I’m still in somewhat of a state of shock that Sally told me she wanted to spend her life with me. I’d like nothing more than to marry that girl, but with my history, I’m surprised she feels that way so quickly. I mean, we haven’t been seeing each other all that long—just since right before her family’s last reunion—and she knows I’ve been engaged three times.
Granted, our relationship is different from any I’ve ever been in before. The other girls all had an agenda and needed something I’d never be able to give them. But with Sally, it’s different. She wants me more than she needs me. That makes me feel mighty good, but it worries me too. What happens if she changes her mind and finds something she wants even more? Or what if she decides I’m not good enough for her? She tells me she’s never been fickle and that won’t happen, but I have to be extra cautious, considering my track record in the romance department.
So I told her I love her too, but I want to be the one doing the proposing. Truth be told, I’m fine with the fact that she did it first because it takes away some of the trepidation I’ll have when I finally do pop the question.
Her cousin Shay has warned me and said if I ever hurt Sally, their family will take it personally. Those words may not sound all that strong, but even if I hadn’t already seen that you don’t want to get on the Bucklin family’s bad side, I could sense the power of her tone.
I’ve learned that the Bucklin family carries a boatload of clout in South Mississippi and in some parts of Louisiana. Even before they struck it rich with oil, Jay Bucklin has always been known as a no-nonsense farmer and businessman. What he didn’t have in money he made up for in influence. Folks have always respected him for honoring his word and always doing the right thing—something that’s rare these days, even among his peers. When Mr. Bucklin shows up for a rally or town meetin’, you best be believing people are watching everything he does and listening to every word he says.
Something else I’ve noticed is that the whole entire Bucklin family looks up to him every bit as much as others do. When someone has a problem they can’t solve, they turn to him. When he says do something, they do it. One of the many things that makes him effective is the fact that he doesn’t get involved in the piddly stuff. Sally says he likes to “major in the majors.”
My thoughts wander to something a tad softer. The baby. As his image pops into my head, I can’t help but smile.
The whole Bucklin family has gone bonkers over baby Noah. I have to admit, he’s an adorable little fella. Sara’s family thinks he looks just like her, but when I look at him, I see Justin’s determined expressions. He’s long and slim, like both of his parents, so I reckon both sides will claim that feature. His parents don’t seem to care who he looks like. They’re constantly hovering, and they go into the little room where preemies are kept every chance they get.
At first glance, Sara and Justin seem like a mismatch, but the more I’m around them, the more I see how well suited they are for each other. Sara is beautiful, but that’s a given, considering the fact that she’s Sally’s identical twin. Justin is okay looking, at least from a guy’s point of view. Lots of folks might think he’s more of a grease monkey than an intellect, but I’ve studied him. That guy is way more cerebral than most of the bankers I work with.
Sally says Justin has surprised her with all the things he knows how to do and the way he handles Sara’s moods. He cooks, he fixes stuff, and he teases both of them but knows when to quit. Sally says the only thing she’s annoyed about with Justin is his messiness. I just happen to know she’s also bothered by the fact that she feels he took her sister away.
Justin and I are already starting to make plans for what to bring to the next Bucklin family reunion. Sally tells me all her aunts and older relatives think it’s weird that men would put any thought into the food, but I bet she’d be surprised by how much the men contribute. Even if they don’t actually cook the dishes, I’ll be willing to bet most of them have some input into what their wives cook.
I’ve always enjoyed being in the kitchen. Sally tells me I’m a good cook too, which makes me want to do it even more. It made my heart proud when I saw her eyes roll back after tasting the meatloaf and mashed potatoes I made from scratch. Mama’s recipe never fails.
Speaking of Mama, I glance at the clock and decide it’s time to call the other of my two favorite girls. She answers on the second ring.
“What are you doing up so early on a Saturday morning?”
I laugh. “It’s not all that early. It’s already a little past ten.”
“You used to sleep ’til noon.”
