Page 16 of For Him

Pulling into my parents, drive that evening felt exhausting. I was ready to crash in my bed, not because today was bad, but because I ended up covering every patient that afternoon for Doc and was physically wiped now. Taking a deep breath, I reminded myself that I had to put on a happy face for my parents and glanced at the unfamiliar truck sitting in the drive.

A red diesel that did not belong to my parents. Maybe one of my siblings bought a new vehicle and was here visiting? Feeling a rush of rejuvenation from anticipation, I hustled up the front steps and swung the door open. The smell of the most delicious home cooked meal crashed against my nostrils and excitement coursed through my veins.

Only for my heart to drop in an instant.

Seated on the couch beside my parents in their recliners, was Cassidy and who I assumed to be his parents. My mouth fell open as all five pairs of eyes swung towards me. What was going on? I quickly kicked my shoes off and unzipped my coat, my eyes flickering between each person in front of me.

“Uh, hi?” I said, hesitantly stepping into the great room. “What’s going on here?”

My mom smiled widely, her hair was curled and she had makeup on her face. My father even wore a nice button up and seemed to be a little more lively than usual. Cassidy had on a nice gray button down paired with clean slacks, and his felt cowboy hat looked pristinely dusted.

“We have guests for dinner!” my mother quickly replied with a grin and pushed herself forward in her seat, reaching for her walker. Cassidy promptly rose from his spot on the couch and helped my mom to her feet. “Well, let’s eat now that Tenley is here!”

I remained frozen in bewilderment as Cassidy’s parents both came in my direction, pausing directly in front of me. Shifting from staring in shock at Cassidy, who was now helping my father rise from his chair, my gaze eventually settled on the two people in front of me. Both of them were taller than I was; his father stood as tall as Weston and wore a cleanly starched pair of wranglers with a dark green flannel. He’d combed his hair neatly and clutched a beige cowboy hat in his fingers.

But, as my gaze rested on his eyes, I couldn’t tear away from it. So blue. His eyes were so very bright blue. Just as Weston’s were. His hair was light brown, nearly blond but that was about the only thing different between father and son. He even had a mustache so similar to Weston’s, albeit a little thinner and with graying tips. His strong face shape, thick neck, powerful build, it was like I was staring at a reflection of what I imagined Weston would look like as he grew older.

Wrinkled and weathered, tanned skin hardened by years in the sun, but handsome. Imperfectly handsome. The perfection that caressed Cassidy’s features came from his mother, whom I did quickly glance towards. Yes, Cassidy and his mother looked very similar. She wore a nice long-sleeved blue blouse and jeans. The more I studied everyone, the more it seemed almost like I’d been set up on a date.

My gaze returned to Weston’s father, unable to focus much on that fleeting thought. As I studied the intensity in his eyes, I think he suddenly knew. The way his brows twitched and his head slightly tilted. I think he knew, and oddly enough a small, crooked smile filled his face, hidden mostly by the mustache.

“It’s a pleasure to finally properly meet you, Tenley. We saw you at the ranch the other day, fitting right in. Anyway, Cassidy filled us in on what is going on with the locoweed.” Weston’s mother extended her hand as I blinked, tearing my eyes from those blue eyes. “I’m Nancy, and this is my husband, Jeb.”

I grasped her hand and shook, plastering a small smile on my face. “Sorry I didn't introduce myself then. It was a bit of a hectic day.”

Footsteps sounded beside me, and I stole a glance over Jeb’s shoulder. Cassidy was strutting our way, a haughty grin clear upon his face. “Not to be rude, but what’s going on?” I quickly asked before he reached us.

It surprised me when Jeb answered. “Your parents invited us and Cassidy to a wonderful dinner.”

“Ain’t this great?” Cassidy’s voice reached my ear as he came to stand beside his father. Those blue eyes made it so difficult to tear away from. However, the longer I stared, the more I realized all I wanted was for them to be on Weston, and not his father.

I faked a smile in Cassidy’s direction, catching his apologetic stare. “Will you excuse me for one moment?” I quickly said. Turning towards the kitchen that had an ornate large island in the middle, I power walked past that and into the dining room. It was set in a beautiful little nook surrounded by a large arched window that let in beautiful sunrises. My parents were watching the encounter from their seats beside each other on the finely set table.

Leaning forward between the two, I whispered, “Explain.”

My mom gave me her mischievous smile. “I knew you would never take the initiative, so we decided to help.”

“Is this a date?” I said through gritted teeth.

“You would’ve absolutely objected to one, so that’s why we invited his parents too,” she replied as my father subtly rolled his eyes.

“Of course I would object! How is this any different? It’s still pairs!” I felt ready to explode in frustration until my gaze flickered towards my father. He gave me a pained smile.

Closing my eyes, I took a calming breath. It was only a single dinner that was not a date, to appease my mother. One which would hopefully get her off of my back for a while.

“Everything alright?” Nancy’s voice entered the dining room, and I stood upright, my hands resting upon my parents’ shoulders as the three of them approached, patiently waiting.

“Of course! Let’s eat!” my mom said as I sucked my lips between my teeth for a moment.

And it came as no surprise that I ended up seated next to Cassidy. Dinner began, small talk passing mostly between my parents and his. Even Cassidy seemed unusually quiet, which came as an odd relief for me.

I leaned towards Cassidy. “You could’ve said something.”

“I didn’t know until my parents pulled up into your driveway,” he replied, taking a sip of his water and glancing at me.

I shook my head. “I need to focus on my dad and work right now, not date.”

“Technically this isn’t a date.”

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