Page 36 of Caden's Situationship

“She’s a gem,” Mom whispered, coming to stand beside me. “A southern girl after my own heart, but with the feisty personality to keep my son on his toes.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “She’s the real deal, Caden.”

“I agree,” I told her. “Cordelia is unlike any woman I’ve ever met.” I could feel my mom observing me, and I was sure the wheels in her head where already turning.

“Are you gonna stand back and watch her all night, or come join us while we get to know your future wife?”

All I could do was laugh because once you got Cynthia Madden started, there was no way you could get her to pump the brakes. “I’ll join you all, but can you do me a favor?”

“Sure, son. Name it.”

Crossing my arms over my chest, I gave her a hard stare that usually made my staff kick it into overdrive when they saw my look. “Can you lay off telling the whole family and the town that you predict we’ll be married in a year?” My mom had the same MO with every son, and every time she met a woman she felt like we would marry, everyone else knew it before the woman did. Crazy thing was, her predictions were usually right. “Do we have a deal?”

She blinked rapidly. “But I do predict you’ll be married within a year.”

“Not the point, Mom.”

“Just hush,” she said, waving me off. “How about you worry on figuring out how you’re gonna get that nice girl to stay and I’ll worry about what the town and family have to say.”

And that’s exactly what I was afraid of. That bubble Cordelia and I had stepped out of to come into town was suddenly looking a whole lot nicer.

Fourteen

CORDELIA

I was in some deep scrap-your-brand-new-diamond-brooch kind of trouble and I wasn’t even sure how to get myself out of the situation. As a matter of fact, I didn’t even want to get out of it.

Spending time with Caden’s parents and some of the townspeople tonight had been one of the best times I’d had in a while. Essentially, everyone I talked to were strangers, but it hadn’t felt like that. Being at Madden Manor and feeling like I could be myself was another reminder that back home, I hadn’t been myself for a while.

A call I was waiting for came, interrupting my thoughts. “Hello?”

“If it isn’t my cousin, Cordelia. Hey, stranger.”

I laughed. “Hey, Lance, how are you?”

“Great, considering you closed the deal with Wild Valley Ranch so fast.”

Taking a deep breath, I told him, “That’s partially why I’m calling. I don’t want to drag this out, so I just wanted to tell you that I’ve kinda been dating Caden Madden.”

“Seriously?” he asked.

“Yes. And I know I am breaking so many rules, but, Lance, you were right. Being out here in Arkansas and getting out of Texas was the best thing for me. I even spent some time talking to a few people in town, and there are so many more businesses that I think could benefit from Red Rose.”

“Wow, you don’t sound like the cousin I know.”

“It’s still me. Only, a better version of myself.” I glanced out the window of my loft at the stars. “You were right. I lost myself back home.”

“I was talking from experience,” he said, sounding a little defeated. “I know we both love the family business, but I’ve been stressed out ever since I took this position. When I noticed the change in you, too, the older cousin in me didn’t want to see you end up like I am. I don’t want to lose you here because Red Rose definitely needs you, but I’m a little worried because you sound like you want to quit.”

“I don’t,” I assured him. “But I’ll admit, I can’t be under my father’s thumb when he’s supposed to be retired. So I did want to run some things by you if that’s okay?”

“Go ahead. I’m listening.”

As I talked to my cousin about everything that had been concerning me lately, I felt a release that I hadn’t felt in a long time. Once we ended the call, I had a sudden urge for some fresh air and knew just the place to get it.

After a few minutes of sitting outside alone, Caden stepped out onto his porch. “Out here all by yourself?” he asked.

“I hope you don’t mind,” I told him. “The stars were so pretty tonight, and I just wanted to sit out here and enjoy it.”

“I don’t mind at all. Would you like something to drink? Tea maybe?”

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