Page 40 of 40 and (So Over) Fixing It
On the ride through town, Carter enjoyed the sunrise even as the question of Erin continued to nag at him. Granted, he’d dated often enough since his divorce. Maybe it had been an expectation from the people around him, or maybe he’d just wanted to appear “normal,” whatever that meant. A part of him hadn’t wanted anyone to realize how strongly the breakup of his marriage had shaken him. He needed to be strong for Thad, right? Needed to hide the fractured parts of himself and give them time to heal unquestioned. He’d even gone along with Emma’s little games despite wishing most of the time that he could simply stay home with a good book.
And yet none of the encounters he’d had on those dates had generated the kind of emotions Erin did from day one. Sure, the first emotion had been anger, but looking back he could see how that anger had been closely intertwined with a desire not to give in to the chemistry that had immediately flared between them at that very first meeting.
When he drove into the valley, he took the first driveway this time, pulling in behind a couple of pickups and a station wagon that, despite its age, seemed well-maintained. Erin wasn’t waiting on the porch, so he turned off the SUV and headed for the door. He wasn’t certain if that’s what she wanted or not, but he knew he didn’t want to hide their relationship—or whatever this was—even from her family. That much he was clear about. No, last night hadn’t been expected, but it had happened and he didn’t regret it. Nor was he ashamed. He wanted to get to know Erin more, and this was his opportunity to prove it.
As he stepped onto the porch, the front door opened and Erin’s mother-in-law, Ruth, gave him a sweet smile. “Come in, come in. We’re just finishing up breakfast. Have you eaten?”
“I definitely wouldn’t turn down food.” He opened the old-fashioned screen door and was surprised to find himself enveloped in a bear hug the minute he stepped inside.
“It’s so good to see you again.”
Her tone was genuine, warming his heart. “Thank you, Ruth. It’s good to see you too.” He meant it. These people were a huge part of Erin’s life, and he could finally admit he wanted to find out what that life was like.
The welcome wasn’t quite as warm in the kitchen, with Scott giving him a bit of a glower as he entered. Erin glanced up and quickly shoveled another bite into her mouth. “Almost done,” she mumbled.
Carter was too busy taking in the braids angling down each side of her bare neck to reply. He felt like he shouldn’t, but he was becoming fascinated with those braids.
Ruth made up for his silence. “Don’t you rush, Bug. I’m just going to get Carter a plate.”
Eyebrows all around the table rose as he took a seat. He gave Erin a questioning glance, but her surprise quickly morphed into something that looked like pleasure. “I’ll take a little more time then.” Giving him a wink, she held up a flaky biscuit. “These aren’t to be missed, by the way.”
He grinned. “Good to know.”
“Coffee, Carter?” Ruth asked.
“I can get that,” Carter said.
“Stay where you are,” Erin told him. Getting up from the table, she rounded behind him and slid her hand along his shoulder blades as she passed. “I’ll grab it and get some more while I’m up.”
She returned to the table just ahead of Ruth, who’d loaded a plate down with hash browns and eggs and thick, crispy bacon. Two biscuits waited alongside.
Erin made a funny noise. “I didn’t think. Can you have biscuits and potatoes? Carbs are like sugar, right?”
He appreciated the fact that she’d remembered. “I do have to watch the carbs, but I can have a little as long as I’m careful.”
Ruth must have given her a questioning look, because Erin explained, “Carter is diabetic.”
He held up his coffee cup. “Helps that I like black coffee,” he joked.
“Oh, I can change that plate out for you,” Ruth offered.
He waved her away. “No need. Sit down and eat. I might not clear my plate, but I definitely want a bite of what looks like a very good biscuit.”
Ruth’s cheeks went pink. “Well, okay.”
Conversation returned to the general table after that, allowing Carter to listen instead of being the center of attention. Much to his delight, the biscuits were great—in fact, one of the best he’d ever tasted. The rest of the food as well. Carter would never mention it to Linc, but the eggs rivaled even the famous chef’s fluffy omelets.
He absorbed the give-and-take around the table as everyone finished up. The conversation was practical—a routine visit from the vet, moving hay into the barn for the winter, getting a new battery for Erin’s truck, things like that—but the undertone of affection was noticeable. He found himself watching Erin, the play of the sunlight on her face, the affectionate way she called Scott and RuthMomandDad, the laughter when one of her in-laws teased her. He thought he could have watched her all day, but finally the meal ended and, after assisting with clearing the table, they gave the group their goodbyes and headed out the door.
“Thanks for that, Erin.”
She threw a smile over her shoulder. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. We don’t get together every morning, but breakfast with the family is something I’ve always loved.”
He felt the same way about meals with his own family.
As the SUV loomed large in front of them, Carter found himself getting nervous. Almost fifty years old and he was nervous about a conversation with a woman.
No, not just any woman. With Erin. The question was, could he get through one conversation without putting his foot in his mouth?
