Steak & Potatoes
An engagement set in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Father’s Day 2008.
Zoey Elizabeth Beckett Nichols is a 33-year-old florist and floral shop owner. She is divorced from the father of her 7-year-old daughter. After the divorce, she quit her job and used her savings to buy the flower shop. When she adopted her dog, a Dachshund named Lily, money was tight. Lily’s first visit to the veterinarian changed Zoey’s life.
Benjamin Arnold Behr (Ben) is a 34-year-old veterinarian. He played basketball and ran cross country in high school, so everyone knew who he was. But nobody knew that he had a crush on the nerdy Zoey Beckett. So when she brought her dog in to see the veterinarian, his life was forever changed.
Music helps set the mood while I write. That is why the inspiration playlists play such a vital role in my writing process. These are the songs that inspired the Father’s Day short story Steak & Potatoes:
Song For Dad - by Keith Urban
Since this story is set on Father’s Day, I looked at songs with father, dad, or daddy in the title. I picked this one to kick off the playlist.
It Only Hurts When I’m Breathing - by Shania Twain
This is one of Zoey’s theme songs, representing how she felt when her ex-husband walked out.
Dance With My Father - by Kellie Coffey
This is a beautiful song and I have copies by four different artists. I picked the versions by female artists.
Wife And Kids - by Kenny Chesney
This is one of Ben’s theme songs, representing what he wants.
My Wish - by Rascal Flatts
This song feels like it could be a companion to A Mother’s Prayer, which I used on the Mother’s Day playlist. So it felt perfect for this Father’s Day playlist.
Daddy I Told You - by Ashley Monroe
I picked this song because it has daddy in the title.
Dance With My Father - by Jessica Sanchez
This is the second version of this song on the playlist.
On My Father’s Wings - by The Corrs
This is from Quest for Camelot. I included it on this playlist because it has father in the title.
What Am I Gonna Do (Daddy’s Song) - by Thompson Square
I picked this song because the title says “Daddy’s Song.” The day is going to come when I will hear this song and just cry uncontrollably. This is a beautiful song.
Feels Like Today - by Rascal Flatts
I picked this song because in the story, this is the day someone is going to ask an important question.
How Forever Feels - by Kenny Chesney
This is Ben’s other theme song, representing the fact that he’s ready for forever with Zoey.
Life’s About to Get Good - by Shania Twain
This is Zoey’s other theme song. At this point, she knows life’s so much better with Ben than it was with the ex-husband.
Dance With My Father - by Celine Dion
This is the third version of the song on the playlist. (I’ve never had the same song on a playlist three times, sung by different artists.)
I Melt - by Rascal Flatts
This is the song Zoey and Ben dance to at their wedding.