Page 26 of Forever with the Farmer's Daughter
Momma laughs as she pours the apple pie filling into the pie crust. "I bet you do."
I momentarily debate whether to tell Momma about Cameron asking me out. Before I can confess, a smile creeps onto my face drawing Momma’s attention.
“Is there a reason behind that smile?”
I can feel my cheeks flush as I glance up to find Momma’s inquisitive gaze. “Cameron asked me out, on a date.”
Momma doesn’t even bother to try and hide her smile. “Well, it’s about time.”
“Momma!”
“Don’t Momma, me. I’ve seen the way he looks at you. He’s been smitten since he first laid eyes on you.”
I shake my head and mutter my reply. “I think you might be exaggerating a bit.”
“Of course, you would. You never were one to see your own beauty and worth.” I don’t reply, so Momma wraps her arm around me before she continues. “I know you think you’ve had your one chance at happiness, but sweetheart, you deserve to be loved.”
I sniffle and wipe a tear away before it can fall. “Thanks, Momma.”
After dinner,I help Momma clean up the kitchen, then excuse myself to my room. Momma’s words from earlier are still ringing in my head. I open my closet, stand on my tiptoes, and reach for the photo album stored on the shelf. I sit cross-legged on my bed and open the album. The first photo is of Alan and me the night we met. We were so young and admittedly there was an instant attraction between us. With each page I turn, memories of our time together flood my mind. Our first date, first college formal, first football game. An ache fills my chest as I turn the page and find our wedding photos. Hearts filled with love and eyes full of promise, we exchanged our vows in front of God, our family, and friends. We had no idea the unexpected turn our lives would take a few short years later. My finger traces over the photo of the two of us sharing our first dance as husband and wife. Tears stream down my face as I force the words over the lump in my throat. “I hope you know you’ll always have a special place in my heart. Please don’t hate me for moving on.” A sob escapes me as I clutch the album to my chest and allow my emotions to take over. Lying on the bed, the photo album still in my arms, I cry myself to sleep.
Cameron
From the time I sawSamantha on Wednesday until Friday seemed more like a week rather than a day and a half. The nervous anticipation coursing through me was something I hadn’t felt in a while. Especially when it came to a woman. As a high school athlete, I was just cocky enough to know I didn’t have to ask for dates, the girls around here sought me out. As a soldier, it was pretty much the same. Though I did learn to be a little more discerning. One look at the uniform and they practically melted where they stood.
Samantha, however, was altogether in a class of her own. She didn’t fall all over me. In fact, she seemed to keep her distance. With her past, I know she is only being cautious and trying to protect her heart from breaking again. The cocky teenager within me is determined to prove to her she can love again.
After checking the crops and making sure the irrigation timers are set, Kenny, Craig, and I saddle up our horses and ride out to the south pasture to check on the cattle.
Once we reach the open fields, we give the horses their lead and let them run. When our rides begin to slow, we reign them in and walk then to the edge of the creek. When we have the herd in sight, we dismount and allow the horses to drink and graze. Kenny is the first to break the silence between us.
“So, big date tonight.”
I grin as I pat Samson. “Yeah. I hope she likes what I have planned.”
Craig comes to stand between us. Arms crossed over his chest he looks every bit of the overprotective friend. “What do you have planned?”
“I’m taking her out to dinner and then I’ve set up a surprise dessert for her at the American Legion.”
Kenny and Craig stare at me for a moment in disbelief. Craig blinks slowly before speaking. “The American Legion?”
I hold up a hand to stop him from saying any more. “Before you say anything else, what I have planned I think Samantha will see as more of a romantic gesture than it sounds like to you two.”
Kenny’s eyes narrow as he looks at me. “Have you run your plans past Aubrey?”
I chuckle and shake my head. “Are you kidding? Those two are thick as thieves, I didn’t want the surprise ruined.”
Kenny grins. “Probably a good idea. I’m sure she’ll hear all about it after church on Sunday if not before.”
Craig chuckles and shakes his head. “You better bring you’re a-game brother.”
“I know I haven’t done this in a while, but you guys need to trust me. I got this.”
I pullup to Samantha’s house five minutes before I’m expected. When we returned from our ride this afternoon, Aubrey walked out to meet us. Keys dangling from her finger, she stopped in front of me as I raised an eyebrow at her. “Can’t let my bestie ride in Pop's old truck tonight now, can I?”
I chuckled as I took the keys from her. “I guess not. Thanks, I’ll return it without a scratch.” Aubrey smiled completely pleased with herself and then went to join her husband.
Turning off the engine, I leave keys in the ignition and exit the SUV. I make my way up the steps, onto the front porch and knock on the screen door. A minute or so later, Mr. Kincaid pulls open the front door.
