Page 98 of What Remains True
“Really?” She put a hand on her hip. “Do you think I don’t see the internet?” She threw her arms around him, crying.
“Mom, I’m okay.”
“I saw you get tossed around. They showed you carried off on a stretcher. I couldn’t get any information. I’ve left a hundred messages on your phone and texted too. Nothing!”
“I’m sorry. I had no idea you would see that. I wouldn’t have wanted you to worry.”
“I didn’t tell your father. I knew he’d be mad as a box of frogs. I told him it was an emergency and I was going to see my sister. A half truth. This is an emergency.”
“I’m so sorry I worried you.”
“Let me look at you. You’re too skinny. Look at that bandage.” She pressed on the white bandage covering the stitches in his head.
“Ouch.”
“Concussion?” She leaned in, looking at his eyes as though she’d be able to tell.
“Yes, but I’m going to be fine.”
“Thank the Lord. I prayed all the way here.” She let out a long breath, dabbing at her tears. “I didn’t even notice you have company. How rude of me.” She didn’t hesitate, marching right over to the picnic table where Merry Anna and Zan sat. “Hi. I’m Adam’s mother.”
“Mrs. Locklear, so nice to meet you.” Merry Anna stood. “I live over in the bunkhouse. I’m Merry Anna.”
His mother’s face lit up when she looked at Zan. “My goodness, aren’t you a pretty thing.”
“Thank you.” Zan twisted back and forth.
Adam stood there, knowing what was about to happen with no way to soften the blow.
“And so polite,” his mother said, reaching out to touch Merry Anna’s arm. “You must be so proud.”
Yep. Mom had just assumed Zan was Merry Anna’s daughter, and as easy as that made things for the moment, this wasn’t something he was going to be able to hide from her. Plus, everyone in town already knew the truth.
He placed his hand on his mother’s arm. “So proud,” he said. “Hey, Mom, I’m glad you’re here. I need to tell you something.”
Merry Anna looked at him with pleading eyes. He could tell she was searching for direction. “Merry Anna, do you and Zan want to run up to the house and see what kind of dessert we might have?”
“We’re on it. So nice meeting you, Mrs. Locklear.” Merry Anna swept Zan’s hand and jogged up to the house.
“Thank goodness you’re okay. Son, I just knew you were going to be in a hospital bed half-loopy. To see you here, outside, entertaining. I’m so thankful. It looked so much worse on that video.” She sat down at the table. “When you called and apologized that night, your dad and I were stunned. I’m so glad you finally understand how we feel.”
He sucked in a reluctant breath.
“So, why did you ride again after that?”
“It’s what I do, Mom.” He was trying to not get defensive. It was an old battle that had scarred their relationship for way too long. “It’s how I make a living. I love the sport, but that’s not what I need to tell you.” He paused, not knowing how to start. “Zan.”
“She’s absolutely adorable. I had no idea about you and Merry Anna. Oh gosh, I’m missing everything.”
That just made it harder.“Zan is my daughter.”
She blinked, then dropped her head forward. “Your—”
“Hold on. I didn’t even know she existed until a few weeks ago. A barrel racer I went out with a few times showed up with her out of the blue. We were together only a couple of times, and I was always careful.” It sounded lame and irresponsible. “She later just quit showing up around the rodeo, and I all but forgot about her until she showed up on my doorstep one Saturday morning with Zan.”
His mother clutched her heart. “Are you sure she’s your daughter?”
“Yes. I took a paternity test, but before the results came back, I was already feeling that bond.”
