Page 60 of My Heart to Keep
I blinked, and another tear fell. “It’s been a rough year. Is Daddy going to hire someone?”
“You heard us talking the other night?”
I nodded. “I’m worried about you guys. When I leave, Daddy won’t have any help.” Celia’s suggestion of posting the job on the school’s bulletin board came to mind. I decided I would do just that later today if, for no other reason, than to get help for the holidays. Carter and Liam were due home for Thanksgiving, but that was only for a few days. The Christmas tree business started hopping the day after Thanksgiving and stayed busy until at least a week before Christmas.
Momma shifted her gaze back and forth over me. “You have a beautiful soul. You let your father and me worry about the farm.”
That was easier said than done. While I could, I would help Daddy find someone. That was the least I could do.
She tipped up my chin. “I’m so proud of you for coming to me.” Her chest heaved. “Does Maiken know?”
I shook my head vigorously. “Not yet.” I was sure he would be excited, though. “Momma, will it hurt?” I whispered.
She gave me a weak smile. “It will, but if you take it slow, the pain doesn’t last long.”
I was certain Maiken would be as gentle as possible.
She squeezed my hands, shuddering. “Your father was my first. He’s the only man I’ve ever been with. Are you sure you don’t want to wait until you’re married?”
I bit my lip. “Did you and Dad?”
She laughed, tapping my nose. “No. But I had to ask, because I can hear your father now. ‘They should wait until they’re married.’”
I snorted. “For sure. He’ll have a cow if he finds out, Momma. Please don’t tell him.” I couldn’t face him if she did. I definitely would turn a million shades of red. Or better yet, I would run away.
“I don’t like keeping things from your father. But this is one we can put on the back burner unless he asks.”
“Has he asked?”Please say no.
She nodded. “He has.”
I closed my eyes for a solid ten seconds, willing the pounding of my pulse to ease. “When?” Suddenly, the video that Trevor had filmed of Maiken and me popped into my brain.
“Something wrong?” Momma asked.
I had no reason to worry since the video was gone. “Not at all.”
“Quinn Thompson, what are you not telling me?” Momma always knew when her kids lied. “Did you lie to me? Did you have sex?”
“No, ma’am,” I said low. “I didn’t lie. I promise. It’s just that I think I would hide forever if Daddy found out that I’m about to lose my virginity.” I couldn’t bring myself to tell her about the video. It was a moot point anyway.
Her shoulders sagged as the mixture of fear and anger vanished. “I can understand that.”
“Momma, I know this is hard for you. It’s equally hard for me, and a bit scary. But I love Maiken. I want him to be the one, and I’m ready. I’ll be fine.”
I truly would be. I felt better just knowing I was taking measures to protect myself and Maiken and our future. Maybe now I wouldn’t be so nervous to allow nature to take its course when Maiken and I were together.
Irubbed my eyes as I walked into the brightly lit kitchen, which was too blinding for four in the morning. The scent of coffee hung heavy in the air as Momma poured herself a cup. I didn’t drink the stuff as much as she and Daddy did.
“What are you doing up so early?” I asked.
Normally, Momma slept in an hour longer than Daddy and me. Then she got breakfast started.
She set the carafe back on the burner. “I couldn’t sleep. I think I’m coming down with something.”
She didn’t look pale. “You should go back to bed, then.”
“Who’s the mom in this house?” she teased. “I have a lot to do anyway. I’m stocking shelves in the store this morning. I wanted to get a head start. We have a ton of orders to fill for Thanksgiving this week.”
