Bluebonnet Days

Why is He Here?

Taking a deep breath, I climb out of my car and start to walk up the steps. As I am about to reach for the handle, the large rustic french like doors burst open. “Samantha!” my mama squealed. I was greeted by my parents with warm hugs and kisses, making me realize how much I have missed them over the years. Sure, I saw them a few times. Dad visited me about 2 years ago in Wyoming for a rodeo and mama visited me while I was abroad in Europe and Spain. Though nothing compares to just being home with them. After I let them know I cannot breathe anymore, they finally let me go, so I began to take in everyone around the room. Jackson ran up to me, picked me up to twirl me around. Have to say, he has grown up into a nice looking rugged cowboy and his finance Lucey only complements him even more with her soft face, dirty blonde hair with blue eyes. I’ve always liked her, therefore I was elated to hear the news when they finally got together and are now engaged to be wed in November. Mia is now punching Jackson to put me down so she can wrap her arms around me. It has been over a year since I have seen her in person. She gets more beautiful every time, with her haunting green eyes and shoulder length dark brown hair, uniquely seamless face. A body all the girls envy at our age. Friends and family are now all gathered around me for hugs. Including my white lab, Maddox. As he jumps up on me and covers me with slobbery kisses. I finally get him to roll over and rub his belly, while chatting with others. All of the sudden, we hear a rushed panting voice, “I’m here, I’m here, did I make it?” As this woman appears in the doorway. The house is now quiet and everyone is staring at her. This woman now looking embarrassed has realized she was late and caused a scene. Out of nowhere, he steps out from the corner. Weston! His head is down as I see that he is walking this way, but goes to grab this woman's hand and whispers something in her ear. I see Mias’ face has now fallen and I’m just speechless. O no, he is now walking this way towards me. Weston has on nice fitted in all the right places black slacks, a sky blue button up shirt topped off with his black cowboy. All that compliments this man's dark features even more. And those intense crystal blue eyes, that keep staring at me. The closer he gets, the weaker I am becoming. Now I can smell his cologne and my brain floods with memories of our last summer together. Girl, get it together! I say to myself. Soon he leans in to hug me, tightly. Kisses me on the cheek, then whispers in my ear, “You lookin’ great all grown-up now. I have really missed you.” O god, Not now! I might just fall over dead now as the heat is coursing through my body and he's made me blush in front of everyone. I close my eyes and tell myself now is not the time. I open my eyes with a smile, and say “hope all has been well over the years with you.” As we are standing awkwardly, staring at each other, we hear, “mm hmmm” And the woman reaches out her hand. “Hi, I am Laura Belle, Westons girlfriend.” I feel like the whole room is staring to see what might happen next. I shake her hand with “Pleased to meet you Laura… Belle?” Im Samantha.”

“O, yes! I have heard so much about you from Weston and the family. Seems like y'all are a tight knit family. Practically brother and sister, right?”

At this point, with the jealousy showing in her brown eyes with a hint of green; I’m unsure if she is trying to convince herself of that or threatening me. All I can say is “practically” with a smile. I look back at Weston in hopes he can not read the disappointment in my eyes. He smiles awkwardly and looks away. Mia saves me by grabbing my hand and pulling me outside to the porch. She exclaims, “Surprise!” I am now glaring at her.

“Damn it, Mia! I thought he was on a business trip and I wouldn’t have to deal with him head on! And where was the fair warning about her?”

“I promise, Sam, I had no idea she would be here. I found out last night Weston was staying in town to welcome you home and would be heading out Monday. Miss Southern Belle was not supposed to be here for another 2 weeks, so I thought I had time for him or myself to prepare you. But low and behold, here she is. They have only been dating for 6 months and have only been out here a handful of times. None of us like her anymore than she likes being here. But she has her hooks in Weston somehow.”

“O, Mia! Even after almost 5 years of not seeing or speaking to him, my heart aches. Just was not prepared to see him today. But it looks as if he has moved on.”

Unfortunately, moving on for me has not been easy. I have dated a few men over the years during my travels. At times it felt I just wanted a companion to share things with or just needed to feel wanted. I was wooed by Esteban in Paris for about 6 months, until I decided to move on across Europe. Ended up in Spain with Marco for some latin experience. Then there was Noah in Australia. He almost had me. Blonde hair, blue eyes, the kinda of guy you see in the surfing magazines. Well maybe because he was in them. He is a competitive surfer and volunteers as a firefighter and at the animal refuge. Awe! Right!? We actually met when we both were volunteering at the animal refuge. Outside of him traveling for competitions, we were inseparable. I knew he was not the one, when I was asked to join Colonial Corp full time back in the states. I was not sad about leaving. 8 months in, I was ready for a change. Ready to be state side. Noah even offered to follow me, but I convinced him he needed to focus on his career and that we would keep in touch. Honestly, though he was smart and generous, I was mostly sad about not being able to see and touch that body of his. In the end, though, none of them were Weston. I guess I have been holding onto some hope he would show up where I was or call me to apologize and confess his feelings for me. Over the last 5 years, all I received were a few texts asking how his I was doing, or financial questions related to the ranch. Time really does not heal the heart.