“What you’re talking about won’t take up much time. I know you turned down the idea of a trip before. How do you feel about it now?”
“Where do you think I should go?”
She sighed. “Paris. London. Rome. Hawaii. I don’t know.”
“Do you want to go to those places?”
Journey shrugged, then smiled at how good it felt to rub against his hard body. So, she repeated the action. “Not really.”
“Me either. I didn’t have much desire to see them in my time and I still don’t. I’m a homebody, I guess.” Just as soon as he said the word ‘homebody’, he changed his mind. “I take that back, Journey. There is some place I’d like to go.”
“Okay. Where?”
“Tennessee. I’d like to see my mother’s grave. I’m sure the marker is long gone, but maybe I can find the spot.”
She wiggled around in his lap until she could hug him. “Oh, Reno. I’d love to go with you. When do you want to leave?”
“Tomorrow’s soon enough. We have something else to do today. Preferably before your aunt comes home.”
“Oh? What would that be?” she asked in a teasing tone, picking up on the heat in his voice.
“Someone named Sojourner has an appointment on the hot seat.”
“Yay!” She squealed with delight when he picked her up and headed to the bedroom.
* * *
“Making love in the middle of the day. We should do that often.” Reno kissed Journey on the top of the head. “While you visit with your Aunt Myra, I’m heading out to the barn to talk to Kota.”
“Okay.” She tugged on the sleeve of his shirt. “I’m going to tell her today that I’m going with you if possible.
“To Tennessee? Good.” He slipped on his boots. “I’m sure she’ll understand the reason for our trip.”
“Yes, I’ll tell her about Tennessee, but that’s not what I’m talking about.”
Reno froze. “Do you think that’s a good idea? Especially since we haven’t decided ourselves?”
“I’m staying positive. Plus, I have to tell her sometime. Don’t I?”
“Yea, I suppose you’re right.” He chewed on the inside of his lip. Doubt was eating a hole in his soul.
Journey could sense his unease. For the moment, she chose to ignore it. “I emailed the UT library. They have a copy of the book. We can stop in to check it out on our way to Tennessee.”
“Sounds perfect. I’ll dig through it while you drive.”
“Okay.” As they made their way from her bedroom to the kitchen, they heard a car door slam. “Just in time. She’s home.”
“Great. Looks like she’s got her arms full. I’ll go help.”
Journey watched from the window as Reno bounded out to help her aunt carry in a load of vegetables. Each time she went to visit her hairdresser, the woman loaded her up with produce from her garden. The dogs beat Myra to the door and Journey rushed to let them in. “Did you two have a good time?”
“Oh, they did. They did. Bertha’s dogs just love to play with these two.” Myra followed along behind Reno, talking all the way. “She sent a big mess of tomatoes. I think I’ll can the extra. What do you think?”
“Sounds great.” Journey helped Reno with his armful of fresh corn. “Just set the tomatoes down next to the fridge.”
“The bottom of the bucket is sandy,” he warned her.
“It’s okay.” Myra waved off his concern. “I need to sweep the floor anyway.” She beamed at him. “Thanks for the help. You’re handy to have around, cowboy.”
“Proud to help.” He pointed to the door. “I’ll be at the barn for the next little while.”
As he made his escape, Journey tried to think of the best way to tell Myra her plans. “Your hair looks nice.” Always best to start off with a compliment if possible.
“Thank you. She does my hair just the way I like it. When she retired, I almost died. Thank goodness she lets me visit her at home. I pay her in cash, that way it won’t bother her social security.”
“Good idea.” Journey put away the vegetables. “You sure made a haul. Tomatoes. Corn. Cucumbers. Okra.”
“Okay, you’re being too helpful. What’s wrong? Are you pregnant?”
“No!” Journey put her hand on her hip. “Why do you always assume something’s wrong?”
Myra just gave her the look. The one that said she knew best and always would know best.
“Okay. Okay. But nothing’s wrong. It’s very right.” She held onto the edge of the countertop for dear life. “I’m just afraid you won’t see it that way.”
“Just spill it. I’m old. If it kills me, I’ve lived a good life.”
“Oh, good gracious.” Journey wanted to laugh and cry – she just didn’t know what to do first. “Okay. My news is that I’m leaving with Reno when he goes.”
Myra dropped the broom she was carrying, letting it keel over like a felled tree. “Is that even possible?”
“Yes. We think so.” We hope so.
“Think? You think so?” The older woman grabbed her chest dramatically, then began to feel behind her for a chair.
“Here. Let me help.” She pulled a chair near enough that Myra could find the seat. “I know it’s a shock, but I have to go. I love him more than anything in the world and I need to be with him.”
“How will this work?” Myra asked as she held her head in her hands. “I truly thought he’d settle here. Why tempt fate?”
“He has to
