Bluebonnet Days

Family Dinner

Heading into the house, I am nervous about what this evening will bring. I go take a shower and get ready for tonight. This dinner is a weekly thing so dressing casual is fine. I slip on my skinny jeans with my light weight off the shoulder blue sweater. Light make-up, with some added curl to my hair for some volume. Finally I feel ready and head downstairs. Before I reach the dining room, I can hear the laughter of everyone. Does not sound like any tension to me. I walk in, and everyone one stops and stares.

“O gosh, did I forget to take out a roller or something?”

“No, Sam, you just look stunning!” Weston comes by and places a kiss on my cheek and walks into the kitchen.

Yep, I am blushing through my blush tonight. Did we not just talk about this earlier today, I think to myself.

“Mama, do you need any help with anything?” As I am trying to escape at the moment.

“No,sweetie. Lacey and Jackson are grabbing the rest.”

All the sudden I hear a squeal come through the kitchen door.

“Sam, you are home! I hate that I missed the other night, but was on a school field trip. Westons’ sister, Maddie gives me a big hug.

“Hey Maddie, how's it been going?”

We sit down at the table and catch up, while the table is being covered in food. My dad and Mr. Lancaster are sitting on each end of the table, as the wives sit next to them. Filled in the middle is Maddie, Myself and Lucey on one side, with Jackson and Weston sitting across from us. Dinner seems to go off without a hitch. Though I do notice that Weston and his dad are not really speaking to each other directly, but more in a roundabout way through Dad and Jackson.

As I am lost in thought, I feel a piece of bread hit my face. What in the world?

“Earth to Sam!” Jackson states. ‘Are you here? Mr. Lancaster just asked you a question.

“O, I am so sorry sir. Just reminding myself to reply to some emails tonight. What was your question?”

“I was just saying how nice it is to have you back at the ranch and working. But wanted to know if you have plans to travel in the near future?”

“Um, I'm not sure what you mean, sir? I might travel back to England next Spring to visit with some old friends, but that would be only for a week or so. And I can definitely work while I am over there, if that is the concern.”

“No No, that is no concern. I know you are excellent at your job and won’t let things fall to the side. I just didn't know if you would be leaving again for a long period of time.”

At this point I feel caught off guard and offended. I hear Weston say, “Dad, not now. She is home and it is our first dinner with her back. Can we not?”

“Mr. Lancaster, again I am not sure what you are getting at. But I can say I am home for the near and far future. Unless not needed anymore. I may have left suddenly, but I had my parents backing. I have to say I have learned a lot about the ranch business from all over and have grown as a person. Mentally and spiritually, that will only help me in the long run. Worked for one of the top global companies before leaving to come here. I have seen more in the past 5 years than most can see in a lifetime. So I am content with being home.”

“I am sorry if I offended you Samantha. That is not what I meant to do. I just know everyone is so happy to have you back, including myself”

“It is ok” I look at Weston who has a clenched jaw. So I kick him under the table to get his attention. We lock eyes and I can see he is calming down.

“Alright, who is ready for some cake?” my mama asks. I get up to help clear the table with Lucey, as mom prepares dessert. We all sit back down again and eat cake and drink some more wine. Shortly after, Jackson leaves to take Lucey home and Maddie heads back to her house.