Chapter 7

                                                                   Cortland 

I never expected her to agree to dinner, especially at a Barrel Race. It's not an ideal first date, but I'll make the best of it. I was impressed by the technology at her company though. That Declan guy knows his stuff. I should get his contact information in case I need an IT person in the future. I also set a reminder to call the Production Office and see if we can get Austin's stall assignment moved closer to ours. I love it when a plan comes together.

When I arrived at the farm, I didn't head straight to my cabin. Instead, I stopped by my parents' house. As I entered, I could hear everyone gathered in the dining room. It was time to come clean and let them know that I was interested in Austin. I took a deep breath and laid all my cards on the table.

As I arrived in Camden's presence, he welcomed me with a casual greeting, "Hey there, how's it going? Did you get a chance to lend a hand with the chores? And maybe ‘tap that.’

I take a seat at the table and begin to serve myself some food. As I scoop some potatoes onto my plate, I feel the need to clear up any confusion. "Just to be clear, I did not make a move on her. I simply helped her out in the barn and asked her out."

The sudden change in my tone catches everyone's attention. I continued to explain, "Unfortunately, she turned me down."

Coldwell's snarky comment doesn't come as a surprise, "Wow, is this the first time a woman has rejected you?"

Carrington, on the other hand, seems to have a different perspective. He mutters under his breath, "Maybe it's for the best."

I look over at him, confused by his animosity towards Austin. I can't seem to understand why he harbors such resentment towards her. 

As my mom gently strokes my hand, she offers a word of caution. "It's been a rough road for her, so be patient. Change won't happen overnight." I nod, understanding the weight of the situation. I can't expect her to just forget all the past feuds and move on in a matter of hours.

However, my sister Cadee seems to take it all lightly, laughing it off. I can tell she doesn't quite grasp the complexity of the situation. It's clear to me that we need to be careful with the way we talk about things, especially around Stacy. The last thing we want is for her to need therapy because of our family drama.

But despite the tense atmosphere, I try to offer a glimmer of hope. "Let me finish," I interject. "She couldn't make a dinner date because of the Barrel Race in Casper. However, she has agreed to meet me for dinner at the show.”

"I'm thrilled," Cadee exclaims. "Perhaps she'll become my sister-in-law someday."

"Whose Uncle Cort bringing along for dinner?" Stacy interrupts.

"He invited Austin, the one who assisted you in the parking lot and will be crafting the saddle you've been dreaming of," Cadee responds.

"Alright, but can I come?" Stacy inquires once more.

"I apologize, Stacy, but this gathering requires being an adult," I clarify. "Also, let's not rush into anything too quickly, as this is merely a dinner. Though she possesses all the traits I've been searching for in a lifelong companion, I need to guarantee that we can genuinely resolve our past conflicts."

Stacy sighs, "I wanna be an adult."

A comfortable laughter fills the room.

Coldwell inquiries about the evening's outcome, "Did she appreciate your help?"

I chuckled and replied, "She spotted me carrying my duffel bag and questioned why I assumed I could stay the night with our nonexistent relationship."

"If you fumble this opportunity, I might just have to step in and woo her off her feet. She's gorgeous and has a great sense of humor," Coldwell muses, and I join in laughter as I playfully punch his arm. However, I'm aware that if I bungle this chance, he'll seize it. Not out of malice, but because we both have the same aspirations. I hope he finds his match soon.

Although Carrington has been quiet, I have received the blessings of everyone else. This has given me the confidence to move forward and put an end to this feud. I am currently twenty-eight and would like to start a family sooner rather than later. Perhaps Austin coming home is my chance.

With that thought I say,” I have decided to call the show office tomorrow to have Austin's stalls moved to ours. I hope this doesn't cause any issues.” I am relieved that I am making progress with her acceptance and pray that Carrington won't do anything to jeopardize that.

With pride in his voice, my dad remarks, "You've become the man I always hoped you would be. Austin's too proud to admit she needs help with her ankle, and taking care of four horses can't be easy. But you've stepped up, son, and that's something to be proud of. It's the only way we can move on from all the ugliness and start to heal."

"Thanks, Dad," I reply sincerely. "Her horses are impressive. They've got good bloodlines, especially the two-year-old she's hoping to enter the futurity race. If he's as fast as he looks, he might give our horses a run for their money."

Camden chimes in with a practical suggestion, "You should help her load all that equipment and supplies into the trailer. It can't be easy for her to manage all of that on a bum leg."

"I was thinking, maybe we could load up the tack the night before and lend a hand in the morning with the horses," I suggest in a nonchalant tone. "Although, I doubt she'd accept our offer, so I haven't mentioned it to her just yet."

During the remainder of our dinner, we discuss the upcoming show, with Stacy eagerly anticipating the chance to showcase her new horse, Blossom. It's her step-up horse, after her previous one, a Quarter Pony. However, her desire to forego wearing her helmet is met with opposition. Stacy argues that the other girls mock her for it, but it's an argument she won't win. Ensuring her safety is paramount, regardless of any bullying.

After helping our mother clean up, I retire to my cabin for the night. Our mother had always emphasized the importance of learning basic life skills, including cooking and cleaning, as a means of becoming a responsible partner in any future marriage. This wasn't just a woman's job, after all.

Despite the unpleasantness of waking up early, I set my alarm for four-thirty in anticipation of seeing Austin.

After a restless night, I've concluded that the person who invented the alarm clock must have had some malicious intent. I begrudgingly reach for the snooze button and force myself out of bed. My morning routine begins with a quick splash of water on my face and thorough brushing of my teeth. I hastily throw on my jogging pants, a t-shirt, and a hoodie before slipping on my boots. While my appearance may not be glamorous, my priorities lie in feeding the animals before showering. As I step outside, I can't help but wonder what Austin will look like this morning.