Page 12 of Her Athlete's Wedding Secret

“Sure, this counts. We’re having coffee together.”

“Then consider this our first date.” He hated that he was calling this little meeting of theirs a date. Normally, when he went on a date, he booted the girl from his life soon after. But he wouldn’t be able to do that this time. Tessa was here to stay. At least he hoped she was. His career depended on it.

“Okay, what’s next?”

“We could go to dinner tonight,” Benson said.

“That works for me. Dressy or casual?”

“What would you prefer?”

“Casual.”

“Burgers and fries at Jet’s Diner?” Benson asked.

“Sure.”

“So, tell me about your job,” Benson said.

“I’m a reporter forThe Maple Creek Examiner, but you probably already knew that. I’ve been working there for five years. The editor is about to retire, and I’m hoping to get the position.”

“Is that one of the reasons that you’re holding off on agreeing to the engagement?” Benson asked.

“It’s part of it. I’ve worked hard for this promotion, and I’ve had it as a goal for a long time.”

“I remember you were the editor of our school newspaper.”

“That’s right.”

“So you already have a bit of experience.”

“I thought I was on top of the world back then. I loved being the editor-in-chief.” Tessa got a faraway look in her eyes.

“I’d say I hope you get the job, but I’m secretly hoping you don’t so you’ll agree to come live in New York with me.”

“Your proposal did throw a bit of a wrench into my plans.”

“Maybe you’re supposed to work at a bigger newspaper like you’ve always wanted, anyway. Haven’t you thought of that?”

“I know.” Tessa sighed. “But I’d be starting all over with something new and unfamiliar. There’s something safe about Maple Creek.”

“That’s the easier road.”

“Exactly. As much as I want to explore the world and move to the big city, there’s a part of me that’s terrified to leave the town I grew up in. And then I’d be abandoning my mom, too. She needs me. Although, I’m not sure she appreciates what I do for her.”

“What do you say that?” Benson asked.

“She doesn’t listen to a thing I say.”

“You can’t control what she wants to do. Only she can do that.”

“Yeah. I know. I just get so frustrated with her when she won’t listen because I can see the way to help her out of her problems, and she won’t take my advice. And then she stays miserable, and I have to clean up after her.”

“Who said it’s your job to do that?” Benson asked.

“I—uh. Well, no one exactly. But I feel like I have to because I’m her daughter.”

“I thought it was the mom’s job to be the parent.”

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