Southern Perfection

by Casey Peeler

  After the last bale of hay is lifted onto the truck, we make our way to the front porch to enjoy a glass of ice-cold sweet tea.

  “So, what y’all youngins doin’ tonight?” Grandaddy asks.

  I look to the guys for guidance.

  “I’m not sure. I know there’s a field party, as usual,” I reply.

  “Y’all haven’t been over there in a while. It’s not ’cause of that Jace boy, is it?” Grandaddy questions.

  “Nah, I’d just rather not, I guess, but Jordyn is about to have a fit for me to go.”

  “I’m game if you are,” Emmett states and looks at Cole.

  “Y’all know I’m not goin’,” Cole says as he throws up his hands.

  “Smart move, Cole!” Grandaddy laughs as he stands and says he’s gonna find a spot in his recliner.

  Once Grandaddy is inside, we all look at each other. “I don’t know how he does all of this,” Emmett says.

  “It’s easy, Em. This is his world. He doesn’t know how not to work. Honestly, I think that has been what’s kept him going all these years… well, and me, of course.” I smirk.

  “Well, Lovebirds, I’m ’bout ready to get out of these clothes. I’ve got a hot date tonight,” Cole says boldly. Both Emmett and I snap our heads toward him.

  “With whom?” I question.

  “Tammy,” he responds.

  “You mean that girl with whom you swear you’re just friends?” I ask, placing the last two words in air quotes.

  “That’d be the one. I guess we’re not ‘just friends.’” He laughs as he stands. “Emmett, you’re riding with me,” he says with a wink. Ohmygosh! Cole knows!

  “Yeah, so, Rae, do you wanna go to the party tonight? Might be fun.”

  I ponder his question for a minute. “Sure, I wouldn’t mind a little dancing by the fire,” I say as I brush my hand across his chest and start to walk toward the door. He grabs it, turns me to him, and attacks my lips.

  “I’ll see ya at seven,” he informs me as he backs away and down the steps toward Cole’s truck. I wave, but not before making sure Cole has us both covered tonight. He’ll give Emmett our shine before he picks me up. I need to get a little tipsy and forget the fact my world is changing.

  As the screen door slams behind me, oops, I hear Grandaddy holler for me from the recliner.

  “Yes, Grandaddy?” I ask as I enter.

  “Look, I’m not blind, and I know what it’s like to be a teenager. Just be careful, and if you need me, call me.”

  “Yes, sir,” I say as I head to take a shower, so I can get supper ready before the party. After I dry my hair, I throw on a pair of yoga pants and a tank and walk downstairs to get supper cooking.

  Looking in the cabinets and freezer, I have no idea what to make. After working all day, nothing sounds good except a gallon or two of water. As I continue to stare, I’m startled when Grandaddy breaks my train of thought.

  “Come on. Let’s get a burger,” he says.

  “A’ight.”

  Grandaddy and I make our way to the Tasty-T for the best burgers south of the Mason- Dixon Line. As we approach the order window, he lets me order first, and then we find a picnic table to sit and eat. Even with the cool fall air, it’s still nice outside.

  As our order is shouted from the window, I stand to pick it up, but Grandaddy insists on getting it. I meet him halfway to grab the drinks anyway.

  After Grandaddy takes the first bite, he shakes his head and says, “Um, um, um, man, that’s good!” He’s right; it sure is. While we eat, he talks about the farm, things he wants to get done over the next week, and then it happens. He starts asking questions no one ever wants to talk to their grandfather or any parental figure about.

  “Rae, you love him, don’t ya?” he asks between bites of fries.

  I stare at my fries, but I might as well be honest with him, because there’s no use in starting to lie now. I look Grandaddy directly in the eyes. “Yeah, I love him, but I haven’t told him yet.”

  “I knew you fell in love with him all those years ago, but to see you both as young adults makes my heart happy. I always knew the right guy would come along to replace me.”

  “He’s not gonna replace you! No one can!” He shakes his head again.

