by Mia Brown
I shook my head. “No, I’m not going out with anyone at the moment,” I said. “Actually, I’m not really looking. Too much going on, you know,” I added. “Uh, how about you?”
“No, nobody at the moment,” he said.
He looked forlorn and I knew then that he liked me. I also knew that my reaction to his question had just put a stop to anything that might’ve happened. I prepared myself to stop receiving flowers after this. I felt bad for wasting his time.
“Well, I better get going,” I said after the silence got too much. “I’m glad to see your horses are doing well. Call me if you need anything else. Okay?”
He nodded. “Sure, okay.”
Twenty-Four
Blaze
It was my mother’s birthday and she was having a big family dinner at the ranch. Thankfully she had decided to not invite anyone other than me so it was just going to be the four of us. We didn’t have a very big extended family and they all lived quite far. I had never been a fan of big family gatherings but that was mostly because I barely knew my aunts, uncles and cousins. It always felt so forced. My mother had been contemplating inviting them all over and getting them to stay the ranch with them for a few nights but she must’ve changed her mind.
“What can I bring?” I asked her.
“Just your handsome face,” she said.
“Just my face? What about the rest of my body?” I teased.
She laughed. “You can bring that too.”
“What else though? I can bring some food if you like.”
“Will you make it or buy it.”
I chuckled. “I’ll buy it.”
“Then the answer is no. Come around six thirty.”
“Okay, see you then, mom.”
I still had a few hours to kill and wondered what I could bring for my mother as a gift. She wasn’t big on presents but I always liked to bring her something. I went to the store to buy her a book, and then happened upon a baking store. I’m not sure if it was the smell of vanilla that brought me in or the pretty woman at the counter but suddenly I was inside looking like a lost child.
“Hi, can I help you?” the woman said. I noticed right away that she had on a wedding ring but it was now too late to hurry out the shop.
“Uh, it’s my mother’s birthday today and I was hoping to bake her a cake.”
“Bake her a cake or buy her one?” she enquired.
I laughed. “I guess I don’t look like much of a baker then do I?”
She chuckled. “Not really, but that shouldn’t stop you. So, you want to bake her one?”
“I’m pretty hopeless and all things domesticated so I figured she might like this,” I said. “Problem is that I have no idea where to start.”
The woman grinned. She seemed delighted by this. “Well, I can definitely help. I have the easiest recipe for you to follow. Honestly, you won’t mess this one up,” she said.
I laughed. “You haven’t seen me in the kitchen yet.”
“True, but I have faith in you. The fact that you’re here and that you’re willing to try says something. Okay, so I actually have the recipe on my computer. Let me print it out for you,” she said. Once printed she walked around the shop picking out all the items I needed and then ran through the recipe with me. It didn’t sound too complicated.
“I might actually be able to do this,” I said to her.
She grinned. “I’m sure you can. It’s just a simple chocolate cake but it’s delicious.”
“That’s all that matters.”
I paid her and was just about to leave when she called for me.
“Oh, sorry, do you have a baking pan?”
“A what?”
“You know to put the cake mixture in before it goes into the oven.”
I laughed. “Uh, no. Do you sell them?”
“We sure do.”
I headed home feeling ridiculous and wondering if I could pull it off. Tyler would mock me endlessly but I knew it would only be because he had no idea how to do it himself. Anyway, if the cake didn’t work out I wouldn’t tell them about it. I still had the book to give her. Back home I got started on the cake, following each step so carefully I felt like a toddler. If this was an easy cake then I couldn’t imagine what a difficult one would be like. When it was time to go into the oven I set the timer on my phone because I had no idea how the oven turner worked, and then waited patiently for the time to come. At the sound of the ping I rushed over to take it out. Out came the most delicious smelling cake ever. It wasn’t the most attractive looking cake I had ever seen, and the icing I put after only seemed to make it worse, but it smelled great. I laughed at my creation. Maybe I could make one for Dallas I thought with a grin. We could eat cake in bed, lick it off each—
My phone rang and I jumped out of my thoughts and rushed to answer it. I thought it might be Dallas who had read my mind but it was only my mother asking me to bring over some sugar. I didn’t tell her about the cake, but quickly put the sugar aside so I didn’t forget. Then I made my way over to the ranch, driving slower than I ever had before so as not to ruin my creation.
“Happy birthday,” I said to her when I arrived and handed her the book and the cake.
She regarded the cake with suspicion. “This smells nice,” she said.
“And let’s hope it tastes nice.” I had wanted to try a piece before bringing it over but I wasn’t sure how to do it without them noticing a slice missing.
“Where did you get it from?” she asked.
I chuckled. “Does it look like the sort of thing I would buy from the shop? I made it for you.”
“No ways. You didn’t.” It was exactly the sort of reaction I thought she would have and I didn’t blame her.
“Didn’t do what?” my father and Tyler said as they walked in.
“I made mom a cake for her birthday,” I said as I showed them my creation.
