Chapter 27
Bryce
Thanksgiving Day
I was kicking my ass for accepting Avery’s invitation to have Thanksgiving with her whole family. The truth was, I was so damned grateful she hadn’t totally written me off that I didn’t stop to think about what type of climate I was going to be walking into this afternoon.
I was checking the feed and the water in the barn when the door opened and I heard Mandy’s voice, “Bryce?”
“I’m over here,” I called out, “Over with Tula and Baron.”
“I might have known,” she remarked. “You act like those horses are yours. I sure hope you bond with our baby half as much as you have with these two,” she said, nodding toward the stalls. “Baron looks like he’s doing well with eating on his own now. I guess it won’t be long before he finds a new home, right?”
I felt my jaw tighten. “What is it you need, Mandy? I need to finish up here and go up to my cabin and clean up.”
“Oh? Big Thanksgiving plans?”
I didn’t respond to the bait.
“The reason I was looking for you is I wondered if you wanted to stop by my place for dinner. It’s not the traditional Thanksgiving spread, but I did get a baked chicken and some potato salad from the deli if you’d like to—”
“Got plans, but thanks anyway,” I interrupted. This was a first. I hadn’t seen her since she’d moved to her own cottage. I presumed if she needed anything she wouldn’t be shy about asking. “Have you seen a doctor yet?”
“Plans, huh? Must be nice to still have a social life, Bryce,” she snapped. “And no, I haven’t seen a doctor yet. I’ll get to it when I can. No need to worry yourself. Your concern is really overwhelming. Have a nice fucking day.”
She turned on her heel and stomped out of the barn. I ran a hand through my hair in frustration. What the hell was I supposed to do? We weren’t in love; we’d never really even been in “like.” It was just a random hookup that now might change my life forever. I could handle that. What I couldn’t handle was a package deal that included Mandy. I actually looked forward to the birth of this baby so I would finally know the truth.
I’d insisted on picking up Avery before driving over to her aunt and uncle’s place. She’d tried to protest, but I’d put my foot down with her. “You invited me to dinner as your date. A date picks up the girl, and drives to the destination. That’s just how it is Avery. This is non-negotiable.”
“Wow, play the alpha card much?” she said with a pout, but a smile soon followed. “Fine, you win this time.”
The afternoon hadn’t gone bad at all. Tristan and I had always been cool with each other. We talked a bit about Baron and the upcoming sale. He was pleased with the progress I’d made in getting him weaned. “You’ve done good, Bryce. I couldn’t have done better myself.”
Avery’s mom, sister and brother were cool. Her dad though was another story. I didn’t miss a couple of the glares he’d tossed my way before I finally made my way over to him, holding out my hand. “It’s nice to see you again, Judge Sinclair.”
Avery was at my side immediately. She must’ve thought a storm was brewing, but it wasn’t necessary. Her father promptly shook my hand and asked me how things were going. I filled him in on ranch stuff, but as soon as Avery stepped away he was quick to clarify. “I meant how are things going with the girl who showed up at our door looking for you?”
“She’s staying in her own cabin. She’s helping out in the office. We’re not involved, Sir. But if her claims are true, I won’t shirk my responsibility to the child.”
“That’s well and good, Bryce, and I hope things work out for all concerned, but I won’t see Avery hurt by your past. Just know that.”
“Understood, Sir. It’s never been my intention to hurt her—or anyone else. Avery is special to me as well. I know you don’t know me, but please, trust me to do right by her.”
“I will until you give me reason not to, that’s all I can promise.”
And with that he walked away. I knew he was aware of my old reputation, but I wasn’t that person any longer and in time, he would see that as well.
I was still thinking those thoughts when my cell rang. I’d already talked to my mom and dad today. The number that came up had the same area code as theirs, but it was a number I didn’t know, so I let it go to voicemail.
We got through dinner. Avery was seated on one side, and Hannah on the other. The banter between all the chicks was pretty entertaining. The afternoon went well, and as I said my thanks to our hosts and helped Avery on with her coat, her mother came up to me with a paper plate wrapped in foil, insisting I take it home.
Once in my truck, Avery let out a sigh. “You’ve definitely won Mom over.”
“Yeah? Well I won’t count it as a total win until I do the same with your father,” I replied, starting the truck. “But I aim to do just that.”