Chapter 19
Chapter Nineteen
With Julie and James away on their honeymoon, they’d asked Tyler if he would housesit at the farm for them.
After the picnic, he drove back to the farmhouse in the dark and parked in front of the barn.
He’d forgotten to leave a light on, so he had to fumble around under the welcome mat for the key.
It was there somewhere. Hopefully, he hadn’t accidentally knocked it into the flower bed.
Nope, he found it. He inserted it into the lock and turned the knob. Thankfully, it opened.
Just as the door swung wide, a pair of headlights flashed across the driveway, and a truck crackled down the gravel drive.
He walked up to the truck and leaned on the driver’s side open window. “Hey, Momma. Whatcha doin’ here?”
She grinned at him. “I thought you might like some dinner. I took a wild guess that you probably hadn’t cooked anything.”
“I got home five minutes ago. So no, I haven’t cooked, but I did have a picnic lunch with Jessica in Piedmont Park.”
“That sounds nice.” She climbed out of the truck. “Grab the cooler in the back, will ya?”
Inside the house, Tyler flicked on a few light switches as he made his way to the kitchen. She was right behind him.
“Doesn’t the place look nice?” she asked.
He nodded. “They’ve done well. Julie will be happy here.”
“I think so too.” Her eyes filled with tears.
Tyler sighed and draped an arm around her shoulders. “Don’t cry, Mom. It’s a good thing. We’re happy for her.”
“I know it’s good. I can’t help crying when I’m happy. You know that.”
He laughed softly. “I do know that, but I can’t understand it.”
She opened the cooler and began unpacking Tupperware containers. “It wouldn’t hurt you to show a little more emotion sometimes, Ty.”
He pulled two glasses out of an overhead cabinet. “I show plenty of emotion. You saw me the other day when Georgia lost to Alabama.”
“That was a replay from five years ago.”
“I know, but still… that kind of thing hurts for a long time.” He pressed a hand to his heart and squeezed his eyes shut until he felt her playful slap on his arm.
“You’re impossible.”
He grunted. “Ouch. That hurt.”
“Just desserts. Now, where are the bowls? I made chicken and dumplings.”
His stomach stirred with hunger. “Really? You haven’t made me chicken and dumplings in forever.”
“Well, I missed you,” she said, squeezing his cheek with her fingertips. “The house is very quiet without you. And now Julie’s gone as well… I’m not exactly sure what to do with myself.”
“I’m only staying here for two weeks. Someone has to make sure the farm is… well, I don’t know exactly what I’m watching it for. But apparently someone needs to watch it while Julie is gone. Do I cut the grass? I don’t know. They didn’t really leave instructions.”
“I don’t know much about farms, but I’m sure you’ll do fine. How’s the job search comin’?”
They sat down at the kitchen table, and Tyler ate a big spoonful of chicken and dumplings before responding.
“I haven’t seen anythin' yet. I’m still lookin’ around, though. Don’t fret, Momma.”
“I’m not fretting. I’m concerned.”
“Don’t be concerned.” He grinned and took another bite. Then he jumped to his feet and hurried into the kitchen. He’d stowed a bottle of his latest attempt at moonshine in one of the cabinets. He poured them each a small shot and carried them back to the table, handing one to her.
“I think I’m getting better at it. Have a taste and let me know.”
Mom frowned, staring at the shot glass. “I’m not big into drinking.”
“I know that, but it’s a small shot. You’ll be fine.”
She hesitantly took a sip, then blanched. “Hmmm… that’s strong. I’m sure it’s good, but I’m not really one to judge. Let me know if you make some blackberry wine.”
“Okay. Thanks, Momma.” He shook his head. “I think it’s tasting pretty good. And Brian is gonna hook me up with some contacts to see if I can start moving some product.”
“It’s illegal. You know that, right?”
He sighed. “It’s a few friends. No big deal.”
“Okay.”
They ate in silence for a little while. Then she spoke up again.
“Have you thought about taking up a trade, like plumbing? You could…”
“I’ll take care of it, Momma. I’ll figure it out.
” He knew she meant well, but it was hard being back in her house again after almost a decade of independence.
She wanted to control the situation, to control him and his life.
He didn’t know what he wanted to do yet, so there wasn’t much point looking for work.
He’d trawled through a few online ads, but nothing had jumped out at him, and he didn’t want to get into something on a whim.
Maybe law enforcement or investigation work? There were a few options on his mind.
He had to figure out what he wanted to do with his life from now on.
Had he made a mistake by leaving the military?
Perhaps he should’ve stayed there, built his career around it.
But he’d wanted more out of life. He’d wanted to get to know his daughter.
He’d missed so much of her life already, he didn’t want to miss it any longer.