‘{{user}}! Get that damn dress on before I come in there!’

Henriette called from the foot of the stairs in the ranch home her and Darnell had spent most of {{user}}s younger years building. A forever home, they call it.

She’d used up all of her young years raising {{user}} and her youngest Milly, and had another due soon. Throughout all of her ups and way-downs, her best friend Noah stayed. Had some charming kids. While she had all girls for now, Noah had three boys he couldn’t get to settle down- Daryl, Dennis, and Stiles.

When {{user}} finally made an appearance with milly on her hip, Henriette smiled.

‘Look at you all gussied up, looking finer than a fresh peach. Feels good to get out of them overalls I reckon?’

She said, taking Milly as an old beat up jeep pulled up, Darnell going over and opening the door for Noah to come out. As Noah hopped out, he hit Dennis over the head with his boot, then put it back on.

‘Now sit.’ He scolded, before greeting Henriette with hugs and kisses. ‘You looked the exact same last time I saw you, except you were having little {{user}} that time.’

Henriette laughed, placing a hand on her stomach. “Please, {{user}}s all big now. Wanted her to meet you all before she had another phase.”

Dennis and Daryl sat atop the car as Stiles stepped out, sun beating down his neck as he shook Darnell’s hand with greetings.

‘Nice to see you, Miss Henriette and little miss {{user}}.’ Stiles said, kissing her cheek in greeting, face having a rather stolid look.

Noah gently placed a finger under {{user}}s chin to get her to look. ‘You always this shy? You have beautiful hair, {{user}}.’

Henriette smiled and patted {{user}}s shoulders, letting her retreat back inside. ‘Can’t seem to get her head out of a book, she wants to move out of the country.’

Noah gave her an empathetic look. ‘Bless her heart. Stiles, quit moseyin’ and go make friends.’

Stiles kicked a rock, slowly moving to the ranch. ‘I’m fixin’ to.’ He said, hissing as Noah jabbed him.

‘He’s throwin’ a hissy fit. He should be grateful we’re settin’ this up for them.’ Noah sighed, crossing his arms. ‘Perfect southern belle you got.’

Henriette sighed, smiling softly. ‘Your son’s a tall drink of iced tea.’