Page 50 of Carly's Heart

“I don’t feel inadequate,” she lied.

“Oh, honey, don’t be silly. I can see it in your face. If you weren’t intimidated, you wouldn’t be staring at your car wishing you were anywhere but here.” She smiled. “Straighten those shoulders and get your backside down there. Birch will be devastated if you leave. He’s been talking about sharing his world with you for weeks. He’s proud of what he’s built, rightfully so. Don’t disappoint him by stealing his chance to impress you.”

“That’s the trouble, I was impressed with him before. He’s kind and generous. He’s a hard worker and great with animals. He’s got a sense of humor. He adores Layla.” She snapped her mouth shut.

“He’s still all those things, dear. The only difference is that you realized he’s got a nice fat bank account.” She paused thoughtfully. “Go, spend time with him. See him for who he is. Ignore the money. At the end of the day, you can always walk away. He waited a long time for you to notice him and he’s terrified about this date and rejection. Spend some time with him before you throw him away.”

Throw him away? Is that what Helen thought she was planning to do? “Fine.” She resisted rolling her eyes. Helen had the mom guilt down pat.

“This isn’t about you,” Helen said kindly. “This is about Birch. I know our money, and now his, makes you uncomfortable, but forget about the money. And remember one thing, if Birch wasn’t proud to have you at his side, he wouldn’t have waited years for you. You are not inadequate beside him; you are more than enough. You’re a special woman and my son cares for you. All that matters is the love you share.” She turned toward Layla and called, “Layla, come say goodbye to your mom before she goes back to see Birch.”

Layla rushed over and threw her arms around Carly. “Bye, Mama.” She looked up and smiled. “You look exquisite.”

“Exquisite?” she chuckled. “Where did you hear that?”

“From Grandma Helen. She says her roses are exquisite, that means lovely and beautiful. Bye.” She raced to the monkey bars and started swinging her way across.

“There it is, from an expert.” Helen laughed. “She’s right, you look lovely. Go on now, take a ride, enjoy the evening.” She pointed toward the barn. “Oh look, there’s Birch now.”

Sure enough, he strolled off the house’s deck toward them.

“Bye, Helen. Bye, Layla.” She started toward him.

“Carly, why haven’t you changed yet?” He slung his arm around her shoulder as they pivoted toward his house.

“I just wanted to check on Layla.”

“I tried calling you. You didn’t answer.”

“Sorry, I turned off my ringer.” She didn’t want her phone to interrupt their ride. This might be the last time she dated Birch and she didn’t want her phone to ruin it. “I’m excited to see your land.” She was, she just wasn’t excited about his money.

“There’s a but in your voice, and I swear I want to hear all about it. You seem ... how do I put this ... at the risk of getting a swat for the metaphor, you seem like a skittish colt.”

She elbowed him in the ribs, despite the accuracy of his comparison. “Gee, thanks.”

“I knew that was the wrong thing to say.” He stopped and turned her so they were face to face. “I don’t know what’s bothering you. I just want us to enjoy the day together. I want to have a chance to talk to you. I have things I want to tell you.”

He pulled her close and after twenty long seconds of staring into her eyes, lowered his head toward her.

She held her breath. He was going to kiss her. She’d dreamed of this moment for so long. Her heart raced. She shouldn’t want to taste him, there were too many unresolved issues between them, but by all that was holy, she wanted that kiss.

At the last second, he straightened and said, “Come on. Let’s ride some horses.”

It took her five minutes to change and three of that was spent mentally bracing herself. Why did he have to be so rich? What did a handsome, talented, gentle, rich man want with an ordinary girl like her? And why didn’t he kiss her?

“Are you coming?” Birch called from the kitchen.

She didn’t answer. She straightened her spine and strode into the room. “Let’s do this thing.”

“Relax. You’ve ridden before. You’ll love it.” Hand in hand they walked back to the barn. Jimmy waited with three horses. Two were saddled, and the third wore a pair of bulging packs where a saddle normally sat. Like saddlebags, but not quite.

“What’s in the packs?” she asked.

“Wait and see.” He helped her mount and hopped up on his own horse. “Jimmy, we’ll be back by four. Don’t forget to study while we’re gone.”

“Yes, sir, Mr. Brighton, sir.”

When they were out of earshot, she asked the first of many questions she had. “Sir? Study?”

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