Page 18 of Forever Enough

“Oh, dear, Mackenzie. What have you done?”

Chapter Three

BRADLY

When I stepped back into the house, my mother was waiting for me.

“So, what was that all about?”

I took off my coat and hung it up. “What do you mean? What was what all about?”

“You couldn’t keep your eyes off Mackenzie. Then you walked her out to the truck and kissed her hand.”

Laughing, I pushed a hand through my hair. “First off, Mom, I didn’t kiss her hand. It was shaking, so I warmed it up. Then I asked her if she had plans for today, and I’m taking her out to eat when she’s free.”

Her brow rose. “You asked her out on a date? Bradly, why would you do that?”

I folded my arms over my chest. “Do you have an issue with me asking Mackenzie out?”

“Well, no. But I…I…it’s just…”

“Mom, what’s going on?”

She sighed and sat down on the sofa. When she motioned for me to sit, I did. After a few moments of silence, she began to talk.

“The moment I met Mackenzie, I immediately liked her. But there’s a sadness in her eyes that tells me she’s in Montana for one reason only.”

“To escape her family and past. She already admitted to that.”

“Call it a mother’s intuition if you will, but I think it’s more than that. I have a feeling something bad happened to her.”

“As in someone hurt her?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know. But what I do know is, I’ve never seen her light up like she did when she walked into the kitchen and saw you. And I just…I don’t want her to be hurt.”

I jerked back as if she’d slapped me. “And you think I’d hurt her?”

“Not intentionally! Of course not. But do you think it’s fair to ask her out when you haven’t decided on your future? I mean, if you continue professional bull riding, it would make starting a new relationship difficult.”

I laughed. “Mom, you act as if I proclaimed my love for her. It’s a date. All we’re going to do is get something to eat. Afterward, I thought I’d bring her over to Uncle Ty’s barn. I want to show her what I do, since she doesn’t really know. She’s never even been to a rodeo.”

She nodded and smiled, but I could tell it was forced.

I sighed. “Just say what’s on your mind, Mom.”

Lifting her chin, she cleared her throat. “Okay. I will. I know you’re feeling unsettled right now. But it feels like more than that. Like you’re a little homesick and lonely. Maybe even longing for something. And I just don’t want you to see Mackenzie as a way to blow off steam. I adore her, and I don’t want to lose her.”

I stared at her for a few moments. “Wow. Do you really think I would use her as a plaything, Mom?”

She wrung her hands in her lap. “No, but you just seem so…lost.”

Drawing in a deep breath, I slowly exhaled. “Mom, I’m exhausted. I’m bruised and battered, and it was a rough season. I only have a few weeks off, and I’m not longing for anything but a bit of relaxation. Some time with my family. And if that also means getting to know Mackenzie, then I don’t see the harm in that. We’re both adults. We’re just going out to eat and spending some time together.”

She nodded. “I guess I’m simply putting my nose where it doesn’t belong.”

“Mom, I would never tell you to stay out of my business because I’m glad you care. And as far as Mackenzie goes…I don’t know how to explain it. She’s…different from any other woman I’ve ever met, and I want to get to know her. Honestly, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about her since I saw her in the barn last night.”

Mom’s eyes lit up. “Really? Oh, well, this is an interesting turn of events.”

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