Chapter Five
Alma
If there were three words that could stop my heart from beating it would be, how could I? Especially from Austin. Does this mean he was waiting for me? Does this mean the daydreams I’ve had were true and not just a figment of my imagination?
“Austin.” I breathed his name. “I… I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you only left me because of your father?”
Staring deeply into his eyes, I shook my head. “He wasn’t the complete reason.”
“You never told me what it was. Why did you run away from me when I was kneeling in front of you with a ring?”
Suddenly, all the pain and memories were flooding my brain, and it was bringing tears to my eyes. I pushed myself away from him. I couldn’t think straight with him this close to me. “I have to go.” I turned toward the door and rushed away from him.
I didn’t want to go home but wasting gas driving around wasn’t a bright idea either. I ended up at an all-night diner with a hot cup of coffee and the power not to cry in it. Although I couldn’t keep it up forever.
I remember the day I left and have replayed it over and over. Papa had caught Austin and me kissing and jerked me away from him. When we got home he yelled about how I was ruining my future because Austin was using me and we were from different cultures. Reminding me, I was sixteen and Austin was twenty-three. He went on and on about how we would never be compatible.
Papa didn’t know what he was talking about. Austin and I were meant to be together. I ran away from Papa and went back to the ranch.
Austin had been in the stables when I arrived at the ranch. He appeared to have been crying, but I never asked if he really was crying, I just leaped into his arms.
We fell asleep in the hayloft and when I woke I knew being in his arms was the way I wanted to wake up every day. After breakfast, we walked hand in hand around the ranch. Austin began to talk about our future together. However, it wasn’t exactly what I wanted. He had other plans. He wanted to run away and elope and wanted me to live on the ranch and help it grow more.
I loved the ranch and my dream was always to come back to it, but I didn’t want to marry at sixteen. College and living my own life was my highest priorities. My plan was to do this and remain with Austin, but instead, he was on one knee telling me this was how it was going to be. I didn’t want to be controlled by Papa and most certainly not Austin.
So I ran and left all that I knew, but he was never far from my thoughts.
After spending almost four hours on the ranch with Mr. Chambers, I didn’t see Austin one time. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to see him, and I was certain he didn’t want to see me since I ran away from him – again.
When I got back home, Mama was hard at work making a spread of food. “What’s all this?”
“We’re having family over.”
Now for some people that would mean five to ten people but not our family. Even though my parents wanted a houseful of children, they only had me. However, all my aunts and uncles had numerous children between them and that means they’re all coming.
“Get on an apron and help.” Mama ordered and I do as told.
Everyone always came over here because Mama was the best cook in Texas. I dared anyone to make better food because there wasn’t anyone. She even entered a few contests every once in a while and won every single time.
As the family arrived, Papa would greet them and escort them out to the backyard. Everyone was happy to see me because it had been a while since I’d been home. There was one cousin who I was looking forward to seeing.
Tara.
She and I were practically twins, only a couple of months apart. We grew up next door to each other almost all our lives until my uncle moved across town. However, Tara and I were never far from each other. We even went to colleges close to each other. Shortly before we graduated, she met a guy and fell in love. He was almost ten years old and not Hispanic. It was another first for our family.
I was taking out a tray of drinks for everyone when I heard the squeal behind me. “Alma.” I placed the tray down just in time as she jumped into my arms. This had been the longest Tara and I hadn’t seen each other, even though we texted all the time.
“I’ve missed you.” I hugged her tightly.
“You have no clue,” she said.
Together we headed into the house and up to my room. I knew I should have mingled with my family, but I had to tell her what happened the night before. And I did. I told her every detail of what I encountered with Austin.
“Oh, Alma.” She held my hand. “I know how much you love him and this just proves he still loves you.”
I shrug. “I’m not sure.”
“Why don’t you two sit down and talk. Like real adults. It’s been six years and a lot has changed for him – and you. You’re much stronger.”
“How did you it?”
“What?”
“You and Michael. How did you just stand up to your parents?”
Tara gave me a sad smile. “It was hard. Dad still barely speaks to me, but Mom is coming around a bit. Especially since she wants to help with the wedding details.”
I nodded.
“Speaking of wedding details, you’ve not given me an answer about being my maid of honor.”
I smiled. “You know I would love to.”
“But…”
“I may be at work.”
“Good grief. Take a day off, girl. This is my wedding.” She pleaded. “Plus, I don’t know how many family members are coming since I’ve become the outcast.”
“You’re right. You’re absolutely right. I would love to stand by your side.” I hugged her and she squealed again.
“Now, we just have to get you married.”
I laughed. “No, I think Papa and Mama are shoveling enough men in my face right now, I don’t need any more help in that department.”
“Seriously, talk to Austin. You two are meant to be together. It seems he’s been waiting for you, and I know you’ve been waiting for him. This could be your second chance.”
I hung my head. She was right. I needed to be an adult.