Page 83 of Burning Skies
“Like a dang mail-order bride.” Baylee motions over her shoulder. “Tell Honey that Mav and I will hide her on our farm before we let that happen to her.”
“Thanks, but if anyone’s gonna protect Honey, it’s me.” The thought of Vernon trying to force Honey to do something she doesn’t want makes me downright livid.
Baylee makes a circle at me with her finger. “You got a little growly there.”
Paige nods. “Very caveman. I approve.”
I mean, yeah, I’m protective of Honey. “Thanks, I think.”
“Bay and I love Honey, so anything you need to make this happen, we’re on board. Because it’s never too early to plan another wedding.”
I choke on my iced tea. “I don’t think we’re at that point yet.”
She smirks. “The key word in that sentence isyet.” She and Baylee high-five each other. Those two are trouble. I’m pretty sure if we add Honey to that mix, my brothers and I are in some deep shit. The thought makes me chuckle to myself.
Before he leaves, Mav pats me on the back. “Happy for you, bro. Kinda shocked, but happy.” Jace and Rhett both share similar sentiments.
As I walk home to my cabin, I start to wonder if maybe this won’t be so hard after all. Perhaps Honey and I have blown this whole thing out of proportion and our families won’t have some huge showdown. Cash eventually took it in stride. Perhaps the rest of her family won’t freak out either.
Or maybe that’s wishful thinking.
30
HONEY
Before I getto my midday duty, I shoot another text to Cash. It’s been almost a week, but I still feel bad about him finding me and Beau together.
Me: You’re my favorite brother.
Cash: Stop trying to butter me up.
Cash: Of course I’m your favorite brother.
Me: I really appreciate your discretion. You probably deserve some donuts.
Cash: Stop trying to buy me off.
Cash: What kind of donuts are we talking about?
Me: Chocolate devil’s food. Maybe a dozen from Dunkers.
Cash: I suppose I could eat some donuts. ButI’m not sharing.
Me: Of course not!
Me: I love you, bro.
Cash: Because I’m very lovable. Duh.
Chuckling, I shove my phone into my purse as I step into the cafeteria.
Why can’t my father be as easygoing as Cash?
A pit forms in my stomach every time I think about the conversation I need to have with my dad. He’s going to blow his top.
For the last week, all I could do is think about how well the Walkers took the news and compare that to the nuclear meltdown I’m facing. I got texts from Paige and Baylee, and they’re both ecstatic I’m dating Beau. Why can’t my family be like that?
And why the hell is my father still out of town? He’s never gone this long.
