“Mom! This is a cute little cabin. I love it and think it’s perfect!”
“Mine is a bit smaller, but I’m actually getting ready to have a house designed to be built.”
Amanda and Taylor stopped what they were doing and looked at me. “What? Where?” Taylor asked surprised.
Taking another box they emptied, I started to break it down. “Um . . . my parents went in with their best friends and business partners and bought the ranch next to us. They split up the land between the four kids.”
Amanda smiled. “Oh, how nice of them!”
I nodded. “Yes, it was.”
“That’s kind of cool. How much land did y’all get?”
I didn’t really want to keep talking and sound like I was bragging. “A good piece. And I’ve been working for my father since I swear I was old enough to walk. I’ve been putting away money since I was about thirteen, so I have a nice nest egg built up.”
The look on Amanda’s face was hard to read. “I have to tell you, Jase. That is such a breath of fresh air to hear you say you’ve had the common sense to save up like that. I take it you’re doing this all on your own?”
“Yes, ma’am. My sister, Liza, and her husband, Walker, are using their place now to raise their own cattle.”
“Impressive.”
Taylor walked up and kissed me quickly on the lips before turning back to her mother. “Now you can go back and tell Daddy that Jase is a responsible young man with a clear head on his shoulders.”
I let out a gruff laugh and sat down on the couch. “I don’t know about that. I just didn’t want to live with my parents forever. It’s kind of awkward bringing home a date with Mom and Dad watching a movie in the living room.”
Amanda laughed when Taylor hit me on the chest.
“At any rate, I’m glad you have a plan. It’s important to have a plan.”
I couldn’t help but notice Amanda looking at Taylor. “I have one, Mom. I’m going to learn this new business I’m starting in, I’m going to learn to garden, and someday I’ll get married and push out a few kids. The last one will come much later.”
My stomach dropped when Taylor mentioned kids.
With a slight chuckle, Amanda nodded. “I hope so. I’m perfectly happy with the two grandbabies I have now.”
Taylor stole a glance my way and smiled nervously as I gave her a reassuring nod. I was still pissed at myself for being so careless today with both of our futures.
“Jase, will you be heading back to Llano soon?”
“Mom! Please don’t go there.”
Amanda rolled her eyes. “You may be an adult, Taylor, but I still would rather live in my own little bubble.”
Taylor hugged her mother and kissed her on the cheek. “Thank you for helping. Tell Dad I love him.”
“He’s going to want to talk to you.”
“Well, not tonight. Jase is taking me out to dinner.”
With a look my way, Amanda smiled. “Well, it’s getting late so be careful driving.”
“Yes ma’am, always. Let me take you back up to the main house.”
Giving me a hug and a kiss on the cheek, Amanda gave me a grin and said, “That would be great.”
Giving Taylor a wave, she headed to the door. “Why don’t you and Jase come by for dinner this weekend? It will give
your father a chance to get to know Jase a bit more.”