Part 15 (2/2)
”Hey you.” She reaches across the table. ”It's good to have you home.”
”Yeah, it's nice to be here.”
”You seem happy, honey. Your father and I were talking about it last night. He was glad to see Cob on the couch this morning. What time did you guys come in from the barn?”
I should have known she'd figure us out. My mom has eyes in the back of her head. She always has. ”We came in around four. I wanted to make sure we weren't discovered. Do you think Dad knows?”
”He snored most of the night. I never felt the bed move once. The first place he went was to look for your boyfriend and when he found him sleeping on the couch he seemed pleased.”
”Cob is a good guy. He treats me well.”
”I can see that. I was surprised to learn you were involved so soon. I know you've been through a lot. I worry about you.”
”Mom, I'm okay. Like I said before, we knew each other before.”
”I a.s.sume he's older?”
”Only a few years. Does it make a difference? Bella's husband is much older and they have a great relations.h.i.+p. You're older than dad.”
”Don't remind me. He never lets me forget it.”
We both laugh. ”Mom, I think I love him. You must think I'm crazy. I promise I'm not. I wasn't looking for a boyfriend. When we ran into each other I was out to dinner with Chris and Addy. I never expected he'd be in Kentucky. After that we hit it off. I told him all about Cammie and Wes, and he was supportive and understanding. We're great friends.”
”I'm glad you've found someone that makes you happy. I hate that you're so far away, and that you kept him a secret for so long, but he really does seem like a nice guy.”
”Do you think it would be okay if I invited him to Thanksgiving? I mean, I know it's months away, but I'd like to know he's welcome.”
”You really are thinking long-term.”
I smile. ”I am.”
”Have you met his parents?”
I shake my head. ”Not yet. He says we're going there soon. They live in Pennsylvania.”
”Do you know anything about them?”
I shrug. ”They own a few hotels, but they're not rich. His parents are still married. He has a sister in college, and that's how we met.”
”Just be yourself and I'm sure they'll love you.”
”That means a lot to me.”
My mom is quiet for a second. ”Have you spoken to your sister since you've been gone?”
”Last night was the first time. It's not because I don't want to. She's the first person I wanted to tell about Cob, but I knew she'd think I was only bragging about it because I wanted her to think I was over Wes. I am over him. I don't think about him at all. I've moved on with my life. I see that they belong together and I'm happy for them.”
”I hope your relations.h.i.+p with Cob continues to grow into something you can cherish for years to come. All I want is for all my children to be happy.”
”So you approve?” I ask.
”Very much.”
After my conversation with my mother, I feel like the weekend gets smoother. Cob and my dad begin to have normal conversations. Sat.u.r.day night they sat out on the porch talking about work and the ranch for hours, while I remained inside catching up with my mom.
When it's time to say goodbye on Sunday I feel good about our visit. Cob shakes hands with my father, and I'm optimistic they'll invite him to return and visit again.
We're not even five miles down the road when he pulls out his phone and makes a surprising call. ”Mom, it's me. What are you doing next weekend? I'm asking because I want to come and visit. I'd like to bring my girlfriend for you to meet.”
He's quiet as he listens and plays with my hand.
”Yes, you heard me right. I'm bringing a real woman for you and dad to meet. Don't plan on making your meatloaf. I don't want you scaring her off. Oh and baby pictures are off limits, especially the naked ones.”
I wait until the call ends to address what's going on. ”So we're going to meet your parents next weekend?”
”Let's just get it over with. We'll meet my mom and pops and never have to worry about it again. Besides, I think you deserve to be tortured after not telling your family about me.”
”True.”
”Then it's settled. You'll be feasting on my mom's terrible food all next weekend.”
”What about the pancakes?”
”Let's hope she makes them for every meal.”
Back in Kentucky, I force myself into the routine of work and pretending I don't have a serious boyfriend, but come Monday night I'm being bombarded with questions I'm afraid to answer.
When I've finally come to the conclusion that this will pa.s.s, and I can't hide him forever, I decide to have Cob over and nonchalantly introduce him to a few people he wouldn't have come in contact with from work.
I can tell he's nervous as I open the door to the main house. After giving him a tour, including the one leading us to frolic in my bed for a time, we're standing in front of the kitchen table. Aunt Kay is cutting up potatoes, I hope for her famous salad she prepares, though it's most likely for a church event.
Cob quickly ducks back in the next room shaking his head. I follow him, hoping I wasn't seen. ”What's going on?”
”She knows me. I had to attend the hearing.”
I take a few deep breaths and weigh out my options. ”Look, this has to happen. The job isn't you. They have to come to understand that.”
”It's not going to be easy. Once people decide they hate someone, it usually sticks.”
”It wasn't the case with me and you.”
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