The Autumn Fallout by Amey Zeigler

Author:Amey Zeigler [Zeigler, Amey]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-09-21T00:00:00+00:00

“Did you hear the latest poll?” Hank asked, stopping Eric in the middle of downtown Sugar Creek near the fountain. Thankfully, Charlotte wasn’t there campaigning like usual.

Hoping to save the quilts, he’d taken them to the laundromat to wash in the big tub washers before his mom found them. Luckily for him, the stains came out. A few small tears were all that remained of the bear’s midnight snack. For some reason, his heart turned to mush washing away such a vivid memory.

Eric faced Hank, still fuzzy from his sleep deprivation. He’d managed to sneak in a nap but then had to be up and managing the farm. “What poll?”

“The poll about Prop 11.”

Now he was awake. “What did it say?” He switched the laundered quilts from his right to his left arm.

Hank nodded with his chin. “That new girl has changed the minds of people in Sugar Creek. Fifty-three percent say they’ll vote to annex on Tuesday. This close to election, these results don’t bode well.”

“But…” He didn’t have time to talk to Charlotte until eight-thirty, when he’d be finished feeding and taking care of his ladies. “Thanks for letting me know. We’ll figure out something.” He clapped Hank on his upper left arm.

This news couldn’t have come at a worse time.

He threw the quilts in the back seat of his truck and drove home. When he parked next to James’s car in the driveway, dread rose from his stomach. Instead of facing his brother, could he take a drive, hide in the barn, or go back into town?

No, he had to confront James. No sense putting it off.

He cut the engine and stared at the Victorian house with the wrap-around porch. So many memories. He could still see his pa rocking, whittling on the front porch, whistling a tune, his mom sitting next to him. She was content to just sit and watch him.

He wanted a marriage like that. Contentment. Peace. Love.

A car lit the driveway behind him, one he didn’t recognize.

Who was here? He craned his neck to get a view of the driver.

An older man parked the car and got out. He tucked his chambray shirt into his chinos and brushed his blue blazer.

Tax collectors don’t work weekends, do they? Who was this guy?

Still sitting in the car, Eric’s gaze followed him up up the rickety wood stairs until the man knocked and waited at the door.

Laurie opened it wearing…a dress? The black slip came to above her knees.

Eric threw off his seatbelt and opened his door. After slamming the car door behind him, he ran to the front porch.

Laurie opened the door further. “Glad you’re home. You’re just in time to meet Carl.”

The man in front of him reminded him of one of his history professors at the college. Except he had nicer shoes.

“Nice to meet you.” Carl stuck out his hand.

Eric shook it, staring at his mom. Was she going on a date? He didn’t know how he felt about it. “You, also. So,

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