  “Sunshine, there comes a time in every child’s life where their parents are no longer the loves of their life. It’s okay. In fact, I’m glad Emmett showed up when he did, even though I would like to shoot him for it, ya know?” My eyes bug out of my head. Always keeping it real. I try to change the subject, but he raises his hand to stop me. “I’m not going to, but I knew this day would come. I’m not saying I agree with it or like it at all. Lord knows I don’t want to be a great-granddaddy anytime soon, so you take yourself to the doctor this week, missy.”

  I’m in complete shock, which I shouldn’t be, because this is Grandaddy up one side and down the other, I reply, “Yes, sir.” Mental note: See the doctor on Monday.

  After my reply, Grandaddy goes back to talk about the Braves, and that’s when I decide to plan our trip this summer.

  “Grandaddy, who do you want to see the Braves play? I mean, when we go this summer?”

  “I wouldn’t mind seeing the Red Sox or Rangers. So, we’re really gonna do this?” he states.

  “Yup, we are.” I pull out my phone and check the calendar. “Looks like it’s gonna be the Braves versus Red Sox.”

  “Allll righhht!” he says, and my cup runneth over with pure happiness.

  On our way back to the farm, Grandaddy and I roll down the windows and crank up the radio. When Miranda Lambert’s “Over You” comes through the speakers, I let my voice do the talking.

  “Man, oh, man, I’ll never get tired of hearing you sing,” he says.

  “Well, I did learn from the best.”

  “Who me?” he asks as I shake my head yes. “Shoot.”

  “Grandaddy, you know it’s the truth. Come on. Sing it for me.”

  He grins, and with that, he turns down the radio and sings my favorite hymn, “Amazing Grace.” As his deep voice hits every note right on key, I smile at him, and when the chorus begins, I harmonize with him. We spend the remainder of the ride home singing and acting like there isn’t a care in the world.

  As Grandaddy puts the truck into park and turns off the ignition, he turns to look at me. “Sunshine, when something happens to me, whether it’s today, tomorrow, or fifty years from now, promise me that you will sing for me.”

  Tears threaten my eyes. “I promise.” After we walk into the house, I go straight to my room to get ready for the party with Emmett.

  A few minutes before seven, I see Emmett’s truck pulling up the driveway. I hurry to finish up my makeup, but not before Grandaddy lets him inside. I can hear them talking from my room, but can’t make out a word. Lord, please, don’t let Granddaddy tell him that he knows!

  Emmett

  As I start to knock on the front door, it opens mid-knock.

  “Evenin’, Mr. Lowery,” I say.

  “Evenin’, Emmett. Why don’t you come inside?” Oh, shit! What is going on? I make my way inside and he leads me to the kitchen, where I see a shotgun lying on the table. Oh God, he knows, and I’m about to die right here in her kitchen. “Boy, lose that chicken shit look off your face. I need to have a word with you.”

  “Yes, sir.” I remove my deer in the headlights look and then take a seat at the kitchen table with only the gun separating us.

  “Do you love her?” he asks bluntly.

  “Yes, sir, I do.”

  “That’s good to know. I want to tell you something, but you can’t let Sunshine know that you know. Do you understand me?”

  “Yes, sir.” Fear begins to envelop my body, knowing I’m going to have to keep something from her, but this is it. I’m going to have the missing piece to the puzzle.

  “I’m sick, Emmett. I have leukemia. We’ve been trying oral medication, but it’s not working. I had originally asked Raegan and Cole no
t to say anything, but you need to know. Because I made her promise me, she will not tell you. I start some hard-core chemotherapy on Monday. I’m not sure how this is going to turn out, but I need to know my Sunshine will be taken care of if I’m no longer on this Earth. Do you understand what I’m tellin’ you?” Oh, no. Raegan’s worst fear might come true, and she’s been keeping it bottled up inside? This is crazy. How am I gonna act like I don’t know the actual truth?

  “Yes, sir, I understand. I’ve known for some time now that she’s been lying about something. I knew it was to protect you, but I didn’t know why. Please, let me know if you ever need me or if there is anything I can do.”

  “Thank you, Emmett. I just need your word. She’s loved you since you gave her that stuffed bunny. You have no idea what she’s been through, and how one little gesture changed her life. I just need to know she’s taken care of when I’m gone, because we know death is inevitable.”

  “You have my word,” I say, realizing our relationship began to build long before we knew the meaning of love.

