Crescent Acres (Steve Rogers AU)

10

Steve

Six Years Ago

"It's getting heavier". I note to dad as we sit having a beer on the way back from getting some supplies.
Despite the shitty weather, Stan's is still busy with the locals scattered at tables, drinking and talking amongst themselves. Sometimes it's just nice to get away from the ranch and have a different kind of atmosphere.

Everybody knows everybody here. A blessing of living in a small town but also a curse. People here know your business just like you know theirs, and word will always travel fast.

"Eh, a little rain don't hurt nobody". Dad brushes it off as he now checks outside himself, "Buuuuut I s'pose your mom will be calling like she does - worry wart". He smirks and puts the bottle to his lips. "Why don't you shoot her a message and tell her we'll be home soon, just refuelling at Stan's".

I reach for my phone and open my messages, sending her  what dad's asked and then sitting back to finish my beer. If we didn't let her know then he's right - she'd be sending out search parties for us, then we'd be in the shit.

"So...how are things with you and Sharon?". He asks

"Good", I lie, but he can see straight through me.

A small smile crosses his lips and he sits back, now eyeing me knowingly. "Now don't give me that crap, I can tell your heart's not in it".

I laugh at this in denial. "I really don't know what you're talking about. Things are fine between us, Mom likes her, so do you-"

"Doesn't matter what I think of her, what matters is what you feel...and I'm not stupid. I know that she probably feels more than you do", He says and studies his beer bottle. "Y'know...the only time I've ever really seen how you feel for real? Was that girl you spent those two weeks hanging out with one summer, years back. Hell, your mom and I even joked that you'd marry her given half the chance...shame she never came back, I'd have liked to have seen the woman she'd have grown to be".

Darby.

Once again she's now in my mind, but I can't let dad know that he's right. People come and go, and I knew I'd probably never see her again - but I still haven't given up hope.

"Don't get me wrong, Sharon's nice and all, but she's not who I'd expect you to marry".

"Dad..." I sigh. "She's the one for me, and who knows? Maybe one day she could be your daughter in law". At this point I'm just trying to prove to him that she is the love of my life, and I will do. "Just not right now obviously - I'll know when the time's right".

He figures that perhaps it's best to just let the subject drop and nods, finishing his beer. "Well...just know that I want the best for you, always have".

"And Sharon is, ok?"

It's obvious he knows and still doesn't believe me, but says nothing else more other than his next words.

"Whatever you say..." He now gets up. "C'mon, let's get back to your mom and outta this weather".

I get up and go to take the keys, "I can drive, you've been doing so for most of the day".

"I'm fine, see ya Stan!"  He gives Stan a brief wave as we pass the bar.

"Later Joe, take care with that weather out there, it's coming down something else". Stan replies and gives me a nod.