AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Thanks.” My phone beeps with a text from Josh, telling me he’s on his way to pick me up.
My mom leaves the room, and I take one last look in the mirror before heading out to the front porch.
Josh is already pulling up, and the sight of him behind the wheel makes me smile.
As I walk down the front steps, he gets out of the car, looking as handsome as ever in a button-up shirt and jeans.
“Hey.” His smile lights up the whole world.
“Hey,” I reply, feeling my heart flutter. “You look amazing.”
He chuckles. “You’re the one who looks amazing. I could just eat you up.”
His lips close over mine, and I sink into a deep, slow kiss.
Breaking away, he growls low in his throat. “Are you ready to go?”
I nod, and he opens the door for me, his hand brushing against my lower back. I climb into the passenger seat, feeling the heat of his gaze on me as he walks around to get into the driver’s side.
“I hope this is still okay.” He steers us for the road. “Having dinner with my parents.”
I nod, feeling a little nervous. I want to make a good impression on them, and apparently they were very insistent on having dinner with me and Josh before I leave town in a week and a half.
I make myself smile despite my nerves. “I’m excited to meet them.”
Josh drives us through town and to the steakhouse next to the river. It’s the nicest place in the area for sure, and I’m glad I at least wore a dress and not jeans.
As we walk in, I can feel the warmth from the low-lit lanterns on the ceiling and hear the clinking of wine glasses. Josh leads us to a table in the corner where his parents are already seated, waiting for us.
It’s been years since I’ve seen Richard and Diane Humphries, and though their hair is now laced with gray, they’re still as regal-looking as I remember them.
After some quick hellos, we all take our seats. Josh’s hand finds mine under the table, and I hold tight to it.
“It’s so good to see you, Erin.” Diane unfolds her napkin on her lap. “Your mother has told me all about your accomplishments. It sounds like you’re a star doctor in San Antonio.”
I smile, feeling a little embarrassed. “Thank you, Mrs. Humphries. I’m just doing my job.”
“Well, it’s an important job, and we’re so proud of you,” Richard says, leaning forward. “Josh has been telling us all about your work. It’s truly inspiring.”
I feel myself blush at the compliment. Josh squeezes my hand under the table.
“She’s amazing.” His eyes meet mine. “She helped out with a minor emergency on the ranch last week. We were lucky to have her.”
“What happened?” Richard frowns.
“Keith had a little run-in with a saw,” Josh explains. “He’s all right. Healing up, and the doctor said he should have full use of his arm once he’s better.”
Richard continues to frown. “What was Keith doing using a saw? That kid doesn’t have the experience to—”
“It’s fine,” Josh cuts him off, and a tension settles around the table.
I get the sense that this kind of conversation isn’t new. Josh obviously wants to avoid it, but his dad seems to be of a different mind.
“What are you selling the heifers for this year?” Richard asks.
“Uh, I don’t want to bore Erin with ranch talk, Dad.” Josh smiles, but there’s no warmth to it.
“I’m sure Erin doesn’t mind. Do you, Erin?” Richard glances at me.
