man, extra everything, please.” He lifted his plate and she scooped out enough food to feed an army… or him. He took a bite and moaned around the deep, rich flavor of a long, slow-cooked meal. “Heaven.”
She finished serving herself and sat down. “What are the plans for this weekend? I haven’t been to the root cellar you’re digging for Gen all week. How is it coming along?”
He chewed a huge bite of beef before he responded. “Well, once Phil came over with his little bobcat, the hole was dug in an hour. I’ve got the support system in place, but I need to frame out the shelves, bins, and benches, put in the roof and a door, and then get Phil to help me bury the thing again.”
She dipped a small piece of bread into a pool of gravy on her plate. “You made it big enough for all of us, right? Tornadoes around here are no joke.”
“I made it big enough for all of Gen’s dreams. When I finish the cellar, she wants me to rent a tiller and plow her a garden. Phil’s backlot. He’s letting her lease the land for like ten dollars a month and his fill of veggies in season.” The community of Hollister was fantastic. He’d had no less than five of the local men stop by to give him input on the structure of the shelter and how to construct the entrance so it would be easier to open and close during high winds. Father Murphy stopped by every day and checked on the progress while he chatted. Ken Zorn, the deputy, also stopped by. He told Jeremiah the Klingler boys were out on bail but had a court date and that he shouldn’t worry about them as their father had them shoveling shit until they went to court.
“Did Father Murphy stop by again?” She took a sip of her water.
“Yep. He’s a great guy, but I keep telling him I’m not converting.” He laughed when Eden almost choked on her drink.
“He’s trying to convert you?”
“Nah, but it is fun messing with him.” He waggled his eyebrows at her.
“Admit it. This town has grown on you.”
He buttered a piece of bread as he spoke, “I like it here. I’m sure Hollister isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but something about the vibe of this community is alluring.” He smiled at her. “And, like I said earlier, a particular citizen has caught my interest. “
She looked up from her plate and wiggled her eyebrows up and down. “Who, me?”
He winked at her. “You’d be a reason to stay regardless of the town.”
She smiled and batted her eyes. “Why, kind sir, are you trying to woo me?”
He shook his head. “No, the wooing comes tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?”
“Yep, we’re going on a ride through the Hills.” He bit into his bread and watched her.
“I’d love to! We just went last weekend, but if that is you wooing me, I’m all in.”
“That’s only part of it. I have a surprise for you.”
She sat up straight and asked, “What?”
“If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise.”
She damn near vibrated on her chair. “But that’s okay, I’ll love it no matter what it is.”
“Good.” He took another bite of the beef and she deflated.
“You’re not going to tell me, are you?”
He shook his head, and she narrowed her eyes at him. “For future reference, while growing up, I knew what every Christmas present was before I opened it. I don’t like surprises; the need to know what it is drives me crazy.”
“Well, good thing I’m certified in South Dakota now, isn’t it? I’ll be able to help you get over that issue.” He laughed when she stuck her tongue out at him. God, tomorrow was going to be a great day.
Chapter 14
Eden gripped onto Jeremiah’s hard, muscled core as they rounded another corner, bringing them to the junction that would take them to Rapid City or the other direction further into the Hills. He turned left, which surprised her.
“Where are we going?” she shouted into his ear, her borrowed helmet clanking against his.
“It’s a surprise!” She groaned, knowing that he wouldn’t hear it, but by now he’d know she was doing it. Surprises were cool as long as she was the one surprising people. Not knowing what was in a package or what plans he’d put in place for the day drove her crazy. Surprises always had.
The sun baked her shoulders, and she thanked the SPF 50 she was wearing