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We chatted for quite some time, the clock ticking the seconds along as she apologized. Not a single excuse came out of her mouth as she admitted to being in the wrong. She explained how hurt she felt, and how selfish that was of her. She apologized for everything she’d said to me, and said that she never truly thought I was dragging Tenley or our family’s name through the mud.
I gave her a hug as she cried. I hadn’t realized how hard it was for her to let go, but then again, maybe I should’ve since I obviously got that stubbornness from somewhere.
Slowly, we broke apart, and she pulled her lips into a soft smile. Reaching forward, she brushed some hair from my forehead and sighed. “You’ve grown up into an incredible man, Weston,” she whispered.
“I love you too, Mom,” I replied, and she chuckled. “By the way, could I steal a couple things from you for tomorrow night? I’d like to take Tenley out on a special Christmas dinner date,” I asked, as the somber mood lifted, realizing this was a perfect time to ask what I’d been about to call her for. This date would be at my house, but I wanted to borrow my mom’s fancy holiday China, and tablecloth. Even a couple candles if she had some to spare.
“A date?” she squealed, a little higher pitched than I expected.
“Yes, and alone, too. That’s all I wanted was one date alone. That’s it,” I replied, and she sighed, hearing what I hadn’t spoken.
“I know. I understand now, and I’m sorry,” she said, apologizing for the twelfth time.
“Mom, it’s water under the bridge,” I replied, and she pulled her hands into her lap. “Really, though. Can I use your Christmas China? And that one tablecloth with little elves on it?”
She chuckled and smiled again, as something stirred behind her eyes. “I think we can do better. We’ll take care of it tomorrow, okay? So you can have that alone date.” A scent was in the air, like she had a plan, and I figured her meddling foot had just slipped into the doorway.
“Thank you,” I replied, letting it go. If we were alone, fine. She could meddle.
“Oh, and I’ll make sure you two have plenty of privacy during your date.” She wiggled her brows, emphasizing the one thing I was still desperately seeking. Typical Mom. “Now you need to get some sleep, you’ve got a big day tomorrow.”
She stood from the couch and pulled me into another hug. “Goodnight, Mama,” I replied.
“I’m proud of you, and I love you, son,” she said, and quickly disappeared out into the cold. I stared at the closed door for a moment. She was proud of me. My shoulders felt as light as a feather, floating up to the ceiling as her words settled upon me. Capturing the world that I’d been carrying.
Tenley loved me. My mom was proud of me. Everything in the world was set unusually right. It all felt as it should be, and as I turned to head to my bedroom, a different understanding settled on me.
Tenley’s father.
And I knew what else I needed to do tomorrow. It was definitely happening much sooner than I expected, but it was necessary, considering the circumstances. And luckily, everything I needed, I'd acquired a few days after we kissed.
Making my way back downstairs, I paused in front of my bedroom door. Soft snores filtered from the dark room; Tenley was fast asleep. Exhaustion crashed into me like a ton of bricks. What a whirlwind of a ride it had been.
A smile crept across my face as I slipped inside the room and slowly began to undress for the night. Memories. She’d talked about all the memories that had come from every ruined attempt at a perfect date, and she was right.
Who else could say that they were knocked over by a runaway pig with elf shoes? Or turned into a snowman by their brother? What other person could say that they were squirted with frosting before sneaking out the side of a tent in their thirties because their parents might catch them on a date?
Those were things that Tenley and I would forever get to share. Even today, as she simply hung out with me while I made donuts, or how I got to watch her experience her first, very mild and tame rodeo. Those kids riding steers instead of bulls was nothing like the real thing. But that made me all the more excited for rodeo season.
I vowed to take her on a trail ride, to teach her to ride, and maybe even rope. It was time that I let the reins loose a little on my control over the ranch. Cassidy could have more control, step up to the plate and take on more responsibilities.
There was this beautiful, strong woman waiting in my bed that required more of my attention. It was time to shake off the rumors that had forced me to hide away. I had memories to make and dates to go on.
Walking over to Tenley, as politely as I could, I slipped her out of the dress and stockings. Tugging one of my shirts over her head right after, I quickly hustled back to the side of the bed closest to the door and laid down. Pulling a still asleep Tenley into my body, I took a deep breath, inhaling her sweet scent of honeysuckles and peppermint and found sleep within another moment.
“Merry Christmas, Cowboy!” Tenley shouted, jumping on top of me. I grunted as all of the air rushed from my lungs. She squealed in delight, waking me from the peaceful slumber I’d been in.
“Merry Christmas, darling,” I groaned, stretching, and cracked open my eyes to find her in some ridiculous holiday onesie. She giggled again and stood up, flipped around, and stuck her butt right in my face.
“Look what it says! Look! Look!” She wiggled it right in my face, and I smacked her bum lightly.
“If you don’t stop moving, I won’t be able to read it,” I said, chuckling.
“Oh, sorry.” She froze, holding as still as she could while standing on the mattress.
“Meet me under the Moostletoe,” I read out loud and laughed, looking over the onesie one more time. It was bright red with little moose heads splattered about. Strings of lights wrapped around the antlers and ornaments dangled from the tips.
“And guess what!” She spun back around and plopped down on top of my lap, straddling me.
