Swear (Landry Family #4)(43)

Turning the corner, I start laughing. "Is that for me?"

"Are you Ellie Pagan?"

"I am."

"Then these are for you."

Giggling, I take the items from him. There are two fishing poles-one long and one short-and a tackle box that's heavy. "Thank you."

He laughs too. "Honey, if you're into fishing and it doesn't work out with whoever sent these, you know where I work."

"I'll remember that," I say, nodding as he waves and exits the building. 

"He sent you fishing stuff?" Violet asks. "That's . . . unique."

My cheeks ache from smiling. "That's Ford," I say simply. "He's thorough."

"I can tell," she snorts. "You've been smiling like that for a while now. And for the record, it's been fun to watch."

"Thanks, Vi."

"You're welcome. Now put your survival gear in the back and help me move this shelving unit."

"Be right back." I stroll to the back and put the gifts against the wall. But, before I go help Violet, I whip out my phone. He answers on the second ring. "Hey, you."

"Hey, pretty girl," he says, his voice kissed with the same easy joy I feel in my gut. "How are you doing today?"

"I just got a delivery."

"You did, huh?"

"I did. It looks like someone wants to take me for some fun in the great outdoors."

"I like the way you phrased that," he laughs.

"I like it too. Maybe we can make that happen."

A flurry of papers being moved trickles through the phone and I hear another man's voice.

"If you need to go, that's fine," I offer.

"Yeah, I do. My father is here to go over some family stuff," he sighs. "Can I call you in a little bit?"

"Sure. Have fun!"

"Not until it's in the great outdoors," he teases. "Talk to you soon."

"Bye."

With a final glance at the gifts in the corner, I skip out of the room to help Violet.





Ford

THE FARM IS LIT UP like it only is when everyone is home. It's really not about the lights, it's like there's a glow, an excitement, when all of us are in the same place at once.

I park my truck next to Barrett's SUV. Before I can climb out, I get a text.

Ellie: Have fun with your family tonight. I will just cuddle with my new fishing lures.

Me: You can come if you want. I'll come get you right now. Just say the word.

Ellie: I'm good. Thanks. ;) Me and the lures will watch some trash television.

Me: Text me if you change your mind.

Ellie: I will. But I won't.

Me: I'd rather be in the outdoors with you.

Ellie: Me too. The lures are smelly. Now go do your family stuff.

Me: Grr . . . Bye.

Ellie: Bye. <3

As I get out of the truck, I see Troy standing next Barrett's SUV in a navy blue suit. My buddy from the military, now Barrett's personal security guy, grins when he sees me.

"Long time no see!" He pulls me in for a quick hug. "How are you, Ford?"

"I'm good, man. How are you? How's my brother treating you?"

"Things are good," he says. "We're all getting adjusted to the new routine of the Governor's mansion." His laugh permeates the warm evening air. "Can you believe I'm working in the Governor's mansion?"

I shrug. "I don't know why the hell not?"

"I owe you, Ford," he says, all laughter gone from his voice. "Without you and your family, I don't know what would've happened to me."

"I told you things work out."

"Yeah, but not like this. You took my life and turned it on a dime. I just . . . Every day I wake up and put on a suit and think, 'What the fuck?'" he laughs. "It's unreal."

I head to the steps. "Just be thankful Graham didn't find you before Barrett or this conversation would be much, much different."



       
         
       
        

Troy laughs, his voice trailing behind me as I step inside the Farm. It almost feels like Christmas walking in and hearing everyone's voices. We used to do this a lot. Now it's harder to do with everyone striking out on their own, living in different places, having their own commitments.

"Hey, Ford!" My mother wipes her hands on a towel and greets me with a kiss on both cheeks. "How are you, handsome?"

"Good. Man, it's loud in here," I laugh, holding an arm out for Huxley. He wraps his arms around my side. "How are you, Hux?"

"I'm good," he grins up at me. "Did you see Lincoln's baby?"

Tugging his Arrows hat over his eyes, I laugh. "I did. He's cute, huh?"