Chapter Fourteen #3
“I’m starving.”
“Good because Dad always fixes too much food.” Caysen grinned.
“I’m sure I’ll do the meal justice.”
“Come inside for a minute, then we can go.”
She stepped inside and the dogs ran to her. She crouched down to pet them.
“You’re just so pretty,” she said, then laughed as they knocked her on her butt to get closer to her.
“Okay, guys. Stop.” Caysen said as he helped her up.
Sydney wrapped her arms around his waist, stood on her toes, and kissed his lips .
“I wish we had more time; I’d carry you off to the bedroom.”
“I’d like that.”
“Let’s head over to Dad’s place. I’m not sure what he’s making but I swear I can smell it from here.
” Caysen lifted his hat and coat off the pegs, opened the door, nodded for her to go out, and followed her, pulling the door closed behind him.
He took her hand and led her to his truck where he opened the passenger door for her.
He held her hand until she settled onto the seat, then she watched him through the windshield as he strode around to the driver’s side and slid onto the seat.
“I’m nervous,” Sydney admitted, her voice barely above a whisper as she smoothed her shirt and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
“No need to be,” Caysen said with a grin. He reached over and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “We just have dinner and shoot the… breeze.”
She laughed. “You know, I’ve heard you swear plenty of times,” she teased. “No need to hold back now.”
He shook his head, starting the truck. The engine rumbled to life, then he drove them along a blacktop road to the left of his house until a beautiful farmhouse came into view. White siding, deep green shutters, and a welcoming wraparound porch made her breath catch.
“It’s very pretty,” she said.
Caysen glanced over at her. “Me and my brothers grew up here.”
“I bet you have great memories.”
“I do.” He pulled up to the house, killed the engine, and stepped out. She jumped from the seat just before he reached to open her door. He offered his hand anyway, guiding her up the porch steps toward the door. He rapped once, the sound echoing on the wood panels, then stepped inside.
“Dad?” Caysen called.
A rich aroma of browned meatloaf greeted them. Sydney closed her eyes and inhaled.
“Something smells fantastic,” she whispered.
“Hey, son. We’re just watching a movie,” said a deep, friendly voice. A tall man emerged through a doorway, his broad shoulders and peppered hair giving him a solid, fatherly presence. He paused, eyes lighting up as they settled on Sydney.
“Dad, this is Sydney Wright.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Anderson,” Sydney said.
He extended a hand, his grip warm. “Call me Frank. It’s a pleasure to meet you, honey.”
They moved into the living room, where she saw Hud and another man rise to their feet.
Both had dark hair like Caysen and those striking honey-colored eyes.
Deke was also very handsome. On the sofa sat a beautiful blonde woman, and in her arms, a little girl with curly dark hair, eyes the color of her daddy’s, and rosy cheeks.
“Sydney, this is my other brother, Deke, and this is Deke’s wife, Ava, and their daughter, Ellie. You’ve already met Hud,” Caysen introduced. “Everyone, this is Sydney Wright.”
After handshakes and warm welcomes, Frank led them into the kitchen. The table was already set, a simple floral cloth, gleaming ceramic plates, and tall glasses catching the soft glow of the overhead light. Steam curled up from a baking dish on the counter.
“Frank, everything smells so good,” Sydney said, settling into her seat.
“I hope you like meatloaf,” he said with a chuckle.
“I love it.” Sydney’s grin widened when Frank beamed back.
“Good. Mashed potatoes, buttered corn, biscuits, you won’t leave here hungry.”
Her stomach gave a loud growl, and laughter rippled around the table. Deke lifted Ellie into a booster seat. The little girl clapped her hands.
“Pap,” she chirped, reaching for Frank, who bent to kiss her curls.
Once everyone had a plate piled high, the brothers’ playful teasing began.
Their laughter and easy banter filled the room.
Sydney felt a flush of happiness as she watched Caysen relax in this world of familiar jibes and loving jabs.
She admired all of them; the strong lines of Hud’s tanned face, the gentle warmth in Deke’s eyes, and yes, Frank too, with his steady kindness.
She cut a bite of meatloaf, and closed her eyes in delight. “This is fantastic, Frank.”
“Thank you, Sydney.” He dipped his head modestly.
“You’ll have to share the recipe. I like making it then having cold meatloaf sandwiches.”
“With mustard on it?” Hud teased.
Sydney arched an eyebrow. “Is there any other way?”
Hud laughed and elbowed Caysen. “Case, you’ve found yourself a keeper.”
“Now it’s your turn,” Ava chimed in, smiling as she wiped a crumb from Ellie’s chin.
“I don’t think anyone asked for your opinion,” Hud shot back good-naturedly, making her laugh.
When Ellie held up her plate for more biscuits, Hud stood to oblige. Seeing them all together, this easy company of family, Sydney’s heart swelled with warmth.
After dinner, she joined Ava at the sink, the warm soapy water lapping around their hands. Plates clinked and the day’s last light filtered in through the window.
“I don’t think I can move. I ate too much.” Sydney sighed, sliding a plate into the rack.
“The first time I ate here was Thanksgiving,” Ava said, leaning against the counter. “Frank’s a perfectionist in the kitchen. I asked to help, he wouldn’t hear of it. But they’re all good men.”
“They seem very close,” Sydney observed, drying a glass with a towel.
“They are.” Ava’s eyes were soft as she glanced toward the living room. “Did Case tell you about their mother?”
“About her leaving after he was born?” Sydney’s voice was gentle.
“So, you know. That’s good.” Ava squeezed her shoulder. “I can tell how happy he is with you.”
“I’m in love with him,” Sydney confessed.
Ava smiled. “And he loves you, I just know it. I don’t know you well yet, Sydney, but I hope we can be friends.” She pulled a chair out and sat down.
“I’d like that very much.” Sydney sat in a chair beside Ava’s. As they sat, their laughter mingled with the distant hum of conversation from the living room. Sydney knew she’d found not just a wonderful man in Caysen but a whole new family to cherish.