Chapter 23

Cameron

Wednesday morning, I roll upto the barn with Craig as Kenny steps out of the house. “Mornin’ fellas,” he calls as the screen door closes.

“Mornin’,” we call back in unison. We head to the barn and begin leading the horses out to the paddock. I release Samson and as I turn back to the barn, Aubrey starts across the yard, four apples in hand.

“Hey, there’s the big man stealing all of my bestie’s time.”

I sheepishly run my hand across my jaw. “Yeah, sorry about that, Aubs.”

She hands me two apples, and I walk with her to the paddock where the horses are lined up waiting on her to give them their morning treat. “Don’t be. It’s great to see both of you so happy.”

I chuckle as she starts feeding the horses their apples. “Thanks, she was an unexpected surprise to say the least.”

She runs her hand over Delilah’s snout before moving on to Cinder. “A good surprise though, right?”

I grin thinking about my girl. “Yeah, definitely a good surprise.”

Aubrey laughs and points a finger at me. “That right there is the same look I saw on Country when we first got together.” She takes an apple from me and gives it to Brutus, giving him the same attention, the others have gotten. “You let me know when I can plan the engagement party.”

I laugh at her teasing, knowing she’s trying to bait me. “I’ll do that.”

She takes the last apple and gives it to Samson, a wide grin on her face. “Yep, you’re definitely a goner. You didn’t even blink when I mentioned an engagement party, just agreed to let me know.”

This time it’s me pointing a finger at her as I shake my head. “You, Aubrey Hutchinson, are trouble.”

“Yes, she is,” Kenny says coming up behind us. He claps me on the shoulder before heading straight to his wife. “But I love her anyway,” he says greeting her with a kiss.

Aubrey smiles up at my cousin. “I love you too, Country. But I’m still kicking you all off the farm at noon so I can have an uninterrupted afternoon with my bestie.”

Craig comes up beside me and leans his arm on my shoulder as we watch Kenny and Aubrey interact. He nods toward our cousin and his wife. “You’re halfway there, brother.”

“Halfway where?”

“Halfway to having the kind of life they have.” He pats me on the back. “Now, let’s get back to work.”

Following my brother, we head back to the barn to finish mucking the stalls. My mind reels as I work and think about what Craig said. The fact he’s right brings a smile to my face. Momma and Dad always told us when we found the one we were meant to be with we’d easily see them by our side when we thought of the future. Every image I have in my head has Samantha right there with me as we build a life together.

A little before noon,Aubrey allows us in the house long enough to wash up after our morning chores. Once we’re ready, we hop in Kenny’s truck and head to town to have lunch at the diner.

When we arrive, the place is just starting to fill up. Teresa stands behind the counter pouring coffee but looks up to greet us when we enter. “Well, if isn’t three of my favorite guys.”

We all grin and greet her in unison. “Hey, Teresa.”

She picks up the coffee cups and nods to a few empty tables. “You boys find a seat and I’ll be right over.”

We make our way over to an empty table, saying hello to people along the way. We settle into our chairs and leave the menus to rest against the napkin holder untouched already knowing what we’ll order. We grew up coming to this diner, there’s no need to ask about the specials, they’ve been the same for as long as any of us can remember.

With three glasses of sweet tea in hand, Teresa approaches our table and sets a glass in front of each of us. She stands next to Craig and points her pen at me. “You know, I’ve waited all these years for this one to come back to town and sweep me off my feet. Instead, he comes back and tosses me aside.”

Kenny grins and dips his head, trying not to laugh, while Craig, who’s always ready to laugh at my expense, eggs her on. “I know, Teresa. I promise he wasn’t raised that way.”

“Aww, Teresa, you know you were the first girl to steal my heart. It took me going halfway around the world to get over you. Now I’m back, and I think I’ve found a girl who can give me what you and Eddie have.”

She puts her hand over her heart and sighs. “Well, if she isn’t smitten with you, you let me know and I’ll have a chat with her.”

I wink at her and grin. “Thanks, Teresa, I will.”

Without asking what we want, Teresa heads behind the counter to place our order. Kenny takes a sip of his tea, sits up straighter in his chair, and looks me right in the eye. “You thinking about making things official?”

I smile. “Thinking about it. Though I’d rather not talk about it here. And I’d appreciate it if you’d keep it to yourself.”

He and Craig both grin, but it’s Kenny who speaks. “Understood.”

Teresa returns with our meals and all our attention turns to the plates in front of us.

Once we’re finished, we pay the check and head for the door. As I step outside, Coach Markham approaches. “Hey, fellas, good to see you.”

“Hey, Coach,” we all reply.

“Cameron, there’s something I want to talk to you about. I was wondering if you had time to stop by before practice one day this week?”

“Sure. In fact, I could probably do that today.”

