"The heat has gotten to my head," I tell myself, then toss my phone on the bed. I put on a pair of clean jeans, a fresh T-shirt,and secure my belt buckle. I slide into my nicer boots, grab my cowboy hat, and descend the stairs.
Jacob appears at the bottom.
More guilt, along with fear, fills me. I love and respect the Cartwrights. They're the only family I've ever really had. I would never do anything to risk their acceptance of me.
I just jacked off to Willow's face.
I groan again, only this time, it's out loud.
"Something wrong, son?" Jacob asks.
I hold my breath.
Does he know?
His eyes turn to slits as he peers closer at me.
Snap out of it.
"It's just hot out," I claim.
He nods. "They say this summer will be a record high."
"Really?"
"Yep. Anyway, come outside with me. We've got an issue with Tibby we need to fix," he declares.
"Tibby? What's wrong with her?" I fret, forgetting about my dilemma. The Cartwrights got Tibby for me on my sixteenth birthday. She's a good horse, and I'm unaware of any issues.
"I think she's just overheated. Best if we hose her down. She's in the backyard corral."
"Okay," I agree as I put on my hat and follow him outside. I turn the corner of the house, then stop in my tracks.
"Surprise! Happy birthday!" a crowd shouts, and a band begins to play. Tents cover the lawn, smoke from a pig roaster fills the air, and several bars are set up.
I grin, then laugh. "You tricked me," I state, but it's true. I had forgotten about the party.
His lips twitch. He lowers his voice. "I'm sure you had some idea."
I shake my head. "Nah. You definitely took me by surprise."
He pats me on the back. "Happy birthday. You're officially a man."
"Thank you, sir. And I just wanted to..." Emotions hit me, and I have to pause.
Jacob pats my back again. "We're proud of the young man you've turned into."
"Happy birthday," Ruby sings, then reaches up to hug me.
I return her affection and offer, "Thank you. And this party is too much."
"Not at all," she says, waving her hand in front of her face.
One by one, the Cartwrights all step up to hug me, but all I can see is the one at the end of the line.
Willow.
My heart stops. She's in a yellow sundress, and I swear the sun looks dull in comparison.