My father laughed. “Good one, son. But you can’t fool us.”
I chuckled. “Wow, you guys really don’t believe me. I swear I’m not making this up. I made this cake.” Surely they could see that this was not the sort of cake I would buy from a cake?
Tyler came forward to take a look. “Well, it does look like a bit of a disaster so he might be telling the truth.”
I laughed. “You see. I am.”
“It’s not a disaster,” my mother said. “It’s beautiful. And the reason I asked you to bring sugar was because I still had to make dessert. Now I don’t have to. Thank you.”
I grinned. “Let’s wait until we taste it until you thank me.”
We all made our way outside where my mother had set up a table and my father had put fairy lights all over. It really was a beautiful setting and being there made me happy. Had I ever felt this happy in my own place? I wasn’t so sure I had.
“This is amazing, mom. We really are lucky to have such a beautiful place.”
“You know you can always come back when you want. We’ve decided to build a cottage for Tyler so that he can have his space, but we are more than happy to build two.”
“Oh wow, I didn’t know you were moving out,” I said to Tyler. This was all news to me. Then again I was always learning things about the family when I visited. Living somewhere else meant I was no longer privy to all the information as quickly as I used to get them.
“Won’t be for a while, but yeah we figured it was a good idea.”
“I think that’s great,” I said.
“That settles it, we’re building two.”
I smiled. “Mom, you don’t have the money to build two cottages. And I have a home. Thank you, but it’s not necessary.”
“It will be far out in the field, completely separate to us,” she said. “Will you at least think about it?”
I gazed out at the ranch and thought about what she was offering me. A chance to come back to the ranch and be surrounded by such beauty every day. A chance to be near Marty again. It was very tempting but a part of me was still too
afraid. Wouldn’t it seem like I had failed if I came back? What would others think? That I couldn’t make it on my own. There was still something holding me back. I had set out to make it work as a lawyer and I was doing great. I couldn’t turn my back on that lifestyle when I had put so much into it. It was a nice offer but it would feel like I was going backwards.
“I’ll think about it,” I said. It was her birthday after all and I didn’t want to start a fight.
“Wonderful,” she said. I wasn’t sure if she believed me or not but I was sure the conversation would come up again sometime. “Now, let’s tuck in.”
While we ate we spoke about the ranch and they updated me on what was happening. I promised I would come over soon to help out again and realized that I was looking forward to it. It was good to get away from the computer sometimes. Breathing in fresh air was important and it was a part of who I was. I might have left the ranch but it hadn’t truly left me.
“So, I’ve been giving a lot of thought to this, and I think you should agree to a blind date,” my mother said suddenly.
I groaned. “Are we really back to this conversation again?”
“Come on. Humor me. It’s my birthday,” she said. “I think it’s time that both of you stopped messing around and started thinking about settling down.”
“Me too?” Tyler said. “But I’m too young.”
“No you’re not. You should at least start thinking about finding the right woman. I want you both to have grandkids while we’re still around.”
“Mom, you’re talking like you’re old when you’re not. You’re still young. There’s still plenty of time for all of that. I think you’re stressing for nothing.”
“Yes, but I don’t want to be an old grandmother,” she said. “Don’t you agree?” she said to my father who up until now had just been sitting there in silence.
“Well, we can’t force the boys, but at the same time I do agree that you should both try a little harder. And stop going out with the wrong girls. Especially you Tyler. You can’t play the field forever.”
“I’m young and I’m having fun,” Tyler said.
“And I’m busy,” I said.
“And that is no excuse,” my mother said.
The conversation went on for at least twenty more minutes until we both assured her that we would try a little harder. I had a feeling this same conversation was going to come up until I eventually did bring home a girl. Although right now I had no idea when that was going to be. I thought of Dallas and how much I liked her. I knew my parents liked her too. If I were to bring her home they would be delighted. But I still had no idea where I stood with her. The only thing I knew was that I wanted to see her again.
“Right, let’s have some cake,” my mother said and Tyler and I breathed a sigh of relief that the conversation was now over.
I went to fetch the cake and cut everyone a slice. Before tasting it myself I watched their reactions and gasped when they all pulled a face at the same time and told me how terrible it was. I hurriedly took a bite but it was delicious. Then I saw them all grinning at me.
“You all planned that reaction, didn’t you?” I said.
They laughed. “Sorry. We couldn’t help ourselves. This is delicious.”
“Ah, first he can cook, then he can propose,” my mother said and Thomas and I groaned.
Twenty-Five
Dallas
Madison had taken the morning off but when she got in that afternoon the first thing she asked was about Will.
“Tell me you found the receipts,” she said.
I laughed. “I found nothing. And I promise you I did look.”
She sighed. “So you still have no idea.”
“Actually, I think they might be from him,” I said.
“Really? What makes you say that? Did he say something to you?”
“He asked me whether or not I was seeing anyone at the moment,” I said. “Which, in Will’s life, is a very big deal. You know how shy he is.”
