Page 71 of Devoted Enough

All eyes were back on me. I cleared my throat. “It’s not my story to tell.”

My mother set her fork down. “Does it have something to do with her father?”

“Her father?” my dad asked.

“Mom, I made Haven a promise.”

She gave me a soft smile. “I understand.”

“The question I want to ask is are you dating her?”

I couldn’t help the smile on my face. “Yes.”

My mother and Lily both grinned from ear to ear.

“How is it going?” Mom asked.

Glancing down at my plate, I fought to keep my giddiness in check. “It’s going amazing so far. It’s only been a few days since it was official. Last weekend, to be exact.”

Everyone at the table exchanged looks as I went on. “She’s an incredible woman with dreams and passions like no one I’ve ever met. She takes pride in everything she does, from walking dogs to helping less fortunate people; even if she struggles herself, she puts everyone else first.”

“Her mother, Grace, is the same way. She always does what she can for the community.”

“How long have you known Grace?” I asked.

My mother thought for a moment. “Let’s see. Maybe since you kids were in elementary school.”

I nodded. “This, of course, stays between us here at the table, but Haven mentioned times were tight for her mom.”

Mom cleared her throat. “I know Grace is very private, but times have been tough on and off for years. Especially after that low-life husband of hers up and left her. Grace wanted to stay at home with Haven for as long as she could, which put a strain on the family, but it was important to Grace to be there for as long as she could. Grace works for a dental office and was recently promoted to office manager. I hope the promotion will help ease some of her burdens.”

Maverick cleared his throat. “Beck was telling me that Blayze was talking about hiring an assistant for the ranch. Someone to help with all of the bookkeeping, since Stella and Lincoln are both ready to step away from that. Scheduling, doing the payroll, and all of that. I would hazard a guess they would pay more than a dental office.”

“Do you think Grace would be interested?” Lily asked my mother.

She shrugged. “I guess it would depend. I’m sure she could handle anything that is thrown at her. The last I knew she didn’t have health insurance, but that might have changed with the promotion.”

“If she worked for the ranch, she’d have health insurance,” I quickly said.

“It would be an opportunity that I think should be presented to Grace.”

I nodded. “If they come to Thanksgiving dinner, maybe you can bring it up.”

Dad nodded. “I’ll talk to Blayze and get all the information for what they’re looking for.”

Turning to my mother, she smiled. “If Haven and Grace decide to join us, then I will for sure speak to Grace.”

My heart felt so full of love for my mother and father that I had to clear my throat. “Thank you both.”

Reaching for my hand, my mother squeezed it. “No need to thank us, Nate. We’ll do whatever we can to help. I adore Grace and Haven.”

The conversation thankfully moved on to a new stallion that was being delivered, and then on to winterizing the ranch. I tried to keep up with it by nodding every now and then and trying to be part of the conversation, but the only thing I could think about was when I would be able to see Haven again.

Chapter Thirteen

HAVEN

I walked into my mom’s kitchen and drew in a deep breath. Something smelled heavenly as I removed my light jacket and placed it on the hook by the door. Late November in Hamilton saw temperatures in the mid to lower fifties. It wouldn’t be long before I broke out my full winter gear.

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