“That was when I was a teenager, and I stayed up until all hours of the night.”
“I know, but still …” Her voice trails off, and then she clears her throat. “So how’s Sally?”
“I’ll find out when I call her after I hang up with you.”
“You called me first?” I can practically hear her smiling over the phone. “You’re such a sweet boy, Nate. And I like Sally.”
“I like her too.”
“Do you think—?” She cuts herself off and pauses momentarily. “Never mind. So how’s the banking business? I never hear you talk about work since you’ve been seeing Sally.”
I smile. Ever since I started seeing Sally, my job has taken a backseat in my off-hours thoughts. “We just closed on the land for a big new shopping center over by the interstate.”
“What shopping center?”
“The one that’s going to be built as soon as all the permits are pulled.”
“I thought shopping centers have gone out of style.”
This starts a whole new conversation—about how there are still people who enjoy the physical shopping experience and prefer to see things live over checking them out online. I know Mama has done at least her fair share of shopping on Amazon, based on the number of packages I see on her front porch when I visit.
Mama asks more questions about the shopping center, like what stores will be there and when will it open. When she finally realizes I don’t know any more than what I’ve told her, she laughs.
“How can you be so smart and know so little?”
I know she’s joking, but deep down, I also know she’s right. “I reckon I take after you, Mama.”
“Touché.” She clears her throat. “By the way, how did Sally like your meatloaf?”
“You mean your meatloaf. She loved it. Now I have to come up with something to bring to her family reunion. Sally says I don’t have to, but I have to admit it felt good to hear all the compliments last time.”
“Maybe you can bring my famous squash casserole.”
Of all the things Mama cooks, squash casserole is my least favorite, but I don’t dare tell her that. She’s so proud of it I’m afraid it will hurt her feelings if she finds out I can barely get it down.
“Maybe, or how about your potatoes au gratin? That’s always a favorite.”
“Okeydokey. I’ll email you the recipe.”
“While you’re doing that, can you send me the cherry crisp recipe too?”
Mama bursts into a fit of laughter. “You’re kidding.”
“Why do you think I’m kidding?”
“Do you realize that’s the easiest thing I make? All you do is dump a couple cans of cherry pie filling into a casserole dish, sprinkle cake mix over the top, add a few crushed pecans, drizzle it with butter, and bake it for a little while.”
“That does sound easy.” I jot down what she just said. “It’s good, and I think folks will like it.”
“Of course. I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t like my cherry crisp. Make sure you have something to top it with—either whipped cream or ice cream, if you have access to a freezer.”
After we get off the phone, I tuck her instructions into my wallet. Then I call Sally.
She’s breathless when she answers. “You’re not gonna believe this.”
“Believe what?”
“Sara and Justin are bringing Noah home today.”
“Already?”
“Yep. The doctors and nurses are all saying he’s as healthy as most newborns, and there’s no reason he can’t go home.”
“I bet you’re excited about that.”
Sally makes a sound I’ve never heard her make. It’s something between a laugh and a groan. “I guess, in a way, I am.”
“In a way?”
“Don’t tell anyone this, but while I’m happy for my sister, I’m nervous about having Noah home.”
“Why are you nervous?”
“He’s so little … and so fragile. What if I break him?”
I have to stifle my own laughter that starts to bubble at my throat. “You won’t break him.”
“I won’t if I don’t touch him. But knowing Sara, she’ll expect me to want to hold him.”
This surprises me about Sally. I’ve always seen her as someone who isn’t afraid of anything. But I reckon everyone is entitled to at least one fear.
“Do you want me to come over later?”
“Can you?” The high pitch of her voice touches my heart.
“Absolutely. I’ll even hold the little fella if Sara wants someone to take him off her hands.”
“You’re not worried?”
“Not in the least. I’ve held my share of babies, and I kind of like it.”
“Okay, then.” She lets out a sigh that sounds like relief. I hear a little bit of rustling. “Uh-oh. Here they come now. How soon can you come?”