Page 14 of Saltwater Cowboy

We sat quietly. Thad looked out the window while his left hand held my right. His thumb mindlessly rubbed the top of my hand.

“This is a big night for your family. Are your parents anxious?” I finally broke the silence twenty minutes into the drive to the event space.

Thad shrugged, “No idea. I’ve not spoken to them in a few months.”

“I thought you said you spoke with them the other night, when you were working late.”

“Oh yeah, you’re right. Totally forgot about that call.” His eyes never left the window.

I couldn’t help but feel like I caught him in a lie. “Can I be honest?”

“Of course, my love.” Thad’s eyes finally pulled away from the window and met mine. “What’s on your mind?”

I took a deep breath. “This is my first time meeting your parents. What happens if they don’t like me?”

“They are going to love you.” Thad comforted.

I glanced down at the promise ring he had given me for Christmas last year. It was a large cushion cut deep blue sapphire surrounded by small diamonds. I’m not a showy person, but Thad insisted everyone know I was taken, even though he wasn’t ready for marriage.

I debated taking the ring off and putting it in my purse for safekeeping. If this was some sort of family affair, I didn’t want to answer any questions from a nosy grandma.

Just as I got lost in my thoughts, the SUV came to a stop. “Mr. and Mrs. Carter, we have arrived.”

“Oh, we’re not married.” Thad quipped…a little too quickly.

My heart sank. Was the promise ring to placate me? Even though I never mentioned marriage, he’s always been the one to bring it up.

Thad opened the car door and got out, extending a hand to help me down.

“Thank you,” I smiled at him before placing a kiss on his cheek.

“Are you ready to walk your first red carpet?”

I nodded before lacing my arm in his. We walked to where the carpet started, which was roped off. There were a handful of photographers taking both staged and candid photos.

“Mr. Carter, Miss Solace, over here!” A photographer waved his hand, encouraging us to look his way.

He took a few photos and we moved on to the next. It was like this for a good fifty feet. All of this for a bird… wait until I tell Blythe about this tomorrow.

With the end of the carpet steps away, an older couple walked up to us. His parents. My stomach flipped.

I extended a hand politely, “Mr. and Mrs. Carter, I’m Rose. It’s very nice to finally meet you.”

If I didn’t know better, I would think Thad is embarrassed to be seen with me around his family. We’ve been together for years, and there was always an excuse for why I couldn’t meet them.

“Rose,” I could’ve sworn his mom’s nose turned down on me. “It’s nice to meet you.” Her eyes ran up and down my dress.

“You as well.” I locked eyes with her.

“Rose, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” His dad broke the awkward gaze.

“Likewise, sir.”

Thad rested his hand on the small of my back.

“What do you say—should we head inside?” Thad spoke up.

As we stepped through the massive doors into the ballroom, my jaw hung open. By Thad’s definition, this might “just be a dinner,” but this was the fanciest “dinner” I’ve ever been to. My gaze swept around the room, taking in all the feather décor.