I pick up the note before breaking into my extra special breakfast.
Good morning, Buttercup,
I’m off to help my dad around the farm and check in on everything. You mentioned wanting to visit Momma T and Stanley. I realized you might not be comfortable driving an ATV to their house, so I texted Momma T. She said she can pick you up whenever you’re ready to visit. Do not feel obligated to hang out at my family’s house. In fact, I’d suggest leaving so you don’t get roped into the day-long cooking they’ve already started.
Have a good morning. I’ll pick you up later this afternoon so we can help set up for the big fiesta. Can’t wait to see you later.
As You Wish
Mateo
My heart thumps painfully against my chest. How is he so perfect for me? It’s like he can read my mind. It’s like he knows me.
The thought has me grabbing the first chair I can find, which happens to be one of the beautifully crafted dining room table chairs, and I sit and process that thought.
Mateo knows me. Not in the way the Bible talks spouses knowing each other like I’ve been learning in my reading. No, Mateo gets me. He’s starting to understand how I think and has picked up on my preferences and habits.
Honestly, he knows more about my feelings and emotional well-being than anyone, even my brother.
Fear shoots through me like ice in my veins and I can’t stop the shiver that races up my spine.
I’ve never let someone get this close to me. After being hurt by my parents, I haven’t let myself get attached to anyone who might leave me.
Fear battles in my heart against the assurances and peace I’ve felt about my relationship with Mateo.
The pressure grows in my chest, weighing on me until it feels hard to breathe.
I need to get out of my head and talk to someone.
I pull out my phone and text Alex’s mother-in-law. He’s testified of her advice and motherly intuition, and that’s what I need right now.
Holly
Hey, Momma T. I’d love to spend the morning with you. Are you still okay with picking me up?
Momma T
Sweet pea, you don’t even have to ask. I can pick you up as soon as you’re ready.
Holly
Fifteen minutes?
Momma T
See you then, sweetie!
The Nutella and pretzels are going to have to wait. I find a bagel and slather on cream cheese, scarfing down the comforting carbs before brushing my teeth and slipping on my shoes. My special snack goes into my purse for later.
Tires roll across the gravel driveway next to the house, and I head out the door to see Momma T getting out of her truck.
The joy on her face at seeing me instantly comforts my soul. “Holly! Come here, my girl.”
I rush to her, my purse slapping against my hip as I jog down the walkway. Momma T’s arms envelop me when I reach her. It’s as if just being near her soothes my soul, knowing that we’ll figure things out together, and this indescribable feeling immediately calms the riot of my emotions.
Maybe the hug does too good of a job, because next thing I know moisture is gathering in my eyes.
Momma T pulls back, cupping my cheek. “Dear girl, I’m so happy to see you. I wish we could have come to the wedding, but Stanley volunteered to watch the farm for Mateo’s family.”
