“It would be wonderful to have a bunch of children running around. I miss when Val and Scott were little.” She sets in the last cut into her sparse freezer and closes it. “I keep hoping Scott finds himself someone and has a family.” With a wistful, faraway look, she limps closer and settles into her threadbare recliner.
“I don’t get much from my social security, but I’d love to spoil some grandbabies.” Her smile falters as she stares at the flames in her small woodstove window.
But then she turns, clasping her palms with a renewed grin. “How about you? Does your dad let you leave the ranch longenough to meet anyone? You’re like a second son, you know.” With a twinkle, she winks at me. “I’d treat yours like my own.”
I swallow hard.
That means Val hasn’t told her.
I really was just a fling for her.
“Nah. I mean, there was a girl…” My voice fades around the lump forming in my throat. “But she didn’t want anything like that.”
“Oh, honey.” Mrs. Martin’s wrinkled hand reaches out to pat mine. “Her loss. She just didn’t appreciate what an amazing heart you have.”
“Maybe,” I grumble.
I caught a glimpse of Eli that night. I can see why Val would be drawn more to him than me.
His clothes looked expensive.
Much better than what I wear. I’ve never had much of a reason to buy anything fancy since I’m always just working on the ranch.
Everything I own always ends up covered in shit.
“Do you want to come back with me?” I don’t want Mrs. Martin to be alone tonight.
“You’re so sweet. Val said she might stop by, so I’ll probably stay in tonight. But thank you for the invitation.” She tugs up an old crocheted blanket across her lap.
That makes my pulse race.
Val’s coming here?
“Well, I’d love to stay, but I should get going. I promised Dad I’d get the Christmas lights up on the house tonight.” I push up out of the couch, then hold up my palm as she starts to rise.
“You stay comfy. Happy Thanksgiving.” I try my best to have a pleasant expression while inside I want to puke.
“I miss you boys staying up all night playing video games.” Tears rim her lids over her gentle smile. “Be careful driving home, Sawyer.”
“I will. Have a good night.” Stepping out into the cold, I tug my coat tighter.
What a stupid thing to think of how much I’d love to grant her wish.
One day I’ll meet someone who wants me just as badly as I want them and I’ll be able to bring Mrs. Martin a baby to hold.
Snow is coming down in fat flakes by the time I make it home. There’s still a whole mess of cars in the parking lot.
Looks like even the sheriff showed up with his girl.
Dad said they were getting married soon.
I don’t think I can handle seeing them. It reminds me too much of Halloween.
The first time I got to kiss Val.
Pulling past the main house, I roll to a stop in front of the mechanic shed.
It’s warm enough in here to be comfortable and I know there’s beer in the fridge.
