Lara (Reynolds Ranch 1)

“It’s not that I don’t like him. I just don’t want to date him and when the relationship doesn’t work out, he’ll have to be fired or he’ll quit because tensions will be high and everything will be completely uncomfortable.” He seems like the jealous type who would want to control my every move and anyone who knows me in the least knows that isn’t going to fly.

“That’s also valid.” She purses her lips, nodding her head.

“I want to have a love affair so profound that he sets my soul ablaze, just like you and Daddy. There’s no way I’ll settle for less. I’m too damn fiery to put up with anything else.”

“That’s wonderful. I can’t imagine falling in love with anyone else but your father, even after I gave him hell. I’m going to miss you, sweetheart. Your daddy and I are worried about you going all the way to Chicago for school.”

“You don’t mind that Tobias is playing for Chicago.” My accusation is loud and clear and repetitive. We’ve had this conversation more than once since I applied there—all to the same end.

“That’s not true. We mind, but it’s not the same thing. You know that. It’s just he’s a little older, and it’s his career. Besides, we’ll always worry that he’ll be injured or fall for a woman that will trap him with a baby and take him for all his money.” Unfortunately that’s pretty commonplace for athletes, but my brother’s not the kind of guy to fall for a woman’s schemes, or at least I hope he isn’t that full of himself.

“He’s doing great, but I’ll have him there to look after me, so please don’t freak out too much. So what’s for dinner tonight?” I change the subject because my stomach starts rumbling and these carrots aren’t doing the trick.

“We’re having homemade pot pies.” My mouth waters immediately.

“Oh wow. That sounds fabulous. I can’t wait for that. Is there anything you need me to help you with?”

A beaming smile crosses my mother’s face that I’m going to miss when I move away. “Sure. I’d love that. We’re not going to get much time together before you leave and spread your wings. How about you wash these vegetables, and I’ll start working on the dough.”

As much as I don’t like doing this on the regular, I enjoy spending time with my mom. She’s been my best friend even though I’ve given her a pretty hard time when I misbehave.

“Mom, I know I’ve been in trouble a couple of times over the years, and I’m sorry about that.”

“A couple of times?” She purses her lips with a look of total bullshit on her face.

“Okay, but it’s never been anything serious.” I can’t help that this town has been boring to me to the point that I’ve actively tried to get in trouble. Granted, never enough to get me more than a spanking here and there—or grounded, which was so much worse than a butt whooping. Dang, I prefer a tanning instead of being forced to muck stalls for three weeks while being locked in my room for weeks on end.

“That doesn’t mean I won’t be concerned.” She has a fair point, but it doesn't mean anything because all parents are the same.

“Is a mother ever not worried about her kids?” I don’t know a mother that doesn’t fret over her children especially the girls because of men like David. Not all women my age would say no to him; in fact, I’m surprised he’s wasting his time with me when there are probably a thousand girls in town that would fall at his feet to be with him. Hell, maybe he’s already been there, done that.

“That is the absolute truth.” She nods with a smile. “We always worry about our babies no matter how old they are.”

“I love you, Mom. I’m going to miss you so much, but I promise to call often.” I throw my arms around her neck and give her a kiss on her flour-covered cheek.

She gives me a side squeeze before getting back to finishing the prep work. Then, we set the pies inside the oven and clean up our mess. We’re just about to sit down and have some coffee when my father comes in, placing his Stetson down and pulling my mother in for a kiss. “Hello, my beautiful ladies.”

“Hello, Daddy.”

“Hello, cowboy,” she calls out to him with a smile meant only for his eyes.

I look at them and see their happiness and want a love like that for my own. “Goodness, get a room.” I roll my eyes and scoff playfully, knowing that it only makes them kiss even more. Nothing will stop them because they love each other, and that’s the way it should be.

****

“It’s move-in day. Are you excited?” my brother asks, calling from training camp during one of his breaks, which are few and far between as preseason starts this week.