“Thanks, Mom.”
“So, who is she?” she asks.
I can imagine her smirking. No way can I beat my mother at her own game. “Her name is Aurora. She runs Warm Delights, the new bakery in town. Her and her sister, Aspen.”
“Oh, Sawyer and Layla were telling me about her place. I’ve been meaning to stop by.”
“We’re actually going to be there before that. At least Aurora and I are. I’m going to show her the lake and the property. Aspen is meeting us at the house at six.”
“Perfect. I’ll put together some hot chocolate for you to take with you. Love you.”
“Love you too,” I say, reaching for the dash to end the call on the screen.
“Your mom sounds sweet,” Aurora comments.
“She is, but she’s also fierce. She had to be living with six Riggins men.”
“I can’t even imagine,” she says with a laugh. “Thank you for inviting me and inviting Aspen.”
“You’re welcome, but it was purely selfish. I’m not ready to end my time with you.”
“Tell me more about this lake,” she says, and I know she’s finally accepted that this day is ours. Hers and mine. I tell her about the lake that Dad built, and how my brothers and I spent every minute we were allowed to there when growing up. “We still do,” I tell her. “We have boats and Jet Skis. It’s a good time. We have a huge fire pit and a gazebo. That’s where Royce and Sawyer were married. That’s where he proposed.”
“That’s amazing. To have that history… to have so much family. Aspen and I lost our grandma two years ago, and now it’s just us and our parents. Both of our parents were only children. Grandma Edna was the last of our grandparents to pass.”
There is a tightness in my chest for her, and her family. “What made you move to Nashville?”
“The building. I’ve always wanted my own bakery. My grandma always said she would come and work for me, and even though she isn’t here, I still wanted to do it. I hope that she’s watching over me, and she’s smiling.”
“You know she is,” I assure her. “What about Aspen? Did she always want to bake as well?”
“No.” She laughs. “Aspen went to college and got her associate's degree, but she hated every minute of it. She was working as an administrative assistant for a local newspaper when I brought up the idea of the bakery. She was on board to go wherever we ended up and stand by my side while I took the biggest risk of my life.”
“And your parents?”
“They supported me and were glad to hear that Aspen was coming with me. In a way I think they were relieved I was getting out of Memphis. Starting over was scary, but I needed it. I’m just lucky to have a little sister who is my best friend to come on this crazy ride with me.”
“Sounds like that risk is paying off,” I tell her.
“Yeah, we’ve been successful, but it’s still too early to determine if we can go the distance.”
“Well, I’ve tasted the goods.” I wink at her, and she blushes. “I have no doubt that you have what it takes. Besides, the move brought you to me.” I glance over and give her a big cheesy grin.
“Stop.” She swats lightly at my arm, laughter bubbling up in her chest.
“Admit it, that’s the best part of the move,” I say, keeping my eyes on the road. I hated the sadness in her voice. I’ll take her laughter any day.
“Wow,” she breathes when we turn down the lane to my parents’ place. “This is where you grew up?”
“Yep.”
“I guess with five boys you needed space to roam.”
“Yeah, it was Mom and Dad’s way of also keeping us out of the public eye. Dad built the business from the start, and as it grew along with his bank account, it was hard to go out without stares, and random people stopping us asking him for a job, even a loan. Complete strangers would stop him asking for money. I don’t remember that part as much. But I’ve heard the stories. That’s when they bought this place and built the lake. It’s our own little oasis.”
“It’s beautiful,” she exhales, staring out the window. “I bet it’s gorgeous when the snow falls.”
“The forecast is calling for snow next week. If it happens, I’ll bring you back. You can see for yourself.”
“What makes you think I want to come back?” she asks.
I pull up to the house and put the SUV in Park. Removing my seat belt, I face her. “Think with this,” I say, placing my hand on her chest, over her heart. “Not with this.” I lift my hand and tap my index finger against her temple. “Or maybe think this these,” I say once again, running the pad of my thumb across her lips. “Definitely think with these.”
“I’d like that. I mean, I’d like to come back. With you.”
“There’s my girl.” I lean in and kiss the tip of her nose. “Come on. Mom’s got hot chocolate ready for our adventure.”
“It’s freezing out. Will we be warm enough?” She looks down at herself; I’m sure gauging the warmth of her outfit for an outdoor escapade.
“We’ll take the Ranger. It’s enclosed and has a heater.” I wink at her, before climbing out of the SUV. This time she doesn’t wait for me to open her door, but that’s okay. We can take some small steps. After all, she is here with me. I didn’t think I would be able to convince her to come. The rest will fall into place.
Meeting her at the front of the truck, I place my hand on the small of her back and guide her up the front porch. “Mom!” I call out as we enter.
“In the kitchen!” she calls back.
“Ready?” I ask Aurora.
“Is anyone ever really ready to meet the parents?” She peers up at me, and I can see the indecision in her eyes.
“Yes. Mine are awesome. Trust me, babe.” We move toward the kitchen to find Mom tightening the lid on a thermos that I know is full of her homemade hot chocolate. “Mom, this is Aurora Steele. Aurora, this my mother, Lena Riggins.”
“It’s nice to meet you. You have a lovely home.” Aurora holds her hand out to my mother.
“We’re huggers,” Mom says, walking around the kitchen island and drawing her into a hug. “And thank you. We’re glad to have you,” she says, pulling away. “I’ve got you all set up. Dad fueled up the Ranger, and there are a couple of blankets, laundered blankets, on the seat,” Mom says with a shake of her head.
“Hey, that’s your eldest two,” I say, holding my hands up in defense.
Mom glances at Aurora and rolls her eyes. “You’re just like them.” She throws me a mock glare that isn’t the slightest bit scary.
“On that note, we’re out. Thanks.” I lean in and kiss Mom on the cheek. “Tell Dad thanks as well. We’ll be back before dinner. If she beats us here, her sister’s name is Aspen.”
“Go on. I can handle it. Oh, and, Aurora,” Mom says, waiting for Aurora to look at her. “Make him work for it.” She winks and turns toward the sink, dismissing us.
Aurora’s mouth drops open, and I throw my head back in laughter. “Come on, let me show you where I grew up.” Hand in hand, we head back outside and toward the barn. We just got here, and I can already tell this is going to be my favorite part of the day. Other than the kisses. Those are at the very top of the list.