When You're Back(62)

She stiffened some, and I could see the nervous look in her eyes. We never used to be like this. It was a shame she’d messed up our friendship. “I missed everyone. Thought I’d come to see how things were,” she said.

I nodded and took a bite of biscuit.

“You ready to start back at school?” Momma asked a little too cheerfully.

Aida shrugged. “Not really. I don’t know what I want to do, so college seems pointless.”

“Well, it’s not. You need to build a solid foundation so you can be anything you want to be,” my stepdad piped up.

Aida nodded. She wasn’t going to argue with him. “That’s what my mom says,” she said with a pout.

“It’s true,” was Dad’s response.

I focused on my pork chops. I didn’t have anything to add to this conversation.

“I expected you to be engaged by now,” Aida said, and I stopped chewing for a second to let her words sink in. What was she trying to imply with that comment?

Once I finished my bite, I took a long drink of sweet tea and turned to look at her. “Not yet,” I replied.

A pleased smile touched her lips. Was she taking that as an in for her? Surely not. We had gone over this already.

“Let’s not discuss Mase’s personal life. When he’s ready to get engaged, he will,” Momma said with a smile that didn’t meet her eyes. She was annoyed with Aida, too.

“I was just wondering if he’d decided to put a ring on it or not,” Aida said with a shrug, then took a drink of her water while her gaze stayed on mine.

I didn’t want to give her an explanation, but I also didn’t want her thinking she had any hope. “When I think Reese is ready for that question, I assure you, I’ll ask it. I’m giving her time. She’s been through a lot lately,” I said. The annoyance in my voice was obvious.

Dad cleared his throat, and I glanced over at him. “Thinking of starting to breed the pygmy goats. Why don’t you meet me over at the east end and let’s brainstorm how to do that? Besides, your momma’s been keeping on at me about wanting goats.”

Change of subject. Thank you, Dad. I nodded. “Sounds good. I like the idea.”

“Oh, goody,” Momma said, beaming at Dad.

He gave her a wink, and I watched my mother blush like a young girl with a crush. That was one of the reasons I loved this man. He loved my momma the way she deserved to be loved. Kiro had never loved her, but I was thankful for that. The life she’d been given was so much better than what she’d have had with Kiro. I had a better life than I would have had with Kiro, too.

“I have a boarder coming with two Appaloosas in thirty minutes, so I need to get back down to the stables. Mind if I take this last pork chop and a glass of tea with me?” I asked Momma as I stood up.

She jumped up, grabbed a paper towel, wrapped a biscuit in it, and handed it to me. “Take this, too.”

“Yes, ma’am,” I agreed. “Thanks for lunch. I enjoyed it.”

She nodded, although that was what I always said when I left the table. She’d taught me that at a young age. Always thank the cook, and make sure they know you appreciate the meal they served you.

“Can I come down and see the horses?” Aida asked.

“You need to stay here and eat. Leave the boy alone, Aida,” Dad said.

Relieved, I took my hat off the hook by the door and put it back on before heading outside. I’d made it through the meal, and Aida had only been slightly annoying. If she’d just leave before Reese got back home . . .

I’d missed my lunch with Reese today. I loved getting to see her and hold her in the middle of the day; it helped get me through the rest of it. Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I called her. At least I could hear her voice.





Reese


I glanced down at my phone to see the image of Mase’s boots on the screen. I couldn’t answer. Not yet. Not now.

Piper hadn’t asked any questions when I’d walked out of the doctor’s office. She’d let me sit in silence. I owed her an explanation, though. She had set up an appointment for me with her doctor and got me in fast. No questions asked. Then she had taken me during work hours.

I hit the Silent button, put the phone back on my lap, and stared out at the road.

“Sweetie, that man loves you. He worships the ground you walk on. Don’t be afraid to tell him. He’ll be thrilled,” she said softly as she reached over and patted my leg.

Piper wasn’t stupid. She had guessed why I needed to see the doctor and what the outcome was without my saying a word. I guessed it was kind of obvious. I turned to look at her. “He hasn’t even asked me to marry him. All I’ve done is add more stress to his life. How do I tell him this?”