out like that it did sound horribly romantic. Had I ruined everything with my reaction to what happened between us?
“He spoke with you about it?”
“Yes, when I called and told him you’d be coming with me. He was surprised and then excited and it was so sweet I guess I got swept up in his plans. I’m sorry I overstepped.”
“No, please, don’t apologize,” I said, holding up my hand. “It was a lovely gesture, and we had a nice time. I think maybe I just got overwhelmed by everything. I mean, I wasn’t expecting any of it. I didn’t know who Mason was before today and had no idea he had feelings for me. It was probably all a bit sudden, that’s all.”
Even though she had a hand in planning what was ultimately my seduction, I didn’t see any need to tell her what had happened between Mason and me. Not only because I didn’t want her to think less of me, but I really felt something so private should be kept between the two of us.
I really hoped he felt the same.
“Is there anything you need me to do to prepare?”
“I think it’s about time to make Charming more comfortable. Would you mind grabbing Mason and Henry?” she asked,
“Sure, I’ll be right back,” I told her and started toward the exit.
Once outside, I glanced around. Mason wasn’t over by the Gator, or the goats, or anywhere I could see him. As I rounded the corner I wondered if he’d gone farther out onto the farm for something else, then I saw him standing on the wraparound porch of the house, talking to a lady who was almost as tall as him, her gray hair swept up in a bun.
I stopped and was about to run back around the corner to hide before they saw me, but I was too late.
The gravel had crunched beneath my feet, causing both of their heads to swing toward me at the sound.
The woman, who had to be his mother, raised her hand in greeting before turning it and waving me over.
Oh boy.
Chapter Eight
It felt like I was walking through cement as I headed through the white picket fence and up the sidewalk toward Mason and his mother, who were watching me with matching smiles.
I knew it was all in my head, but his mom’s gaze seemed to hold a fondness that I hadn’t yet earned.
“Ma, this is Becs,” Mason said, his voice hinting at something I couldn’t quite name. “Becs, this is my ma.”
“Hello, Mrs. McClintock,” I managed as I made it to the top step. “It’s lovely to meet you. Thank you so much for the lunch. It was delicious.”
“Please, call me, Mary,” she said, easily. “And you’re most welcome. I was so pleased when Mason told me you were coming.”
I blinked and wondered, really, but simply smiled in response.
“Mason told me you recently became a vet tech. I can tell you it’s a very important job, especially to our community. Not only for our farm and many local businesses, but pets are family and it’s important to have people who will love and care for them.”
She glanced down, and for the first time I noticed a large older yellow lab sleeping in a bed next to the porch swing. A few feet away there was a water bowl with Sparky stenciled on the side.
“Thank you. I’ve always loved animals and hoped I could do something in this field. It took a little bit longer for me to get here, but I’m really excited to get to do what I’m doing. And getting the opportunity to work with Dr. Garcia is a dream come true,” I replied, then added, “How old is Sparky? He’s adorable.”
Sparky opened one eye at the sound of his name, then closed it again and went back to dozing.
“He’s what, sixteen this year?” Mason asked his mom.
She nodded and replied, “Last month.”
“We got him when I was in high school.”
“Would you like to come in for some lemonade?” Mary asked, causing me to remember why I’d been looking for Mason in the first place.
“Actually, the doctor sent me to find Mason and Henry. It’s time to for Charming to have her calf. Can I get a raincheck?” I asked, as Mason lifted his radio and put a call out to Henry to meet us in the barn.
“Of course. Life on a farm is all about flexibility.”
“It was nice to meet you, and thanks again,” I said as I