Page 17 of Travis

“I have decorations in storage that I can bring out when they want to do the engagement photos. I’ll get a date from my photographer today or tomorrow.”

“Sounds good.” Laura nods.

“Is there any date that works better for you, Laura?” Becky asks.

“No, we’re flexible here.” She changes tack. “Do you want to set up different vignettes around the ranch, so your photographer can give them a lot of image choices?”

“That would be ideal, yes.”

Laura smiles. “Perfect. I’ve got some of the boys setting up the stable. We’ll leave a little clean, loose hay on the floor, give it a nice effect.”

I watch Becky become in love with the ideas that Laura is giving her. Her passion for her job is endearing. It mixes well with Laura’s love for this ranch, and her undying quest to give all that she can when she can give it. But Becky’s gaze keeps coming back to me. She’s afraid. She’s wondering if I’ve broken my promise to her and if I’ll embarrass her somehow. I have no intention to. My brothers think I should take her to the cleaners, but I wouldn’t dream of it.

I try to think of some way to convey that to her. But without pulling her off to the side, making her nervous, I don’t see how that’s possible. She must have had a conniption when she found out that this wedding would be held here. And she definitely flipped out when she found out that I’m living here. Lord knows why I didn’t tell her. I knew she’d find out some way. I just didn’t want her to feel guilty I suppose. But let’s be real here; I’m not fooling anybody if I try to pretend that I can afford a home of my own. Not until my schooling is done and paid for.

My brothers told me that I should’ve kicked her out and taken the house, since she’s the one who wanted to separate, but I couldn’t do that to her. Not after she made the place look so goddamn beautiful. I’d a messed that up before she could blink. It would break her heart. I don’t dare tell my brothers that I’m still helping to pay for it. Much of our finances are the same from when I was living with her. Call me crazy or a fool, but I don’t think that I’m ready to sever ties with her, not in that way. I remember the time we opened the joint bank account together, when we both had part-time jobs at the end of high school. We were so excited, even though there wasn’t more than five dollars in that account for years. It was the account that we used to get married, and to travel, and then, later, to buy the house. I’ve never used another one, and I don’t want to start now.

Sure, I cash my paycheques and keep the money on me, leaving what she needs to pay for my share of the house and the finances, and sure, it looks a little shallow that Becky’s never asked me if I need any of it for living expenses. I suppose she knows that I’m doing okay, otherwise, I would have told her. She probably figured that I’d moved in with one of my brothers or with my folks, but I’ve only told my two brothers that live in Dallas. And I haven’t told my folks. I’m still coming to grips with it myself, and part of me is still in denial. Actually, based on my conversation with Grayson earlier, I’d say that a lot of me is in denial.

But I keep her in my eye as I work with Farley and Kurt, setting the trees just right, inside the pasture. When something occurs to me. “Sorry to interrupt.” I say, taking a step towards Laura and Becky. “But, I think it matters what time of day that the pictures are going to be done in, right? I mean, if it’s nighttime, then it makes sense to have lots of lights, but otherwise, it's probably better to have more vibrant decorations than lights, right?”

Laura lifts a finger. “Yes, you have a very good point there.”

Becky nods. “Yes, thank you. I’ll have to talk it over with the couple and with the photographer and see what time of day they prefer.”

“Well, what time of day is the wedding going to take place at?” I ask.

“We haven’t ironed that out yet, but I’m guessing it’ll be during the day.” Becky answers, and it occurs to me that there has never really been any tension between us, and this time is no different. I start to get why she wanted to break up, instead of going down that ugly hole that most couples go down.

“Do y’all want any of the horses involved?” I ask both Becky and Laura.

They look at each other. Laura is the first to answer. “Well, sure, we can. If they want.”

Becky nods. “I’ll discuss that with them. I have no idea if either of them knows how to even mount a horse.”

“We offer lessons here.” I venture. “Just a thought.”

Laura’s phone rings from inside her pocket. She checks the display and excuses herself. For the first time since our night together at Macey’s party, we’re alone, save for the horses behind us, and the guys walking around out back, out of earshot. She gives me a nervous look. “Becky, it’s cool, okay? I haven’t said anything, and I don’t plan to.” I half lie. But I can trust Grayson. He'd never breathe a word, not even to Laura, unless it was a matter of life or death.

“Thank you.”

“You know I’m not like that, okay.”

She nods.

“So, what’s this couple like? Did you get a decent deal with them?”

Another nod, but this time she actually looks at me. “How come you didn’t tell me you were living here?”

I shrug. “I figured you’d know. I didn’t know how you’d feel about it.”

“I thought you’d moved in with one of your brothers.”

I shake my head no. “Only two of them know.” I don’t tell her which two. “And I haven’t even told my folks yet.”

The look she gives me is unsettling. “Why not, Travis? God, how do you think they’re going to feel if they find out by accident?” she practically hisses.

“I’m willing to take that chance.” I say flatly. “I don’t want to break their hearts, Becky.”

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