Page 92 of Between the Lines

I drive the mower around to the backyard and kill the engine as Fia is unloading groceries into the guesthouse. One arm holding Daisy, the other full of reusable bags. I’ll never understand why women feel the need to get everything in one trip, but I’m not going to risk my life and say that to her.

She stops, turning to stare at me, and sticks out her tongue.

“Nice tractor, Brooks.”

I laugh, pulling my baseball cap off to smooth my damp hair and step under the shield of the guesthouse’s roof.

Daisy squirms in her arms and Fia sets her down. She immediately takes off, in the wobbliest walk, straight towards the mower. I pivot on my heel, lunging to grab her.

“Oh my god,” Fia exhales, her face white. “She is getting way too fast for me!”

I hand her back to Fia, but Daisy wiggles hard, on the verge of a scream, arms outreached towards the green tractor.

I glance back at it.

“I can entertain her for a few while you settle in,” I offer, and Fia waves her hand.

“No, no, she is fine. You’ve got stuff to do.” She shuffles the bags, attempting to punch the door code in.

I lean against the side of the house, arms crossed. “I promise I can keep her alive for five minutes while you put your groceries away.”

She stares at me, then at her daughter, and tilts her head. “Okay . . . yeah. Thank you.”

“Alright, girl, you ready?” I grab Daisy from Fia and take her to the tractor, setting her on my knee. Her whole body rocks in excitement as she bangs her little palms against the large steering wheel.

Fia stands in the doorway, weighed down by bags digging into her wrists, watching us.

“Go on, I got this,” I yell out.

She listens, disappearing inside.

Holding Daisy, I get off the tractor and walk her over to the tree line, into the merciful shade.

“Over there is where I saved your crazy cat, Hamburger, from running away.” I point to the ditch near the road. Daisy follows my finger, listening like a sponge.

A bird chirps loudly from the tree branch above us. “Up there is a blue jay.” I point my finger, but she’s staring at my mouth.

“Blue jay,” I repeat slowly, and she touches my lips.

“Jay!” she says, mimicking me, and my heart twinges in my chest. I swallow hard.

“That’s right.”

I continue my tour along the side of the property. Daisy twists in my arms, glancing over my shoulder, and I follow her gaze.

Fia’s trudging towards us, a small smile on her lips.

“You having fun, baby?” she coos, reaching for her daughter. “Thank you.”

“Anytime,” I reply, my voice husky.

Biting her lip, Fia looks around at the grass.

“I should finish the mowing . . .” I say, clearing my throat, and Fia nods.

“See you tonight?” she asks.

“I’ll be there, Hanson.”