It’s a form of endearment. Like a love language.
So are you saying you love me, Golden Boy?
Shit. Why in the hell did I ask that? The text bubbles appear and disappear before reappearing again. What feels like minutes but is really only moments later, his reply pops up on my phone.
Mr. Wilder:
I’m really good at golf.
What? Well, that’s one way to avoid my awkward question.
Okay . . .
We should go together sometime. It’s my favorite thing to do in the off-season.
I’m not going to lie, you probably wouldn’t want me to golf with you. I’ve never been before.
I could teach you.
It’s not right. I’m older than you. You shouldn’t be the one teaching me anything.
You can teach me anything you want. I’m a very eager student.
Carson Wilder makes my cheeks heat even from thousands of miles away.
I’ll trade you baking lessons for golf lessons.
Deal. I’m holding you to it.
You’ve got it. I’m about to get lost in a book. Merry Christmas Eve!
What book?
I’m not sure if his interest in what I’m reading is genuine, but each time he asks, my chest tightens.
Little Women.I’ve read it every Christmas Eve since I was nine.
That’s commitment. Which character is your favorite?
I’d like to be more like Josephine with her fiery personality.
Personally, Aunt March is my favorite.
That makes me laugh so loud I have to cover my mouth to muffle the sound.
“What has you laughing like a schoolgirl, Kota Lynn?” Brody’s voice startles me.
I grasp my chest. “You scared me, Brodes.”
“Seems like you startle easier than ever these days.”
Shaking my head, I start to disagree, but he puts his hand up to stop me.
“Look, Mama told me to come up here and apologize for speaking out of place. But I’m not gonna do that.” I snort at his bluntness. “You see, ever since Pops passed away, I made it my mission to become your protector. I won’t apologize for having your best interests at heart.”
My chest aches the same way it does every time I think of my daddy. He passed away when I was in middle school. He was diagnosed with brain cancer, and six months later, we were laying him to rest.
“Something is going on. You’re acting different—skittish even. You can’t expect me to just stand back and watch my sister be unhappy. I hope like hell you know you can come to me with anything, sis.”
