for breakfast. I have to get to the studio. My session is supposed to be here in twenty minutes.” I give her a kiss on the cheek and rush out the door. I have to walk only a hundred feet to get to my studio, but I want to get the lights on and my camera set up. I guess some of Aaron’s ‘I don’t want to be late for anything’ attitude has rubbed off on me over the years.

I’m just setting up my camera when my phone alerts me to a text.

Evan: I put the spare key where we talked about. I also told Gram and Gramps you would be there. Make yourself at home.

Me: Thanks! I can’t wait to get started.

Evan: I feel guilty that I won’t be there to help.

Me: I got this, Chamberlin.

Evan: LOL. Okay, just be careful. No ladder’s until I get there.

Me: Yeah, yeah. Don’t you have cattle to brand?

Evan: On it.

Just as I’m slipping my phone back into my pocket, it rings. Glancing at the caller ID, I see it’s my morning client. “Hello.”

“Kinley, hi, it’s Beth. Thomas woke up with a fever today, so I’m going to have to cancel our session. I’m so sorry to do this on such short notice. I got busy with calling the doctor and forgot all about it.”

“Beth, it’s fine. No worries. I hope Thomas feels better. Just give me a call and we can reschedule.”

“Thank you so much.”