  “Oh, and Emmett, I know.” I have a puzzled look on my face, and then it clicks. Oh, shit! “Just know if you make me a great-grandaddy before my time, this shotgun has your name all over it.”

  And, just like clockwork, Raegan walks into the kitchen.

  Chapter 30

  Raegan

  By the look on Emmett’s face, I’m not sure what Grandaddy said to him, but I think he just informed him of the knowledge he gained today over a burger. “Hey, y’all,” I say. “Are you ready, Em?”

  “Yeah, nice talkin’ to you, Mr. Lowery,” he says, and Grandaddy smirks and gives him a head nod.

  I walk over to Grandaddy, give him a hug and tell him I love him, and then we are out the door. As soon as we are on the front porch, I look at him. “Are you okay?”

  “Um, not exactly,” he answers as I stop and face him. “You really do tell him everything, don’t ya?”

  “Actually, he figured it out, but I didn’t deny it when he wanted confirmation.”

  Emmett doesn’t say anything; he just takes me by the hand and leads me to his truck. As we make our way down the road, he glances my direction.

  “What, Em?” I ask.

  “Just curious…what did he ask you?”

  “Just to be careful and not to make him a great-granddaddy before his time. Then, he told me to get on the pill or something.” How can I just spit this out like it’s no big deal? It’s a major big deal, and I can’t believe I’m in the middle of this conversation. But, I guess if you are gonna do it, you better be responsible.

  “He said it just like that?” Emmett asks.

  “Pretty close. You know he keeps it real,” I say with a giggle.

  “I do, all too well.”

  “So, are you ready for tonight?” I ask.

  “You better believe it. Oh, and Cole said they were out of strawberry, so he got ya lemonade.”

  “Yummm. Let’s get our shine on,” I sing. Emmett looks my direction, and I can see in his eyes he loves me, and I love him.

  As we approach the Phillips’ farm, Emmett puts the truck into four-wheel drive and then parks beside the other vehicles. He comes around to let me out, and we make our way to the tailgate to chill with the moonshine in hand.

  Emmett places his hands around my waist and picks me up to sit. Before he can back away, I place my arms around his neck.

  “Em, thank you.”

  He looks at me, confused. “For what?”

  “For loving me,” I say, looking him in the eyes.

  He takes a second to grasp what has just left my lips. “Raegan, I don’t just love you. I’m in love with you.”

  “I’m in love with you, too,” I say, as we are now so close I can feel his breath on my face. He leans in and brings his lips to mine. “I love you, Emmett Bridges.”

  “I love you, too, Raegan Lowery.”

  I never would have planned for that to be the moment I told him I loved him, but it just felt right. The only thing I wish is that we would have been alone.

  “Are you sure you wanna stay here?” he questions.

  “Not really, but I wouldn’t mind dancin’ by the fire with ya later. Plus, Jordyn will kill me if I don’t show.”

  “True,” he says as he backs away and hops on the back of the truck beside me.

  As other trucks continue to pile in, it doesn’t take long for Jordyn and Ridge to arrive. She squeals as she runs to me. That girl ain’t right. Wonder how much she’s drunk already?

  “Are you happy to see me, or is that the booze talkin’?” I ask her.

  “Now, Rae! You know me better than that! I’m always glad to see my BFF. I’m just glad Emmett decided to share you tonight.”

  “Girl, like you’d even notice. You’ve been with Ridge every free moment you’ve had.”

  She thinks it over a minute and admits I’m right. “So, what’s in the jar tonight?”

  “Ya know…a little lemonade,” I say with a mischievous wink.

  “Ohhhhhh, my fav! Let me see it.” I pass the jar to Jordyn, as Ridge finally catches up with her.

  “Dang, slow down, baby,” Ridge says as Jordyn holds up a finger, telling him to stop as she takes a few more gulps of the sweet liquid.

  I try my best not to laugh, but when Emmett takes it straight from her mouth, I can’t control myself.

  “Hey, that’s not funny!” she whines as Emmett takes the jar and partakes.

  “Damn. That’s some good shit right there,” he says. Spoken like a true guy.

  “My turn,” I say, and Ridge follows after me. We’ve been here less than thirty minutes, and the jar is well over half-gone.

