His smile makes me think of Bluebonnet because that’s one thing she inherited from him. I’m not sure her mom ever smiled when she lived here.
I wait, hoping he won’t ask more questions.
“I miss living in Stadtburg. And I won’t say this to Bluebonnet, but I was so excited about grandkids. I won’t ask when you’ll start trying again, but you won’t hear complaints from me. I did a lot of things wrong when Bluebonnet was growing up. And maybe I shouldn’t have sold our house, but the memories weren’t good. You don’t want to hear about all that, but what I’m trying to say is, I’m looking for a place around here. Haven’t found one yet, but when I do, I’ll have y’all over.” He pats my shoulder. “I always liked you, Parker.”
“I’m glad, sir.”
Anderson walks in, and I’ve never been happier for an interruption. “Mr. Moore, this is Anderson. He works here now.”
“Call me David. You’re my son-in-law. You don’t need to be calling me Mr. Moore. And, Anderson, it’s very nice to meet you.” Bluebonnet’s dad gives a wave and walks out of the barn.
“Father-in-law, huh?” Anderson smirks. “And he seems to like you.”
“Amazing, isn’t it?” I grab the rake. “What about you? Are you married?”
“Oh, no. Got my heart broken in the third grade and decided I’d be happier alone. Besides, I’m really good at saying the wrong thing, which makes dating hard and marriage impossible.”
Anderson rarely goes a day without making me laugh.
“Why don’t you just say the opposite of whatever pops in your head?”
“That’s a good idea. Why didn’t I think of that? Probably why you’re married and I’m not.” He pulls a face, then walks outside.
Tonight, I’ll tell Bluebonnet some of what her dad said, and hopefully figure out if she’s really okay.
Chapter 31
Bluebonnet
Islide into a corner booth, glad I’m meeting Paisley in San Antonio, far away from the ranch. Here, I can talk freely without worrying who might overhear.
She sets her phone on the table. “I’ve missed this. Getting together and being able to talk without a little one crying or tugging on my sleeve. Don’t get me wrong. I love them, but the break is nice. How are you?”
“I think I’m going to end things with Parker.” I practiced that sentence all the way here so that I could get the words out without choking on them.
Paisley drops her head into her hands and finally looks up after nearly a minute. “You promised.”
“He’s not happy, Paisley. And it’s my fault. I baby-trapped him, and there isn’t going to be a baby. He’s just sad. And it’s tearing me up inside.”
“It’s only been six weeks. Y’all are both still feeling it.”
“He doesn’t sing in the shower. And last week, he went out with Dag. He’s never done that. He deserves to be happy and have a real wife.”
“Just for a minute, let’s talk about what you want.” She waves off the waiter and stares at me. “What do you want?”
“I’ve lost my best friend. And divorcing will destroy what’s left of our friendship. I wasn’t good about telling him how important he was. I mean, is. I can’t imagine going through this without him.”
“Your best friend, huh?” She picks up her menu.
“My other best friend. Things were good before all this. Really good. I thought...” I hold up the menu so that Paisley doesn’t see my tears.
“Please have a heart-to-heart with him before you make a decision. Tell him how you feel.”
“I probably should. Maybe.”
“Not maybe.” She smiles as the waiter walks up. “I’ll start with the bacon cheese fries and a root beer.”
I blink away tears. “I’ll have the same but with a Dr Pepper.”
