Chapter Seventeen
Alma
I touched up my lips with Austin’s favorite lip gloss and fluffed my hair a bit more. I picked a golden sundress with the perfect pair of matching wedges to put it all together. I never liked heavy makeup, but for tonight I added a bit more. I shouldn’t be nervous. It was just my family, but then again it was my family. I know this was Papa’s idea, but this could end up being a disaster. I closed my eyes and said a small prayer this was going to be a great dinner. Or at least, somewhat great.
It didn’t matter. I was going to be with Austin. Period.
Knock. Knock.
I turned to see the man I love pushing the door open. “Alma? You okay?”
I smiled. “I’m perfect.”
He came further into the bedroom and stopped. “Wow.” I watched as he studied me. “You are the most beautiful being I’ve ever seen.”
“You’re okay, I guess.” I teased. He knew I was lying. In front of me, Austin was wearing a dark gray suit, with his shiny black cowboy boots. He left open a few buttons since he wasn’t wearing a tie.
“Words like that won’t get you kissed later.” He tried to hide his smirk but failed.
“Really?” I swayed my hips as I glided over to him. “Even with my tasty peach lip gloss?” I slightly pushed out my bottom lip. Sure, it was a little childish, but I loved flirting with him like this. He was like Jell-O in my hand.
His smile grew, and he leaned down softly touching my lips with his. “You drive a hard bargain.”
I giggled. “I’m ready to go when you are.”
“Let’s take my truck. I’d like to stargaze with you tonight after dinner.” He held out his hand, and I laced our fingers together.
“I can’t wait.”
I had to take several deep breaths as Austin opened the truck door for me and we walked up to my parents’ front door. I didn’t know what tonight held, but we’re both about to find out. I wiped the sweat from my palm and turned the doorknob.
“Mama, Papa we’re here.” I announced pushing the door open.
“Austin.” Mama greeted him first. “I’m happy you came.” She hugged him.
“I brought these for you.” He handed her a bouquet of flowers.
“How sweet. I’ll go put them in water.” She touched my cheek as she headed into the kitchen.
“Austin. Alma.” Papa’s deep voice made us both turn.
“Sir.” Austin nodded to him.
“Hello, Papa.” I smiled at him. I couldn’t gauge his mood at the second. His face was stone. Then again, it normally was that way.
The three of us stood near each other in awkward silence until Mama came back in and told us dinner was ready. Walking in a line, we headed into the dining room. I knew she would have gone all out for Austin. There was a massive spread of food laid out on the table along with the good dishes as she called. Normally, those were brought out for the most special guests, and I kept my smile at bay when I saw them. It meant she cared about how tonight went as well as me.
Austin pulled out my chair for me. I sat on the left side of Papa and Mama was across from me.
“This looks delicious.” Austin took the seat next to me.
“Thank you.” She smiled.
After Papa said grace, we passed around the food putting portions of everything on our plates. There were several minutes of silence before Mama began breaking the ice.
“Austin, I heard you were talking about buying the only James Building downtown. Is that true?”
“Yes. I was thinking of turning it into apartments.”
“You have been buying up a lot of real estate.” Papa growled.
“Land and sturdy structures are great investments. But the ranch will always be my number one priority,” Austin said with much pride.
Papa mumbled something under his breath I couldn’t hear. Mama cut him a glare and he went back to looking down at his food.
“I had a lot of fun at your gathering, Austin. It was great to see everyone in one place.” Mama told him.
“It was.” He nodded. “I think we need to do it more often. Everyone’s family seems to be growing.”
Mama and I chat up those who’ve recently had babies or expecting newborns soon. Austin even threw in some comments. Papa remained quiet as the three of us were having a grand time.
“What are your plans?” Papa blurted out the question and we all stopped. “What are your plans for the ranch and my daughter? You were an adult and took advantage of her. She was just a little girl.”
I was about to chastise him for treating Austin this way. There was no reason for it. I wasn’t a small child at sixteen, and I knew exactly what was I doing.
“You’re right. I did take advantage of her.” He stated.
I whipped around and gaped at him.
“Her kindness, her hard work ethic, her bluntness, all of which I know she got from you, I took advantage of because I wanted to be more like her. I hung around her to get to know her better and what happened – she stole my heart – and I never got it back. It belongs to her. Yes, I did things wrong. I should have been man enough to talk to you and ask your permission to date her. Properly, but I didn’t, because I was still a kid. A kid in love with Alma and I never wanted to let her go. I never will let her go. I have a strong financial future. The ranch is self-sufficient, and I have enough investments to ensure our future. If Alma wants to work she can, if she wants to be a housewife, she can. But I want her by my side, and I will fight for her this time. And I hope for your blessing.”
If there was ever a true declaration of love from Austin to me, this was it. Tears of love filled me, and my heart fluttered from his beautiful words. He loved me. He truly loved me and we were going to be together.
“Alma is very hardheaded,” Papa gruffly said.
“Tell me about it.” Austin scoffed and Mama laughed. “But it’s a quality I love because it’s her. I give you my word I will always take care of her, love her, and respect her.”
Papa stared at him for a moment before looking at me. He took a deep breath and then reached for Mama’s hand. He was thinking. I could tell by the way my parents had their silent conversation.
“If you ever break your promise to me, Austin, I will break you. I might be older than you, but I still have tricks up my sleeve.” He held a hard gaze on him.
“I will never break my word to you.” He vowed.
“Then you two have my blessing.”
Just like when I heard Mama tell me to fight for Austin, you could have knocked me over with a feather. Those were words I thought I’d never hear. He was actually doing it. He said it was okay to be with Austin. I leaped out of my chair and hugged my father’s neck tightly. “I love you, Papa. Thank you.”
He kissed my cheek. “I love you too. I’m not thrilled, but I want you to be happy.”
My cheeks were hurting from my smile. I knew he wouldn’t be happy, but this was a step in the right direction with my future with Austin.
A very, long, happy future.