  The lower the sun sets, the louder the people become. As I scan the crowd, I see that Jace and his meathead friends have arrived. When he catches me looking their way, he smiles and raises a glass toward me. Seriously? I know he’s not happy for me. Oh, wait. I get it. There’s his new mission approaching. Jace has moved on to Missy Tate. She’s everything I’m not, and I’m so glad. I give him a smile and return my focus to Jordyn, Ridge, and Emmett.

  We spend the majority of the time catching up on what’s going on, or rather, Jordyn tells us the gossip in our little town. When “Somethin’ Bad” begins to echo from the speakers, I look at Jordyn, and we walk toward the fire. Ridge and Emmett look at each other and just shake their heads. I sing the Miranda Lambert portion while Jordyn takes Carrie Underwood. Before we know it, all the girls are approaching and singing right along with us. If I didn’t know any better, I’d have thought the CMT Awards just rolled into Pleasant Hill at a dang field party.

  When the song ends, we stay put and continue dancing and having a good time. Before long, guys are making their way to their ladies, and when Emmett’s arms wrap around my waist from behind, I let my head fall back on his chest as we move to the beat of the music.

  Once the music slows, Emmett spins me around to face him and doesn’t let me go. I can’t help but smile when I listen to the lyrics. “Raegan Lowery, I love you,” he says, as he looks me dead in the eyes.

  “Em, I love you, too.” I crash my lips onto his while we sway to the music. We continue to dance for several more songs until I feel a gentle tap on my shoulder. I glance over to see Jace standing beside me.

  “Hey, Jace, is everything okay?” I question, and Emmett stares him down.

  “Yeah, I was just curious to know if I might get a dance tonight.” I look at Emmett for the answer, and his eyes see red.

  “What happened to Missy?” I inquire.

  “Ya know, she’s not half as fun to catch.” I can feel Emmett’s breathing increasing, and I know I can’t have him in a brawl with Jace. I know Em would win hands down.

  “Whatever, Jace. Can’t you find some bimbo willing to give you a piece to dance with?”

  Jace smirks, and I know whatever is about to escape from his mouth is going to be a cheap remark.

  As a smirk unfolds on Jace’s face,
he begins to speak, “From what I understand, I heard you put out now, Miss Lowery.”

  “You son of a bitch!” Emmett hollers as he starts to swing at Jace.

  “Come on, Big Boy. Let’s see what you got.” Jace laughs, ready to duke it out with him.

  “Em, he’s not worth it,” I say calmly. When he ignores me, I yell for Ridge to help. Before I can process it, a crowd is beginning to huddle around. I never let go of Emmett, as he’s ready to give Jace what’s been coming to him for years. I’m thankful when, after a few blows, Ridge jumps in to pull Emmett off Jace, and one of the meatheads grabs Jace. Ridge gets Emmett back to the truck, but he’s not happy about it.

  Ridge turns to me. “Get his keys and get him the hell outta here. Who knows what Jace will do next?”

  “I’m fine to drive, Rae!” Emmett shouts.

  “I’m driving. Do not argue with me,” I say as I shove my hand into his pocket and take the keys from him.

  Emmett

  Damn! When Raegan took control like that, it snapped me back to reality. Why the hell did I do something so stupid? Jace isn’t worth my time. Must be the shine talkin’.

  Once we are in the truck and halfway down the hill toward the main road, I finally decide to speak.

  “Rae, I’m sorry ’bout back there.”

  “It’s a’ight.”

  “Hell no, it’s not. I shouldn’t have let him get to me like that, but no one is going to talk about you like that… ever!”

  She slams on the breaks, and I lunge forward. “Look, the question is, how does he know? It’s not like I’ve told anyone but Grandaddy. I’m pretty sure Cole knows, too. That’s what pisses me off. Please, tell me you didn’t try to one-up him or something.”

  Pain. That’s what I feel straight to my heart. I would never hurt her. “Rae, I haven’t said a word to him, I promise.” I take my hand and try to touch her, but she moves it.

  “Stop. I don’t want to hear it right now,” she says as she brings her hand up to swat mine away.

  “Let me drive. I’m good,” I say. I don’t want to risk her getting a ticket.

  “No,” she states, continuing toward the main road.