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“But?”
“I have to go out of town tomorrow.” I sigh and don’t mask the frustration in my gut.
“Oh, for how long?”
“A few weeks.”
“A few…weeks?”
“Yeah. I’m needed in Europe and Asia, so I figured I’d stop in at all of my main properties to make an appearance and take meetings in person. I have to swing by my place in Manhattan first for a few days, and then I’ll be traveling pretty much every day.”
“But, what about Jake?”
“I thought about taking him, but he insisted on staying with the horses. Brady and Millie will take turns staying here with him. He’s mostly fine by himself, but I want an adult here at night. My parents will look in on him. I have a village.” I smile at her, touched that her first thought was of my teenager.
“He can call me if he needs anything,” she offers.
“Thank you. I appreciate that.”
Polly simply walks into my arms and hugs me around the middle, her ear pressed to my chest.
“It sucks that you have to go for so long.”
“I’ll miss you, too.” I kiss her hair and breathe her in. “But the time will go by fast. I heard you tell Millie that business is picking up for you, too.”
“It’s the crazy season,” she confirms with a sigh. “Yeah, I’m busy. And I’m being selfish. I hope you have a productive, safe trip. I’ll text you inappropriate messages.”
“I’m looking forward to that.”
The door slides open behind us, and I glance back to find my mom walking in with an empty pitcher of what was lemonade.
“Oh, excuse me,” she says, and the grin spreads wide over her face. “I have to pour more lemonade for the troops.”
“I’ll help,” Polly offers.
“Oh, thank you, dear, but do you mind if I have a conversation with my son?”
Polly laughs and shakes her head. “Not at all. Sounds like you’re in trouble.” She pats my arm as she heads for the door. “Good luck with that.”
She closes the door behind her, and I pat the ache in my chest before turning to my mother, who has a gooey look on her pretty face.
“I know what you’re thinking.”
“Do you, now?” She clucks her tongue and pours lemonade into the pitcher. “And what is that?”
“That Polly and I make a handsome couple, and you’re wondering when you can marry me off.”
“That feels a little fast, but sure. When can I marry you off? I like Polly so much. Her mother is in my book club, and she helps out at the food bank with me. Hell, I went to high school with her. I’ve known her a long time.”
“I know,” I reply and take the heavy pitcher from her. “Mac is my oldest friend. I know that you know their parents.”
“Wouldn’t it be fun if they were in-laws?”
I hadn’t really thought of that. “Mom, Polly and I are just dating right now. I like her a lot, but no one is talking about marriage.”
“You’re an idiot.” It’s said with so much love and a big smile on her face as she pats my cheek. “But, you’ll come around. Bring that lemonade outside, will you? The kids want some of it.”
I don’t remember the last time anyone dared call me an idiot. Probably Remington, when I told him about my plans to move off the ranch and leave Montana.
