Holding You (Love Wanted in Texas 3)

My father smiled at my mother and kissed her gently, yet quickly on the lips. “I taught the boy everything he knows.”

Laughing, I shook my head. “Whatever, Dad. Hey I have to go. I have reservations for dinner.”

Turning to leave my mother called out. “Where in the world do you need to make reservations in Mason for dinner?”

Turning around and walking backward to the door I said, “When you pay to have Lauren’s favorite restaurant in Fredericksburg come to set up dinner for you and you’re told to be there by a certain time . . . you have reservations.”

My mother’s mouth dropped open and father’s chest puffed out as if I had just scored the winning touchdown in a championship game. “Oh, darling. You’re going to sweep her off her feet. Be careful!”

“That right there is my son. Yep, I taught him everything he knows.”

Laughing, I quickly headed out the door to my truck. I couldn’t wait to see Lauren’s face when we pulled up to where I had planned for dinner to be. Turning my truck on, I put it in drive and headed to Lauren’s.

WALKING TO LAUREN’S front door, I rang the doorbell. As the front door opened, I was greeted by Jessie, Lauren’s mom. “Hey, Jessie!”

Giving me a warm smile, Jessie motioned for me to come in. “Hey there, Colt. Come on into the kitchen.”

Following Jessie into the kitchen I looked around. Cupcakes were everywhere. “Um . . . what’s with all the cupcakes?”

Rolling her eyes, Jessie let out a frustrated moan. “Jenny, Aaron’s wife. Her baker told her at the last minute they couldn’t make the cupcakes for a wedding she is planning tomorrow. So I’m helping her bake and decorate them.”

Glancing around the kitchen there were at least a hundred cupcakes. “Wow, Jessie. You’ve done an amazing job.” Each cupcake either had a dove on it, or an initial of what I was guessing was the last name of the married couple. “I may have to hire you for a certain surprise birthday party.”

Jessie’s eyes lit up. “Oh Colt, don’t be silly. I would never charge you but I would love to do that. I think it would be fun. I actually kind of enjoy doing this.”

Licking my lips, I eyed a chocolate cupcake as my stomach rumbled. “They look good.”

Placing her hands on her hips, Jessie lifted her finger. “Don’t even think about it Mathews.”

Holding both hands up, I chuckled. “I wouldn’t think of it.”

Jessie winked and then whispered, “Scott’s been down in the barn, supervising.”

“Does she suspect anything?”

Jessie chuckled. “She’s been so busy packing for their trip, I’ve only seen her twice all day today.”

“Good. I figured she would be.”

The hairs on the back of my neck stood before I even knew Lauren was in the room. Turning, I saw the most beautiful woman in the world standing before me. Lauren was wearing a light blue T-shirt that brought out the blue in her eyes even more. Her jeans shorts were just short enough to cause me to moan internally as my eyes traveled down to her baby-blue Nike sneakers. Her wrist was adorned in her vast collection of Alex and Ani bracelets and I couldn’t help but smile.

Walking up to me she reached up on her tippy toes and kissed me sweetly on the lips. “Hey there.”

My heart began to beat rapidly as I looked into her eyes. “Hey.”

Peeking over to her mom, her face blushed. “Mom, these cupcakes are killing me.”

Jessie laughed. “Why?”

“They smell like heaven and I want to eat them all!”

Jessie laughed as she tossed a dishtowel over her shoulder. “I’ve got two dozen more to decorate so if y’all will excuse me, I’ve got some birds and some initials to make.”

Lauren giggled as she looked at me. “I’m so hungry I could eat my horse.”

“Guess I better get you some food then huh?” I said as I wrapped my arm around her waist and led her to the back door.

“I thought you parked out front.”