“I promise I will consider it,” I murmured. The truth was, I didn’t really know much about Issac Mathis. I knew he raced horses and bought the Henderson farm. Everything else was a mystery. “It’s only been two years, Carrie.”
“I know, but I love you and I want you to be happy.” She squeezed once more before going back to work.
We spent the better part of the evening putting the arrangements together and then placing them in the large walk in cooler in the back. This wedding was tomorrow in Roan and if I didn’t have to be at the studio, I would probably offer to help. As it was now, I was taking Amy to class and then I was going to be painting in the afternoon.
Ooooooooo
Issac
“Hey, Daddy?” Hallie shuffled her feet as we made our way into the studio. She had two classes today, and then I had to check on Lucky Star. I was hoping to meet with two different sellers today, too. There’s a three-year-old I’ve had my eye on for a few months and his owner put him up for sale two days ago. I’d managed to get ahold of him this morning, and he’s going to try and stop by this afternoon.
“Yeah, sweetie?” My mind was anywhere but where it should be and I had to remind myself that my baby girl was getting ready to ask me something and I needed to pay attention so I wouldn’t just agree to something like last time.
“Do you think Amy could come over sometime to play?” She bounced on her toes.
“Sure. We have to check with her mom first, though.” The thought of talking to Lou again made me smile. I wasn’t sure what it was but she just made me happy to be near her.
“Do you think that could be today?”
“How did sometime turn into today?” I laughed as I looked down at her.
“You always tell me to seize the moment and not let stuff pass me by.” She grinned.
“Do I say that? I guess I do.” I shook my head. My little girl was going to make a shrewd businesswoman someday.
“How about we talk to her mom first and see if that works?” I tried. I was planning to be at the farm all afternoon, so if Amyand Hallie wanted to hang out there, it wouldn’t really be a big deal.
“Ok, see ya later.” She skipped away and disappeared inside, leaving me in the parking lot.
When I opened the door, moms were sitting around either reading or looking at their phones. The girls must have just made their way into class. I weaved through the dance bags and took a seat over near Lou. She looked up and smiled before going back to her book. I nodded a hello and then began going through my email on my phone. I didn’t really know what to make of her, and I didn’t want to push too hard. From the little bit I’d seen, someone had hurt her. She’s guarded, almost too guarded and I didn’t know if she’d even let me in.
It seemed like most of the afternoon had passed by the time class was let out. The girls came rushing into the lobby sweaty from class. They were chattering away as they grabbed their bags to put their dance shoes away. Amy and Hallie came over to us with their eyes downcast. I knew this move from Hallie. She was getting ready to ask me something and she wasn’t sure how I’d respond.
“Daddy?” Hallie rocked on her feet. “Can Amy come over and play?” She batted her eyes and clasped her hands together.
“Please, Mama?” Amy begged. “Can I go see the horses?”
“Uh?” Lou was getting ready to say no. I could see it on her face. The words were on the tip of her tongue, but I beat her to it.
“I’m ok with it if Amy’s mom is.” I shrugged. I mean, the girls could play while I had my meeting. “I have a meeting to possibly buy a horse, but Craig can keep an eye on them for me for a few minutes.”
“Please, Mama?” Amy pleaded. “I’ll be good. This way I have something to do while you paint,” she reasoned.
“Paint?” I asked.
Lou gave in. I could see it happening. The moment she decided that the idea was ok. “Ok.” She nodded. “I can come get her in few hours, if that works for you.” She smiled as both girls jumped in the air, squealing.
“If that works for you, sure.” I smiled. “I don’t mind bringing her home, though.”
“It’s ok. I should be finished by four. Does that work for you?” She put her book in her purse. “You be good and listen to Mister Mathis.” She hugged her and Amy kissed her cheek.
“Thanks, Mama.” She grinned. “I’ll be good. I promise.”
“You can call me Issac.” I stood and offered to carry their bags. As we made our way out to my truck, I watched the two girls whispering to each other and giggling. Every few seconds, they’d point at me and giggle and I wondered what could be so funny.
“Hey, Daddy?” Hallie asked as I opened the truck door for them. “Can we get lunch on the way home?”
“How about I grill us some burgers when we get home? We’ll cook out on the deck and you guys can relax in the hammock,” I suggested.
