He knew Savvy often felt left out among her friends because she didn’t have a mom. For that reason, he’d half hoped she and Cheyenne could build some sort of relationship, but it didn’t look like that would ever happen. He was just relieved Savvy wasn’t hurt by the fact that her mother didn’t seem interested in a relationship with her.
Instead, she seemed to have formed a bond with Debbie. The two of them apparently talked about everything, lately. And Savvy had gained celebrity status at school because she was working for and friends with the richest woman in town.
Well, maybe not the richest. He’d heard rumors that the rancher’s wife at the Double Diamond Ranch inherited a bunch of money a few years ago.
Debbie had worked her way into his life so completely he feared his kids liked her more than they did him most days. He both loved and hated it. Loved it because the kids enjoyed being around her. He’d come to realize that even though they loved going to her house, when they talked about Debbie lately, it was always about the things she’d done with them and how she made them laugh.
He hated it because he still didn’t feel like he could accept her money. Despite Debbie’s kindness and generosity, he’d never felt so inadequate and impoverished in his life. Well, except for all those years he was married to Cheyenne.
He was going to break more than his own heart when he ended this engagement. He’d been careful all week to make sure he and Debbie were never alone. He didn’t trust himself to keep his hands off her. And when he left each evening without kissing her goodnight, she looked as disappointed as he felt, but he couldn’t lose sight of the fact that this was supposed to be a pretend engagement.
Savvy had finally finished the mural at Debbie’s house and it had turned out amazing, but come Monday, she would start some other smaller projects in other rooms to pay for her prom dress. Although Austin enjoyed going to Debbie’s house for dinner each evening and getting to know her despite the boys’ chatter, he’d be relieved when Savvy was done working for her.
“Dad?” Savvy said at the same level Cody usually talked at.
“What? Why are you shouting?”
“Because I said your name three times, and you didn’t answer.” Exasperation filled her voice.
“Sorry, I guess my mind was elsewhere.”
“I’ll say. I bet I can guess exactly where. Or maybe I should say with whom.” Savvy gave him a teasing grin.
“That’s enough.” He shook a finger at her. “What do you want?”
“Can Caleb come over tomorrow? You said you wanted to meet him before prom, and that’s next weekend.”
Austin’s stomach tightened. He always reacted this way when he thought about Savvy growing up and having a boyfriend.
“Yeah, he can come over. What time are you thinking?” Austin tried to think of what he needed to do tomorrow, now that Cheyenne had canceled.
Savannah shifted from one foot to the other. “Is it okay if he comes over for dinner…and maybe stays to watch a movie…or something?”
Austin debated teasing his daughter about her boyfriend, but decided against it since he didn’t want her teasing him about Debbie. Savvy said she wasn’t ready for a real relationship yet, but she’d sure seemed to like this Caleb kid. Austin needed to make sure he was good enough for his daughter.
“Sure. Dinner and a movie. Sounds fun.”
And I can make sure Caleb keeps his hands to himself.
Savvy headed to her room, but she turned back. “You could invite Debbie over to join us, if you want.”
“What?” Austin’s head popped up.
She shrugged like it didn’t really matter. “Maybe it’s your turn to cook for her for a change.” Then she disappeared into her bedroom.
But she’d planted a seed that took root so fast Austin knew he was crazy for considering it. How would Debbie react to eating dinner with them at their small kitchen table? He knew she grew up with humble roots, but had she become so accustomed to her lifestyle that she’d be uncomfortable in his?
He pulled his phone from his pocket and flipped it around in his hands half a dozen times before turning it on. He pulled up Debbie’s name then paused. Did he really want to do this?
Yes, I do.
But what kind of message would he be sending her? Would she think it meant more than it did?
He swiped out a quick text before he could talk himself out of it.
Do you have plans tomorrow evening?
Her response came quicker than he expected.
