That explains all the phone calls I’ve had from her lately. I’m not naïve enough to believe she truly regrets breaking up with me. She’s just scared of starting over again.
I huff out a frustrated breath. “I brought a date, Mom.”
“Oh, well, I didn’t know you were bringing a date. You didn’t tell me you were seeing anyone. You never talk to me now that you’re at that ranch all the time.” Her nose wrinkles in distaste.
I sigh. "I know, Mom. I'm sorry I haven't talked to you more. But you really thought your party was the best place to put me and Hannah in a room together again? After she threw a vase at my head last time I saw her?"
My mom straightens her posture and waves off my concerns. “She’s over all that silliness from before. I’m sure she wouldn’t throw anything at you tonight. And the party is romantic. There are drinks and musicand dancing. She gestures toward the dance floor that has a few couples dancing on it.”
“This isn’t a Hallmark movie,” I growl.
Quinn bites back a smile.
“Don’t be so hard on your mother. She was only trying to help, Wes.” My dad’s eyes plead with me to drop it. To give Mom the benefit of the doubt and forgive the misstep.
I give a resigned nod. She only wanted what was best for me, even if her idea of "best" didn't always line up with reality—and despite the fact that I’m a thirty-five-year-old man who doesn’t need his mommy to help play matchmaker.
“I’m sorry. Happy Birthday, Mom.” I give her a kiss on her cheek and pull out the package I’d picked up for her at a small jeweler’s shop in town.
She opens the small box and her face lights up. “Oh, Wes. They’re beautiful!”
Quinn peeks around my shoulder and gives me a little squeal. “Where’d you get those earrings? They’re so pretty!”
“A little shop in Cottonwood Creek. Saw them in the window and thought they’d be perfect for Mom.”
“They are. Thank you, darling.”
“How are things going on the ranch?” Dad asks, fiddling with his cufflinks.
“The ranch is good. The herd is thriving, and Pops is managing better with another set of hands to help out.”
“Good.” He nods his approval.“And he’s still agreeing to sell after the eight weeks are up?”
I run a hand over my short beard as my stomach ties itself in knots. "He hasn’t said otherwise. Everything going okay at the firm?"
Dad nods, gifting me with a small smile. "Todd's done a great job filling in while you've been gone. It's been a smooth transition."
A bit of the knot residing in my chest loosens.
“How’s the house looking?” Mom asks. “Whoever buys the property will probably tear it down, but it’s good to have everything looking like it’s been kept up over the years when we put it up for sale.”
My heart stutters in my chest, but I ignore it. “It looks better since I got the fresh coat of paint on it.”
Mom glimpses an acquaintance and waves at them with a well-placed smile. “Well, that sounds promising. It’s good to see you, dear, but I need to make the rounds with your father.”
“Sure, Mom. I’ll see you later.” She gives me a quick kiss on the cheek before disappearing with my dad into the throng of people and tables.
“Have you seen Hannah?” I ask Quinn, glancing around but hoping I don’t see her.
I really don’t want to be anywhere near that woman, especially here, at a party full of people, with the girl I've been unable to stop falling for.
“Last I saw her, she was over there.” Quinn gestures toward the bar where I’d sent Sawyer a few minutes ago.
“You let me send my girl—I mean, my date over where my ex-fiancée is holding court?”
Quinn snorts. “If I remember right, Sawyer has no problem handling herself. Besides, Hannah probably didn’t even see you two come in together. I just wanted to warn you before you accidentally bumped into her. I didn’t want you to freak out.”
“I wouldn’t have freaked out. I’m over her.”
