Tacoma Falls: Blazing Hearts

Rebuilding

Maury

I spent most of my life learning how to survive on my own. Although I had Papa and Granny, it didn't ease the ache of feeling alone. I'm learning that I'm not alone anymore.

I came downstairs after showering and dressing to find Shep cooking. I walked toward him and peeked into the pans. "What are you cooking?"

"I'm making a meat pie for us, but the potatoes need to cook before I add them."

"Sounds delicious."

"I know how much you like them." Shep flipped the chicken so it didn't burn.

"I appreciate it."

"I know you do." Shep smiled before pecking my lips.

I grabbed a pitcher of sweet tea from the fridge and two glasses from the cabinet before adding ice and pouring it into the glasses. I replaced the pitcher in the refrigerator and handed Shep a glass of sweet tea. Shep kissed my cheek before taking a swig of the sweet tea.

I sipped my tea when I heard a knock on the front door. I answered it to find the girls standing on the porch. I stepped aside so they could enter and let the screen door swing shut. "What brings you by?"

"We came to visit you," Mary said.

"Well, that was mighty nice of you."

"Of course. We wanted to make sure Shep was treating you right," Patsy said.

"He is. Waylon and Beau stopped by the other evening."

"Yeah, we heard." Mary rolled her eyes.

"Beau almost trampled my babies."

"Beauregard doesn't understand a lick of gardens or farms. I blame his ignorance on focusing too much on cattle and horses."

"Waylon and Shep had to get him out of the garden before I lost my shit."

The girls nodded in understanding.

"So, how are you doing, Maury? You had us worried," Amber said.

"I'm doing better. I've been seeing my therapist frequently. Shep has helped me. I'm slowly reconnecting with my daddy."

"We heard about Will's upcoming trial," Morgan said.

"Yeah." I sighed.

"It'll be okay. We'll be there to support you," Amber said.

"I mighty appreciate the support."

"We know." Amber gave me a reassuring smile.

I led the girls to the table. They took a seat while I got them drinks.

"Ladies," Shep said.

"Shep," the girls said.

"What brings you by?"

"We came to visit Maury," Mary said.

"What about me?"

"You're too ugly to visit."

Shep arched his brow as a ghost of a smile played on his lips. "Is that right?"

"Yep. I should know since I'm with your idiot brother."

"I won't deny Beau is a certifiable idiot."

"I don't think anyone would deny Beau is an idiot," Patsy said.

Shep chuckled. "How's the ranch doing?"

"It's making a profit, finally. People are offering a fair price for the cattle. Waylon is looking at expanding. I told him to wait a bit."