Page 40 of All for You

I find her in the gourmet kitchen, sipping a glass of sweet tea, like she didn’t chase away the woman of my dreams only moment before.

She looks up as I enter the room. “Travis, darling, what’s on your mind?” Her voice is smooth as honey, but I can hear the underlying edge. She expected this confrontation.

Leaning against large island, I cross my arms over my chest. “It’s time for you to leave, Mother. I appreciate everything you’ve done, but I need my space back now. It’s time for you to go home.”

She sets her glass down with a sharp clink. “Now, Travis, let’s not be hasty. I’m your mother, and I only want what’s best for you.”

I shake my head. “What’s best for me is being with the woman I love, and that’s Rachel. I’m in love with her, and I won’t let anyone, not even you, come between us.”

Her lips thin into a tight line. “You’re not thinking clearly. That waitress isn’t suitable for someone of your status. She’s too young for you. You need?—”

“Stop!” I slam my hand down on the countertop, making her flinch, the sting radiating up my arm. “Rachel isn’t just some waitress. She’s going to be my wife.”

“Your wife?” Her voice rises a few octaves. “Don’t be ridiculous. You barely know her.”

My tone leaves no room for argument. “I agree, things have happened fast, but not at fast as you think. I feel like I know her better than anyone. And I’m telling you now—either accept Rachel as part of my life, or you won’t be in it at all.”

Mother’s face pales. “You wouldn’t.”

“Try me,” I growl. “I love you, Mom, but I won’t let you sabotage my happiness. Not again.”

Her eyes widen, and she opens her mouth to deny whatever she thinks I’m about to say.

“I know you’re the one who pushed Hank and Amelia together.”

Her mouth snaps closed, and she averts her eyes. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I’m not stupid, Mother. And Hank was my best friend. He told me what happened.”

“He worked for you. And your father before. He was a ranch hand, nothing more.”

“We grew up together, Mom. He was my best friend. Did you not think he’d tell me about you paying him to sleep with my wife.”

“I didn?—”

I hold up a hand, stopping her. “Don’t bother denying it.”

“Fine. She was no good for you, Travis. She only wanted your money.”

“And you used my friend to ensure she didn’t get any.”

“He wasn’t much of a friend, apparently.”

I shake my head sadly. “He had gambling debts to pay off. And I think you knew that and took advantage of it.”

She glares at me. Not confirming or denying and we stand in silence for several minutes.

Then, to my surprise, she relaxes and lets out a soft sigh. “Maybe I have been too hard on her.” The fight drains from her voice as she turns and peers out the window over the sink. “I just... after Amelia, I didn’t want to see you hurt again.”

“Rachel’s not like Amelia.”

Mother’s gaze flicks back to me, and something looks like hope in her aging eyes. “I’ve always wanted you to find a woman who loves you for you, not your money or what you can give her. Someone strong, loving. A woman who can take care of herself.” She pauses, lips pursing as if tasting the words before letting them free. “Perhaps Rachel fits that bill.”

“She does, and more.”

“Then, I suppose I owe you—and her—an apology.” She takes a few tentative steps toward me, so I meet her halfway, and she wraps her arms around me—a rare gesture that lifts my heart.

The embrace stirs emotions I rarely feel because her approval means more than I care to admit. “Thank you,” I murmur into her hair. “That means everything.”

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