“Oh wow. Good for him. That must’ve taken some guts. I knew he didn’t ask you there to just check on the horses. So, what did you say?”
“It took me by surprise. I told him that I wasn’t really interested in dating at the moment. It was so awkward after I said that. He went a bit quiet and didn’t say much. Then I said I better get going and I left. I haven’t heard from him since.”
She groaned. “Oh no. So you aren’t interested in him then?”
I sighed. “I don’t know. I thought I might be. I mean, he’s wonderful. He’s good looking. He’s smart. He’s kind. He’s just one of the sweetest guys I’ve ever met. And he really looks after his ranch. He’s actually the perfect guy.”
“And yet you’re saying that without any sort of passion,” she pointed out.
“Exactly.”
“Well, you can’t force love then, can you?” she said. “It’s a pity, he really is nice, but I get the impression that he wouldn’t suit you. Maybe he’s too nice.”
I groaned. “Does that mean I should be with a bad boy? Because I definitely don’t like bad boys. I like nice guys. I like guys who I know will treat me well.”
“No, it’s not that. You don’t have to like a specific type of guy. You just have to meet someone who makes your heart beat a little faster. That’s all. It’s okay if it’s not Will. It’s good that you said that to him then. The last thing you want to do is lead him on.”
“Oh no, I would never do that to a guy like him. I do feel bad though.”
“Don’t, it’s not your fault. It’s sort of like me and Freddy. Remember that whole thing.”
“Oh yeah, I forgot about Freddy,” I said. Freddy had been after Madison for ages. She’d given in eventually and been on a few dates with him but there had been no spark. From an outsider’s point of view they were perfect for one another, but there was simply nothing there. She’d tried but it had failed. “How is Freddy these days? I haven’t seen him around.”
“Oh he moved to Amsterdam about a year ago. He met someone there too. I see their photos on Facebook all the time and he seems really happy.”
I smiled. “I’m glad. And you have Jack,” I said.
She grinned. “I do. Jack who makes my heart beat a little faster.”
“Did you always know that Jack was the one for you?” I asked.
“Hell no. He drove me crazy at first. I used to get so annoyed with him. And he was so damn cocky. But then, one day, I don’t know, something just happened. It was like I finally got to see his real self and I realized that I quite liked him. After that it didn’t take long for the like to turn into love. It’s not always so obvious in the beginning.”
“Have you set a date yet?”
“We’re thinking maybe in about nine months time.”
I gasped. “Are you pregnant?”
She laughed. “No. If I was pregnant then we would be getting married now. My dress would not look good with a baby bump. Anyway, you’re definitely going to be there. Hopefully you’ll have your plus one by then.”
“So I have nine months to find him?”
“Yes.”
I chuckled. “Challenge accepted.”
“Am I hearing right?” she said. “Did you really just agree to find a date to my wedding? I thought you weren’t interested in finding love.”
I shrugged. “I guess it’s contagious.”
She smiled. “Good to hear you talk like this for a change. Can I make you some coffee by the way? I’m heading to the kitchen to get one for myself.”
“Yes please, I’d love a cup.”
As soon as she left my phone rang and I saw that it was Blaze.
“What’s going on?” I asked.
“Do you always answer the phone like that?” he said.
“No, but I knew it was you,” I said.
He laughed. “You’re very rude. You know that.”
“Like I said before, you bring out the worst in me. Seriously though, is everything okay? Di
d Steve ask you to call me? Because I’ll have you know that I’m not giving up just yet. I have read my lease and I know my rights. If he wants to be stubborn then I can be just as stubborn back.”
“Actually, I thought maybe we could discuss things over dinner? I have a few things I want to talk to you about, but I also have no food in the fridge.”
“You want to go out for dinner?”
“Sure, why not?” he said.
“Well, I don’t know Blaze. I mean, you should know by now that I don’t like hanging out with the enemy.”
“I’ll pay.”
“Well, in that case…”
He laughed. “Come on, I’ll take you somewhere nice. Is that a yes then?”
“Are you going to wear your ridiculous suit?” I teased.
“I’m sorry but my suit is perfectly nice. It’s Steve who wears the most ridiculous suits, not me.”
That made me laugh. “Does he really think he looks good in those things? The other day he was wearing a mustard suit with some awful polka dot tie. He seemed awfully pleased at himself but everyone was looking at him in amusement.”
Blaze laughed. “Oh, trust me, I think he believes everyone is jealous of his impeccable dress sense. He probably thinks he’s starting a trend.”
“You sound like you don’t like the guy very much,” I said.
“I don’t.”
“Hmm. Well you have an odd way of showing it.”
“So, back to the dinner,” he said. “Is that a yes or a no? Because if it’s a no I’m only going to keep trying to convince you to say yes. And if you put the phone down on me I’m only going to phone you again. And if you keep putting the phone down I’m going to appear at your doorstep at six thirty. You might as well just skip all the trouble and say yes.”
I sighed. “Okay fine. Dinner sounds great.”