12. Stetson
STETSON
“You didn't have to wait for us outside,” I mumble to my sister as we walk up the porch steps.
“Hey, you know me and secrets.” She has a point. “Mama will know somethin’ is up just by looking at me.” My hand rests on Layla’s lower back as we step inside. Toeing off our shoes, we find my mother in the kitchen.
“Hey, Mom.” Before I can hug her, she’s fixated on the woman in front of me.
“Hi, son,” she says, engulfing Layla. If she had a favorite child, it’d be obvious. I set my phone on the kitchen island, knowing my mother isn’t big with screen use during family time.
“The food smells amazing, Daphne.” Layla takes a deep breath.
“Thanks, Honey. Sorry I missed your visit yesterday. Walker mentioned you stopped by.” I thought my dad was too busy to notice us.
“We took our horses for a quick ride.” Layla smiles, leaning against the island.
The two chat about Layla’s upcoming gallery and my mother’s latest embroidery project. I’m giddy about how naturally Layla fits in. I step closer, tempted to squeeze Layla’s bare shoulders.
“Son,” My father walks through the patio door halting me. “Do you mind texting Mack about the tractor in the field? The goddamn thing quit again.”
“Walker,” Mom scolds.
“Sorry, dear.” He grunts. “The darn tractor.”
“Will do, Dad.” I fight my smirk.
“Your mother wasn’t gonna set a place at the table for you because you’re never home anymore.” His eyebrows raise as my mother pipes up.
“Oh, leave him be, Walker.” She smiles sweetly as I step right behind Layla. “A place is set for you, Stetson.”
“Don’t forget about Mack.” My dad glances at my phone on the counter. I nod, squeezing Layla’s shoulders, and kissing the top of her head at the same time.
“How about I pour you some lemonade?” My lips linger above her hair.
Layla’s head tilts to the side, glancing up at me with a soft smile. She’s been serving herself here for over a decade, but I want to show her what it’s like when I take care of her.
“Please.” It’s a sweeter tone than her begging earlier, but my cock responds the same.
“Well, I’ll be.” My mom pauses. Her eyes grow as she places her hand over her heart. “Y’all better not be messin’ with me. For years I’ve prayed for this.”
“Years?” I should have a better rebuttal, but years?
“Always been a spark between you two even if you had your heads in the gosh dang sand.” Her eyes glisten.
“Prayin’? You could have simply looked up at the ridge.” My father snorts. “Or behind the old barn.”
“Yesterday,” Layla breathes, cheeks slightly turning pink.
Except we haven’t been behind the old barn since I’ve returned home, Layla.
“Sure.” My father looks between both of us.
Karli barrels over hugging Layla with a squeal.
“We’re official sisters! Like the real deal.”
“Um, doesn’t that require marriage?” Layla strains through the squeeze.
“I’m sure you consummated the relationship––which you won’t have me pressing for details because…ew, but also, you two better be endgame.” Karli’s eyes burn through me. “Don’t make your family exile you, bro. Better not fu––mess up.” My mother gets notoriously upset if we swear around her.
“Ohhh.” Mama claps her hands. “Christmas is about to be so magical in the next few years. Think of all the grandbabies!” Typical response, Mom.
“Let’s put emphasis on years.” Layla laughs nervously, leaning on my arm for comfort.
I glance at Parker because my mother’s comment is no shock to me, but he gives Karli a nervous, questioning look. Silently, his eyes fall to her stomach and back to hers. It happens so fast, she gives him a quick glare and shakes her head. Are they…
Come to think of it, she skipped line dancing twice last week and I don’t remember her favorite beer in hand last night. Karli catches my eye, blinks a little too long and clears her throat.
“I knew something was up, Layla,” Karli’s gloats. “Your newfound confidence is what I’ve been longing to watch you find.”
Layla blushes with an eyeroll. Being able to lean down to kiss her cheek in front of my family puts everything in life to perfection.
“My intuition told me to bake Layla’s favorite cake for dessert tonight.” My mother lifts a glass lid to reveal a strawberry shortcake. “There is so much to be thankful for and worth celebrating!”
The night passes with ease and love as the six of us laugh, enjoying each other’s company. All is right under the Hayes’ roof.