I’m a colossally bad liar, so the truth is my only option. “Not that I know of, but I didn’t force her into saying yes.”
“We know you better than that, Parker.” Dad dusts crumbs off his hands. “Considering we didn’t know you were dating Bluebonnet, our shock can’t be a surprise to you, but your mother and I trust your judgment. Does Paisley know?”
“Thank you, Dad. And yes. She knows. I talked to her on the way over here.” I tap the side of my can. “We don’t want anyone else to know this next part. So please keep what I’m about to tell you to yourselves.”
Mom rests a hand on my arm. “Of course we will.”
“She’s expecting. John is adamant about no kids and wanted her to end the pregnancy. So she ended things with him. Being a single mom in a small town like this isn’t easy, and that’s where I come in.”
Dad looks me in the eye and nods in the way that makes me feel like he’s proud of me. “She’s a great girl. And I hope the two of you are very happy.”
Mom claps. “Another grandbaby.” Then she slides a finger across her sealed lips. “But I won’t spill that news until I have permission.”
I guzzle down half the Coke. “Thanks for not trying to talk me out of it.”
“We’d never ask you to walk away from something—or someone—you love.” Dad lifts his eyebrows. “If you recall, I said the same thing when you told us you didn’t want to accept that scholarship and instead wanted to be a wrangler at the ranch.”
“I remember.” I turned down the scholarship, but I did take classes and get a degree so that I’d have something to fall back on if my work with horses had to end. “I appreciate that about y’all.” I finish off my drink. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to run because I want to tell Bluebonnet about tonight. She was worried y’all wouldn’t be happy about our decision.”
Mom shook her head. “Nonsense. You tell her that we are beyond pleased that she is joining our family.”
“I’ll tell her. But I should go. She hasn’t had dinner, and I want to stop and get her food.”
“Wait right there.” Mom rushes into the kitchen.
Dad grins. “I think she’s packing up food. She made fried pickles tonight.”
“Bluebonnet will be thrilled.”
A few minutes later, Mom hands me a bag. “Burger and fried pickles. It’s all hot. I warmed it up in that air fryer you bought me for Mother’s Day. Love that thing.”
“I’m glad you like it. And thanks. She’ll love this.” I give them each a hug before walking out the door.
After starting the engine, I dial Bluebonnet.
She picks up on the first ring. “That was fast. Is that bad?”
“Not at all. They are really happy for us and excited for a new grandbaby.” I listen, hoping to gauge her reaction.
“But you told them the situation?”
“All of it. Like I said before. They love you.”
Sniffles come through the line, and I wish I’d waited to tell her in person. Just so I could hold her.
“And I’m bringing food.”
“Thank you. I’ve waited too long to eat, so I’m nauseous again.”
“Mom sent you a burger and fried pickles. Everything is still hot. So you can eat as soon as I get there.”
“Y’all are too nice to me.”
“We like you, Bonny Blue. A lot.” I turn onto the ranch but don’t end the call because I’m enjoying the connection even though I’m only hearing her breathe. “Almost there.”
She’s standing on the porch when I drive up, and my heart swells. I’m going to marry Bluebonnet. If she feels even a smidgeon of what I feel for her, this will be a dream come true. But life doesn’t always come wrapped up in a pretty bow.
Her smile widens as I approach, but her gaze is fixed on the bag in my hand. My focus is on her lips, and I think back to that kiss. Mindful of our situation, I limit kissing to when we’re in front of others for appearances.
