Page 17 of My Billionaire Cowboy Protector

Chapter 7: Lane

Lane was in a good mood when he woke up. It was going to be a beautiful day out. The temperature was predicted to be in that sweet spot where it wasn’t too cold or too hot.

His mood quickly changed though when his phone buzzed.

“Mom,” he moaned.

He loved his mother but lately, her calls have been more nagging than talking and catching up.

“Good morning, Mom,” he said, trying to sound happy to talk to her.

“Good morning,” she said. Then, apparently deciding to cut straight to the chase, she said, “You know the fourth of July is right around the corner.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“We always have a huge celebration. All friends, family, staff, and important colleagues in the oil business are invited. It is a dinner and dancing type affair.”

While Lane, Colton, and Willow ran the ranch, his parents had taken over the oil component of the family businesses.

“I’m aware,” Lane said, closing his eyes. He knew what would be coming next.

“You need to bring a plus one. Ever since Catherine died, you’ve been coming alone. I know that you two were togetherfor a very long time and I know how much you loved her. But she is gone. You have to move on with your life. You know that Catherine would want you to find someone else and fall in love again.”

Lane sighed. He heard this speech every single time his mother called. It was getting old. He knew that she meant well but he didn’t need to be repeatedly told that he needed to just get over her.

“You know that you are the only person who comes without a plus one. It’s quite obvious that you are the only person who comes to a formal, family affair without a date.”

He was tempted to say that Willow also goes alone, but thought that sounded a little too much like middle school.

“I know that there has to be at least one woman out in the world who you could fall in love with. Your problem is that you expect every woman to be exactly like Catherine. I understand because she was an incredibly lovely woman. However, no one is going to be able to compare to her. You have to judge each woman on her own merits. Once you do that, you’ll be able to find someone to love.”

Without even thinking, Lane said, “If you would give me a chance to speak, I would tell you that I am engaged to a woman. It happened recently, so I haven’t told anyone.”

“You are? That’s wonderful. What’s her name.”

“Taylor,” Lane said and winced.

“You absolutely must bring Taylor to the celebration. We’ll make it a double celebration and we’ll make a big announcement.”

“Taylor is a quiet person. I don’t think that big announcements are quite her thing.”

“Oh, phooey. I’m sure she’ll love it. Every woman enjoys having her moment in the spotlight.”

“Not everyone,” Lane said.

His mother rattled on for the next half hour about decorations, food, and a whole host of other events.

Finally, she paused and Lane managed to say, “Mom, I have a ranch to run. I need to get off the phone. Love you. Bye now.”

He hung up before she could say anything else.

Lane performed his morning work automatically. He was trying to figure out how he could bring up the topic with Taylor. He thought about calling back and telling his mother that he and Taylor had broken up, but that would open up a hornet’s nest.

After lunch, Lane said, “Taylor, do you have a moment so I can talk to you?”

“Sure,” she said.

They walked over to the corral. She leaned against it while he stood stiffly in front of her. He had never felt so out of place in his entire life.

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