Page 19 of Forever Enough
“Mom, don’t get ahead of yourself, okay?”
She stood, looked down at me, and sighed. “The only thing I’ve ever wanted for you and Avery was for you to be happy. Truly happy. Are you? Because both of my children seem to think that just because you’re not here all the time, I don’t notice things. Well, just so you know, I notice everything. I know Avery is terribly homesick and doesn’t want to go back to Paris. I noticed the last time you left to go back on the road, you weren’t as excited and pumped up as you used to be. I see your concentration before each event is off.
“I also noticed you watching Hunter with Kipton last night…and despite your denial, I saw it on your face—you long for something more. Someone to love. And there is nothing wrong with that, Bradly. You’ve always wanted to follow in your father’s footsteps and he…we…are both so proud of you. But your father would be just as happy if you were here on the ranch working alongside him. I want you to know that.”
My heart felt like it grew bigger in my chest. “I love you so much, Mom. I’m not riding simply because Dad did.”
“Oh, I know that, sweetheart.”
I sighed. “It’s like I told you and Dad the other night. I’m feeling a bit undecided right now, and part of it is about wanting to leave professional bull riding. I know you and Dad told me to take this time to really think on that decision, and that’s what I’m doing. Right now, I’m truly leaning toward walking away.”
She drew in a deep breath. “I won’t lie and say a part of me isn’t thankful you’re leaning toward leaving. I worry so much about you and your sister.”
I could see the worry in my mom’s eyes, and I’d always hated being one of the reasons for putting it there. “I just want to enjoy the rest of my time off. It’s been such a relief not to have cameras shoved in my face, or all the smack-talk from my competitors, or random women stalking me at hotels. I needed the peace, and I’m enjoying every second of it.”
She took my hands in hers. “Then peace is what you’ll get. And your father and I are here to talk anytime you want.”
Standing, I kissed her on the forehead. “I know. I love you.”
“I love you more, darling. Now, I’m going to go wash those vegetables and try very hard not to think about the way you looked at Mackenzie—and she looked at you.”
I laughed as she headed into the kitchen.
The moment I stepped into the barn, I was transported to the night before. The music, the animals, and Mackenzie singing like an angel. I hadn’t been expecting her to walk into my parents’ kitchen this morning, or the way my body reacted to seeing her. When I saw an opportunity to spend more time with her, I knew I had to jump all over it.
I’d been helping my father put hay out for the cows when Mackenzie texted me that she was finished working and asked if I was free for lunch. When I told my father that I was taking Mackenzie out, he simply grinned and told me to enjoy myself. If he had spoken to my mother already about me and Mackenzie, he didn’t say anything.
I made my way through the barn to the steps at the back that led up to Mackenzie’s apartment. It had been years since I’d been up in the apartment.
Mr. Whiskers, the white and black cat, sat on the small landing at the top of the steps, and when I came to a stop, he looked up at me and meowed.
“Hey there,” I said as I reached down and scratched him behind his ears. He instantly stood and started to rub on my legs as I knocked.
I could hear Mackenzie make her way to the door. She opened it and looked down to see me crouched next to the cat, who was attempting to crawl onto my lap.
“Wow, Mr. Whiskers doesn’t usually take to strangers.”
Smiling, I picked up the cat and stood. “We’re not strangers. We met last night.”
Mackenzie nodded. “That’s true. Must have been the Christmas magic.”
Nodding, I replied, “Must have been.”
Opening the door wider, she offered for me to come in. “I wasn’t sure how I should dress.”
My eyes took her in. She wore dark jeans, a long-sleeve blue thermal shirt, and cowboy boots. Her wavy hair was pulled back away from her face and gave me a clear view of her eyes. The beautiful green had specks of gold that sparkled, making her eyes look like stars as she gazed up at me.
“You have beautiful eyes.”
The words slipped free before I had a chance to stop them.
Her teeth instantly dug into her lower lip, and she dropped her head. I placed my finger under her chin and lifted her gaze back up to me.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be so blunt, it’s just…I’m enchanted by you, Kenzie.”
A small breath slipped from between her lips. “May I confess something to you?”
“Please,” I whispered, feeling something warm move over my entire body.