The Patriot A Small Town Romance - Jennifer Millikin Page 0,56

turns back and forth deliberately. “But, that’s not it. Why don’t you try telling us the truth?”

Dad’s head tips to the side and he sighs. “Fucking Christ,” he mutters.

I almost laugh, but my mother’s stern expression stops me. I have every intention of telling her once again that I’m dating Dakota, but what comes out of my mouth is the truth, because lying to my parents has always been my weak spot.

“I’m going to marry her.”

My mom’s eyes bulge like the world’s strongest man has squeezed around her middle. My dad’s face turns serious. He’s no longer irritated at being involved in a discussion about my dating life.

“You’re planning to marry her, Son?”

I nod.

Mom points a stiff finger near his face. “This is because of you. If it wasn’t for that dumbass rule, he wouldn’t be trying to marry someone he doesn’t love or know—”

“I know her,” I interrupt.

Her eyes flash to me. “A few weeks doesn’t count.”

I shake my head. “Wrong. I met her five years ago in Colorado.”

“What?”

“And we—”

I stop at my mom’s upraised palm. “I don’t want to hear it.”

“I was going to say we connected.”

She huffs. “Wes, you can’t marry someone you barely know and don’t love just because you want the ranch.”

“He’s going to have to marry someone sometime, Juliette.” Dad’s voice is quiet, but strong.

Mom sputters. “I want him to love his wife, Beau. He deserves to be in love.”

“Even if he loves the woman he marries, it doesn’t guarantee a ride into the sunset. Life is tough, and that includes love.”

Mom looks down at the floor, her eyes closed. I’ve never known them to have marital issues, so I don’t think my dad’s speaking from experience, but I’m uncomfortable nonetheless.

“I know what I’m doing, guys. I promise.”

Mom’s head lifts. “What does she get out of it?”

I bristle at her hard tone. “She has a name.”

“What does Dakota get out of it?”

There’s no way I’m sharing Dakota’s private financial information, so I shake my head and say, “She wants to help me. And it’s not like we don’t like each other. I told you—”

“Yes, yes. You connected.” She makes air quotes when she says ‘connected’.

I go silent. So does my mom. Her arms are crossed and she stares me down. “I’m not happy with this, Wes.”

I shrug. “I love you, Mom, but I’m not asking for permission. This is my choice, and I’m making it.”

Dad must think we’re done here, because he announces that he’s going to sleep.

“I need to get back to work,” I say to both of them, even though my dad has his eyes closed. “I don’t know what your plans are, Mom, but I won’t be home for dinner. I’m seeing Dakota.”

“What’s the point?” Mom asks. “Go to the courthouse now.”

“Everyone else thinks we’re dating.”

“Who cares? Call off the charade.”

It’s hard to explain, but I don’t want my siblings to know. I don’t want them to look down on what I’m doing with Dakota, or, worse, be constantly waiting for her to leave like Anna. I want them to believe in us. I want them to see me as the big brother who finally came to his senses and got married.

“No, Mom, and I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t say anything.”

She sighs. “Fine.” She pretends to lock her lips and toss out the key.

“Thanks.” I nod at her. “Do you want a ride back home?”

Mom glances at Dad. “I’m going to stay here tonight, but I’d love fresh clothes and a shower.”

She grabs her purse, tucks her book inside, and kisses my dad’s forehead. He’s either already sleeping or a damn good faker.

On the way out, my mom stops to chat with a nurse. While I wait I pull out my phone and send a text to Dakota telling her my parents know everything.

She’s not thrilled, which is understandable. In fact, her exact response is: I wish you were kidding.

Are you having second thoughts? I ask, but she doesn’t respond for a few hours.

Wyatt and I are working in the round pen with a horse when her answer comes through.

No. I’ll see you tonight?

I type out my confirmation, and Wyatt says, “Quit texting your girlfriend. We have shit to do.”

I slip my phone into my back pocket. “Fuck off.”

“I’m happy for you, Wes. For real.”

I stop in my tracks and look at him. He sounds genuine.

“Thanks, man.”

He nods and gets back to what he was doing.

19

Dakota

Despite Wes’s parents knowing the truth, he wants to keep it from his siblings, and