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“Maureen liked her fine. She loved the way Raine did hair.”
“I see.”
“Maureen… She’s traditional. She’s not prejudiced in any way, but when it comes to her own children… Well, she’s not as open as she’d like to think she is. She tries, though. She loves all our children equally, but she sees them in little boxes sometimes.”
That much was apparent from the dinner conversation.
“And you?” I ask.
“All I care is that my children are happy. If you make Rory happy, great. But if she had ended up with Raine? Or any other man or woman? That would have been great as well, as long as Rory was happy. Same for her and Jesse following their hearts with their music. But Maureen sees that and compares it to Callie and all her ambition. If you knew her mother, you’d understand. It’s not fair and it’s not right, and Maureen and I have had many words about it over the years. But she’s a wonderful woman. A wonderful wife and mother. She cares as much as I do about all our children.”
I like Frank Pike more and more, and I feel terrible for what happened to his ranch.
“That’s a great attitude, Frank.” From Donny.
“It’s the only attitude a father can have, in my book. But like I said, Maureen is a little more traditional.”
“So she’s pretty glad I’m here,” I say.
“Son, I’d say pretty glad is an understatement.” Frank takes a puff on his cigar and smiles. “But like I said, we know this is new for both of you. Frankly, I’m surprised Rory invited you over tonight. Maureen asked her to, but she hedged at first.”
“Did she?”
“Rory doesn’t rush into things. She’s usually with someone for a couple of months before she invites him or her over to meet us.”
“I suppose it’s different. You already know me.”
“Brock, this is a small town. We already know all of them.”
I can’t help it. I chuckle. “When you’re right, you’re right, sir.”
“Frank.”
“Frank, then.”
He eyes my cigar still sitting in the ashtray. “You don’t really like cigars, do you?”
“Well…”
“You just need to be honest with me. It’s okay if you don’t like cigars like your cousin here.”
“I don’t want to waste it.”
“Don’t be silly. There’s no need to smoke if you don’t want to.” He smiles and rises. “Now, if you gentlemen will excuse me, I need to see a man about a horse.”
Once Frank is in the house, Donny turns to me. “They’re good people, Brock. And they do love Rory.”
“I never thought they didn’t.”
“Just don’t judge Maureen too harshly. She accepts Rory.”
“But does she?” I take a sip of brandy. “I don’t like what I heard.”
“I knew you wouldn’t. Callie and I didn’t like it much either, but Callie insists their mother loves them all equally, as Frank says. Even Rory knows it.”
“Well, they don’t love Rory more than I do.”
“They do, just in a way different way.” Donny smiles. Then he drops his jaw. “Wait… YouloveRory?”