I look to Kenny and Craig and they both nod as Kenny confirms. “Yeah, there’s no need to rush back to the farm.”

“Great! Let me grab my order and I’ll meet you at the high school.”

We climb into the truck and head to the high school. As we pull out onto the highway Craig asks, “What do you think he wants to talk to you about?”

I shrug, “Probably wants me to talk to the team or something.”

When we get to the high school, the guys and I head out to the football field and take a walk along the sidelines. Memories of my days on the field flood my mind with each step we take. Craig and Kenny played baseball, but they were in the stands every week along with our parents, cheering on the team while I played.

Kenny laughs as he points to the bleachers. “Craig, remember when you got caught under the bleachers with Tammy Nolan?”

Craig groans but the smile on his face is wide and telling. “Dad lectured me all the way home. But I got to first base, so it was worth it.”

Kenny and I laugh and shake our heads. Craig hitches his thumb toward the bleacher. “Race ya to the top?”

Kenny grins. “Sure, you know I’m always willing to beat you in a race.”

Craig looks over at me. “You in Cam?”

Movement by the school catches my eye and I see Coach wave me over. “Nah, you guys go ahead. I’m going to see what Coach wants.” I start to jog toward the school but turn back to taunt them. “Besides neither of you stand a chance with me in the race.”

I laugh as they throw a few jabs my way until I get out of earshot. When I reach the school, Coach greets me with a smile. “Reliving your glory days?”

I laugh. “Something like that.”

Coach pulls open the door. “Come on, let’s talk in the office.”

We walk down the hall and past the locker room where Coach’s office resides. Confusion sets in as we approach the principal’s office. “If we weren’t supposed to be on the field, you could have just told us.”

Coach Markham chuckles as he pulls open the door. “Nothing like that.” He motions me to walk through the door. As I do, a woman, about my momma’s age, looks up and smiles. “Cameron Hutchinson, this is our principal, Evelyn King.”

She stands from her seat behind her desk and stretches her hand out to me. “Mr. Hutchinson. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

I shake her hand. “Likewise, ma’am. Please call me Cameron.”

She smiles and releases my hand. “Very well. Please have a seat.” Once she’s seated in her chair, Coach and I each take a seat in front of her desk. “I’m sure you are wondering why you’re here, so I’ll get right to it. Our automotive teacher has decided to retire, leaving us with an open position. After our faculty meeting, Coach Markham mentioned along with your time in the military you are a master mechanic.”

“Yes ma’am, but I’m not sure that qualifies me to be a high school teacher.”

She smiles softly, her eyes jumping from Coach Markham to me. “Actually, it more than qualifies you. You see, as automotive instructor you wouldn’t need to teach another subject since it would be a four-period class.”

To make sure I’m hearing this right, I echo her words back to her. “Let me get this straight. Are you offering me a position, where I would teach auto mechanics four hours a day, and that’s it?”

Principal King’s eyes shift to Coach Markham, and he shifts in his chair. “Not exactly. I’m also looking to add an assistant coach to the football team since Levy County poached mine to become their head coach.”

“Principal King, Coach, I’m flattered, but I don’t have any experience coaching football.”

Coach doesn’t hesitate to speak up. “But you have years of experience as a player. As I told the team the day you stopped by, you were one of the best running backs I ever had the pleasure to coach. I think you’d make an exceptional coach.”

Before I can argue further, Principal King takes over the conversation again. “Cameron, I have already talked to the school board and the offers we’re making have already been cleared with them. I know we’ve given you a lot to think about, and I don’t expect you to give me an answer today. Think about it and get back to me by the end of the week. The job is yours if you decide to accept. If not, I have some other calls to make.” She stands and offers me her hand once again. “Thank you for coming in. I look forward to hearing from you.”

I stand and take her hand and then shake Coach’s as well. “Thank you, ma’am, Coach.”

I make my way back down the hallway to the exit we entered through and walk back to the truck where Craig and Kenny are waiting. They hop off the tailgate and open the truck doors. Craig reads my expression before climbing into the truck. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, they offered me a job, well two. Teaching auto mechanics and assistant football coach.”

Kenny pulls out on the highway and looks over at me and grins. “Seriously? That’s great man! What did you tell them?”

“Nothing yet. They asked me to think about it and get back with them by the end of the week.”

“Cam,” Craig says gaining my attention. “You know we love having you home and helping on the farm, but this is an opportunity you can’t pass up. You should accept.”

“Really? I don’t want to leave you guys in a lurch.”

Kenny glances over at me before returning his attention to the road. “He’s right. You should take the job. We have the farm under control, although we may need an extra hand with harvest here and there.”

“You guys know you can count on me to help whenever you need me. I appreciate the encouragement, but there’s someone else I need to run all this by before I accept.”