Page 16 of All for You

“Rachel came to tour the ranch today.” I hope to deflect whatever arrow my mother is nocking in her verbal bow. She has that look, which means she’s about to go for the jugular. I’ve seen it often, usually right before she tore into Amelia. But Rachel isn’t Amelia. And she’s not about to become my wife. She doesn’t deserve the attitude.

“Is that so?” Mother’s politeness is as thin as the veneer on old barn wood. She stares at Rachel. “And where do your people come from, dear?”

Rachel shifts her weight, and the porch boards creak. She clears her throat nervously. “My mother lives in New York.”

“And your father?”

Rachel never mentioned her father.

“He hasn’t been in our lives for a very long time.” I watch her square her shoulders, admiring her composure. Most women wilt under Mother’s scrutiny, but Rachel holds firm, and it stirs something in me—respect, maybe. Or something deeper, which I’m not ready to name.

“If you’re from New York, why are you here in Cupid’s Creek?”

“I needed a change.”

Mother’s lips twitch and I can’t tell if that’s good or bad.

“And what is it you do, dear?”

“I’m currently a waitress at the Bluebonnet Café.” Rachel’s chin lifts.

Pride swells in my chest at her quiet defiance. She isn’t ashamed of her work, and I’ll be damned if I let Mother make her feel that way.

“A waitress? How enterprising. I’m sure that keeps you quite busy.”

I step closer to Rachel’s side. “She’s damn good at her job, too. Customers love her.”

Mother’s gaze flicks between us. “And how did you two meet? I can’t recall Travis mentioning any... dalliances with the local service industry.”

My jaw clenches. Her words cut deep, not just at Rachel, but at me. As if I’m incapable of seeing beyond status or wealth. As if Amelia hadn’t taught me that lesson the hard way.

Rachel’s cheeks flush. “We?—”

“I stopped in for coffee at the diner,” I cut in. “Rachel caught my eye right away.” It’s true. She caught my attention from the start. I thought she was pretty… for a city girl.

“Did she now?” Mother’s tone drips with skepticism. “And what exactly caught your eye, Travis? Her expertise with a coffee pot? Her younger age? How old are you, my dear?”

Anger flares hot in my chest. She can insult me all she wants, but Rachel doesn’t deserve this. I open my mouth to retort, but Rachel beats me to it.

“Mrs. Kincaid, I think we’re getting off on the wrong foot?—”

“Tell me, Rachel, what are your aspirations beyond waiting tables? Surely a young woman like yourself has greater ambitions. Have you even finished school?”

I should intervene, shield Rachel from the barbs, but I hold back, curious to see how she handles it. Rachel has depths I’m only beginning to understand.

“I’m not as young as you seem to think, and I enjoy my work very much. It’s a nice break from the office job I used to have.” Rachel replies, her voice tight.

“How progressive. And what does your family think of your relationship with my son?”

“My mother’s thrilled,” Rachel lies smoothly.

“Is she?” Mother’s gaze sharpens. “I bet she is since you’re trying to seduce the most eligible bachelor in town. I’d love to meet her sometime. Perhaps we can exchange notes on our children’s... unrealistic romantic choices.”

I grit my teeth. “That’s enough.”

“Oh, come now, Travis. I’m simply getting to know your girlfriend.” Her smile is razor thin. “Rachel, dear, do you ride?”

Rachel blinks. “Ride?”

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