Southern Desire (Southern Heart 2)

“I sold the house, so I was kind of planning on calling this place home.” They both smile and nod. “Give me a few months, but I hope to be out of your hair soon,” I say to Olivia.

“What are you talking about? I have a three-bedroom for just little ole me. As far as I’m concerned, you are there for the duration. It’s your home now too.”

I nod, not able to form words as emotion grips me. This is what I needed, my family.

“Let’s get you home and settled.”

“You guys need help? I can take off for an hour or so,” Mike offers.

“No, I just brought clothes, pictures, that kind of thing. Everything else went with the house.”

“You all coming back later?”

“No, I want to get unpacked and get a good night’s rest for my first day tomorrow. Not to mention, I’ve been in the car for hours. I’m ready to stretch out and relax.”

“I bet. It’s good to have you, Whit. Good luck tomorrow, even though you won’t need it.”

“Thanks.” I give him another quick hug and follow Olivia to my new home.

“So this is it, home sweet home,” Olivia says, spreading her arms wide as I follow her into the living room.

“You’ve done well for yourself, Liv.”

She shrugs. “I work for the family business. Tips are good.”

“Really, you should be proud. This place is great.”

“So, last door on the right down the hall is your room. Mine is across the hall. First door on the left is the bathroom, and across from it is the spare bedroom that I have set up as an office. Feel free to use it anytime.”

“Thanks, I actually have my computer as well. It has all of my software that I use to edit pictures.”

“I thought you might. I added another desk in the office. You have your work space and I have mine.” She winks.

I fight against the tears threatening to spill. “You. . . . Thank you. I know I’m invading your space. I can’t tell you how much it means that you let me stay here, and. . . .” My voice trails off. I’m two seconds away from tears escaping.

“You’re family, Whitney. This is where you belong. I want you to feel like this is your home. I did what I could do to help make that happen,” she hugs me. “Now, dinner at Mom and Dad’s this weekend. They can’t wait to see you.

I nod. Words are not possible with the lump in my throat. A cold chill rushes through me. Closing my eyes, I know it’s her. Call me crazy, I don’t care. I’ve heard that when that happens out of the blue it’s a loved one who has passed letting you know they are still there. She’s happy that I’m here. I’m happy that I’m here.

I love you, Mom.

It takes me fifteen minutes to drive to the studio from Olivia’s place—well, mine too now I guess. It’s going to take some time to get used to that. I look at my piece of paper again to make sure I’m at the right place, Mills Ranch. I turn down the long driveway and pull up to the detached garage. There is a sign hanging above that reads Mills Photography. This is it.

Grabbing my purse and camera bag, I climb out of the car.

“Can I help you?” a deep southern drawl says from behind me.

I turn to face him and my step falters. Holy shit! “I-I-I, uh, I’m looking for McKinley,” I mumble.

He grins. That move alone should be illegal. “You must be the new photographer.” He walks toward me. In just a few strides of his long legs that just so happen to be encased in tight-as-hell worn jeans, he is right in front of me. “Aaron,” he says, offering me his hand.

Reaching out, I take his hand and shake it quickly before releasing it.

“N-Nice to meet you.” This Adonis of a man has hindered my ability to use the English language.

“You too. Kinley is up in the studio. Take the door there on the left, follow the steps up to the studio door,” he explains.

I hang on every word as his full lips and that southern drawl hypnotize me.

“You okay?” he asks, waving his hand in front of my face.

I shake my head, feeling the embarrassment heat my cheeks. “Yeah, sorry. Up the stairs, studio door. Got it. Thank you.”

He grins then turns and saunters back to wherever he came from. If this is what all of the guys in Kentucky look like, I’m going to like living here for sure. Taking a deep breath, I head for the stairs. Once I reach the door, I push it open and see a girl my age with an adorable little girl and a baby strapped to her chest. This has to be McKinley.

“McKinley?” I ask.

She looks up from where she is watching a little girl twirl around in circles. “Hi!” she says brightly. “You must be Whitney.” She steadies the little girl before releasing her hands and offering hers to me. “So nice to meet you. As you can see, I have my hands full with these two and can really use the help.”

“My name’s Lexi and this is my brover.” The adorable little girl points to the baby that McKinley is holding.

“It’s nice to meet you, Lexi.” I offer her my hand and she shakes it like she’s done it a million times before. “I bet you help your mommy a lot, huh?” I ask her.

She nods her little head up and down. “My do,” she agrees.

I give her a bright smile.

“This is my parents’ farm. I live just across the field.” McKinley points behind her. “There with my husband, Evan.”

“Short commute.” I smile.

“Definitely. It’s nice because Mom helps me with Lexi, but now that Walker is here too, I want to spend more time with them. I don’t want to give up the studio. That’s where you come in.”

“I’m excited! I love the idea of capturing moments for families. As you know, my previous work history is with an advertising agency. It was great experience, but this is more what I envisioned for myself when I chose photography.”

“You actually sound like me. That was my goal too. We are going to work well together. I can already tell.”

“Mommy, I’m hungry,” Lexi says.

“I know, sweetie. It’s time for you and Walker to go hang out with Grandma while Mommy shows Whitney around the studio.”

“Yay!” Lexi cheers and runs toward the door.

“Lex! Be careful,” McKinley calls after her. “Would you mind?” She motions toward the sleeping baby strapped to her chest. “She scares me to death on those steps.”