“Dolly, her name is Dolly,” I reply, my expression softening from the affection I’m harboring in my heart.
Noticing my dumbed expression, she pushes out a sigh. Bringing her middle finger and thumb to her finely featured face, she carefully pinches the bridge of her nose. Closing her eyes, she says something that lets me know that everything is going to be ok.
“Goddammit. Her name is Dolly. Of course it is.”
Relaxing my shoulders, I nod my head, the tiniest smile lifting my lips. My Mama’s favorite singer is Dolly Parton. She’s going to take this as a sign from God. She’s big on signs, which I suppose works perfectly in this situation.
“This…Dolly…she had perfect markers to be a perfect match for Senator Murphy’s niece. Now what are we gonna do? Huh? We really need his backing with all these new energy bills popping up!” she exclaims.
Staying quiet for a long moment, my own mind races for an answer. I’ve been trying to move Douglas Oil and Solar into the twenty-first century since my father began the step-down process over two years ago. Unlike many of the people I’m surrounded by, I believe that climate change is a real problem for our society, and the planet. I have been slowly trying to edge out the company’s reliance upon fossil fuels to other forms of energy. I drive an EV truck, for fucks sake. But money is still king, and Ihave to play this game strategically. I will need to stay on Murphy’s good side. For a while, at least.
“Can’t you just work your Mama magic? Do it for my future wife?” I ask, trying to make my voice sound as sweet as possible.
Pressing her lips into a fine line, her eyes narrow in annoyance. It’s short lived, though. She can never stay mad at me for too long. She’s always wanted to plan a huge wedding.
“I’ll see what I can do. Murphy’s niece is on death’s door anyways. Harrison said he didn’t think she would last until tomorrow. God willing, she won’t,” she says with a sigh, pausing as her mind tries to find an excuse. “Maybe I can say there was a mishap during the harvest. The doctor nicked into the liver’s artery or somethin’, I don’t know. Murphyisa dumbass. Just as long as I sound professional, he will believe whatever I say. And he won’t make waves. I’ll make sure of it.”
Closing the gap between us, I pull my Mama into a warm embrace. Sweetie growls at me as she presses into my torso but I don’t pay the pup any mind. I feel like a kid on Christmas, I know my Mama will fix everything. She always does.
“I love you, Mama,” I say.
Squeezing me one more time, she finally pulls away from my arms. Giving me the tiniest wink, she reaches up with her free hand to pinch my cheek. Right where Dolly had given me her sweet kiss.
“And I love you, my Sutton boy. I will move heaven and hell for you. And I just want my baby to be happy. Remember that.”
Nodding my head, I give her a thankful grin in return.
Stirring behind us, my Papa pulls himself upright from his oversized armchair.Struggling to breathe due to his sleep apnea, he chokes himself awake.
“What! What happened! What’s wrong?” he asks, trying to make sense of where he is.
Rolling her eyes as she turns towards him, I catch a mixture of annoyance and adoration on her face. It’s heartwarming to see that even after all these years, she loves him with her whole heart. I know Dolly will have that same love for me.
“It’s just Sutton, Michael, he came to tell us the good news.”
Lifting his hand to his face, my Papa wipes the sleep from his eyes. Focusing his gaze on her, he lifts a grey brow. I doubt he will even remember this interaction in the morning.
“Good news? And what’s that?” he asks.
Making a show of her next comment, she slaps the widest smile on her face that I have ever seen from her. Giving Sweetie a rub on her head, her gaze moves from my Papa to me.
“Sutton’s gonna go huntin’ again, Baby! Only this time, he’s gonna snag himself a wife!” she replies.
Mumbling something under his breath, my Papa rests his body back into the armchair. I think he says something like“atta boy”but I’m not sure.
Zeroing her eyes on mine, my Mama pushes out a dramatic sigh. I’m sure she has a million questions swirling around in her head, but she keeps them to herself.
“Hunt her down, Sutton boy. Make sure she’s worth her weight in salt. And if she isn’t well then, I guess she will meet Brenna.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
Dolly
“Go ahead! She wants a refill!”
Shaking my head, I quickly cover my champagne glass with my hand to stop the waitress from topping it off. I’ve got a lovely buzz going, but I don’t want to take it too far.
“I’ve had three, already!” I exclaim.
