In the spare bedroom, I find a box of old worn out t-shirts. Most of them have holes in them, but they're in decent enough shape that they would make a great t-shirt quilt. Also, there's a sewing machine in the living room so I can use this as my chance to show him I can be useful around the house. One of my winter projects could be to make a quilt out of these t-shirts.
It’s a win-win because I love to quilt. Though I haven't had the opportunity to do so since my dad died and even before then because I was just too busy taking care of him. So, I pick up the box and take it into the living room, and set it next to the sewing machine. I checked the drawers in the machine, and find all the thread that I need.
While he's outside doing his chores, this can be one of the things I’m doing in the house
By the time he comes inside to get ready for the rodeo, I have a smile on my face. That I'll be helping to contribute to the house even in a small way makes me feel a lot better about being here.
"Let me know when you're ready and we can get going," he says as he comes out of the bathroom in a nice pair of jeans and a button-down shirt.
He looks downright mouthwatering with his muscular body on display. I'm sure at an event like a rodeo he'd have no problem getting girls, which makes me wonder why a hot guy like him did the mail-order bride thing.
I head into the bathroom and put on a pair of jeans, a comfortable but dressier t-shirt, and a pair of sneakers that I wouldn't mind getting dirty. After putting a few curls into my hair, I swipe on a little bit of mascara and lip gloss before leaving the room.
When I step out, his eyes find me immediately. His eyes dance over my face before taking in the entire length of my body and then slowly traveling back up and locking with my eyes.
"You look beautiful," he says as he clears his throat.
Then he opens the front door for me, and he's the perfect gentleman just like yesterday, opening my car door and making sure I'm settled in the truck before going around to his side.
When we’re in the truck, he turns the radio on low for some background noise before smiling back over at me.
"My friends and their wives are going to be there. They'll come over and say hi, but they'll let us be today, but tomorrow they will want to talk to both of us," he says as I look out the window.
"Will you tell me about them so at least I can say that I've heard about them?" I ask.
This earns me a huge smile. I guess he likes that I'm actually taking an interest in his friends and his life.
"There's Axel and his wife Emelie. They were the first to get married and I'll let you hear their story from them, but he's a pretty big guy, so don't be alarmed when you see him. She’s the sweetest person you will ever meet. She makes sure to take care of me and always sends me home with food when she'd see me. Then there's Jenna and Phoenix. They were the next to get married. He’s a talented wood worker and makes a lot of the wood furniture that you'll see in town, as well as some of the furniture in my place. She’s a photographer who specializes in pictures of the national parks and sells her stuff in town and online.
Then there is Hope and Cash whose wedding we're going to. And finally, there is Jana and Cole who live on the land bordering Cash and Hope. Cole has been somewhat of a recluse. He's a great guy and only just joined our group. He's got a scar on the side of his face, but don't let it startle you. This will be his first big event with crowds, so give him a little leeway."
I appreciate that he gave me a heads up on Cole and also that he's protective of the rest of them as well. It says a lot about who he is and how loyal he is to his friends. Hopefully, maybe one day I'll fall into the category to deserve that kind of loyalty from him, too.
The rest of the car ride he talks about some of the rodeos he's gone to in the past and what I can expect since it's my first time.
No sooner are we inside the gates of the rodeo, than a group of people head right for us.
"You must be Willow! We're so excited to meet you. I'm Emelie and this is my husband, Axel," the little blonde one says.
They take turns introducing themselves and it's a little overwhelming trying to remember everyone's names. But like Bennett promised, they don't crowd us.
"Tomorrow, we will see you both for lunch." The blonde one says again and then they go grab their seats.
"Let’s get some seats over there," Bennett says we head in the opposite direction as his friends.
Even though his friends seemed really nice, I find meeting each new people can be quite intense. Thankfully, he seems to understand as do his friends, by giving us our space.
I didn't quite know what to expect with the rodeo, but there are people everywhere and I can easily tell that he was uncomfortable. Bennett’s trying to hide it, but I don't blame him because this whole place makes me feel on display/uneasy, too.
Grabbing seats in the metal bleachers a few rows up from the front, we’re so close we can smell the dirt ring below us and the food that's in the air.
I’m enjoying watching the barrel racers and the girls on the horses are just amazing.
Leanings over, nodding towards the horses in the ring in front of us, he asks, "Do you know how to ride?"
"Not very well. I've gone a few times with some friends, but that's about it."
"I'll teach you. It will come in handy out here."