Trust the Cowboy

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Dinner with Tatum's family wasn't awkward but it did have its uncomfortable moments throughout the whole thing. Tatum's brother, Ryder, didn't come down at all and when he did you could tell there was tension between him and his grandparents.

He came down the stairs and walked to the fridge. Tatum's siblings all looked at each other and watched their grandfather in weariness. As if they were anticipating what his reaction will be. I was confused but I tried not to seem like I was curious so I just focused on eating my mashed potatoes. Then he just walked back upstairs.

"So, Amber. Where are you from?" Tatum's grandma asked me.

I swallowed my food, "I'm from a small town in Idaho."

"Oh I love Idaho! Haven't been there in years. Al and I used to take horses there when we used to compete at AQHA shows."

"That's amazing," I responded with a smile.

"So tell us about your family." His grandma continued. My fork froze just before it reached my mouth. I set it back down, sad that I couldn't shove the delicious steak into my mouth.

"Oh. Um, well I have three brothers. Gage who is 17. Colter and Rhett are twins and they're 15."

"What about your parents?" She pried

"My mom she uh- she passed away a few years ago." I said. My hands clenched in my lap. I felt Tatum's hand wraps around my clenched ones. I looked up at him and he was giving me a soft smile and I could see the apology in his eyes.

"Oh I'm so sorry." She said. I just gave her a tight smile.

"It's alright," my voice was strained and I got a drink from my glass to try to help with the tightness in throat.

It was silent for a few minutes and then she just had to ask the one question I didn't want her to.

"What about your father?"

"Grandma." Tatum's voice came out in a sharp, flat tone. "Stop." He was glaring at her, warning her. He knew that this was a tough subject for me. I patted his hand.

"It's ok. He's out of the picture. If you don't mind I would really like to stop talking about my family now." I said to her, trying to be polite.

She opened her mouth as if she was going to say something but then thought better of it and instead nodded before going back to dinner.

I started eating my steak and everyone began following suit.

"Tatum you're gonna come to my tea party tomorrow, right?" RaeLynn asked him.

Tatum smiles, "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

I think my heart just melted.

RaeLynn gave him the cutest smile. She definitely has Tatum wrapped around her finger.

Once everyone finished up I got up to help clear the table and when I offered to help with dishes Abby kicked me out.

"Are you sure?" I asked.

"Positive. Go with Tatum."  Than in a quieter voice she told me, "You know between me and you, he's a lot happier than he's ever been and I really think it's because of you." She said.

I started to protest but she gave me a look that made me shut my trap quickly. I left and walked out of the kitchen to go find Tatum. I walked into the living room to see Tatum and Al drinking beers.

"Sorry if I interrupted, Abby kinda kicked me out of the kitchen and refuses my help." I say when I lock eyes with Tatum.

He chuckled, "That isn't a surprise. Ready to go?" He stood up and walked over to me.