Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 87260 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87260 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
The rest of the time was spent with my mother helping her clean up while she told me about her new job promotion, and how she was slowly learning everything. I watched as she spoke and wondered if she ever got lonely. She’d gone out a few times since the divorce, but nothing serious. I suddenly had the urge to see Nate. I took my phone out and sent him a text.
Me: I’m having dinner at my mom’s house. She said yes to Thanksgiving. I’m going to be heading home soon.
It didn’t take Nate long to reply.
Nate: I’m so glad she said yes! I’ll let Grams and my mother know. Leaving the ranch now and heading home. Why don’t you come here instead?
Smiling, I peeked up to see my mother reading something on her phone.
Me: I’ll swing by and pack a bag. I’ll text you once I’m on the way to your house.
Nate: Perfect. Be careful driving. See you soon.
I set my phone on the table and gathered the dessert plates. Mom stopped me. “No, leave those, Haven.”
“Mom, you cooked. Let me clean up all the way for you.”
She sat as I finished up the last few dishes.
“Timberlynn texted and asked if I was planning on coming for Thanksgiving.”
I glanced at her over my shoulder. “And did you tell her yes?”
She smiled. “I did. I asked if we could bring something, and she said no. Then texted back and said to bring sneakers and dress comfortable.”
I looked at her and frowned. “What?”
With a nod, she looked back at her phone. “What in the world do they do on Thanksgiving?”
Shrugging, I folded the dish towel and set it on the counter. “I guess we’ll find out tomorrow!”
Before I got out of my car, Nate appeared on the front porch of his house. The smile on his face made my stomach flip with anticipation. I quickly grabbed my purse and bag and got out of the car.
“Want to park in the garage?”
I glanced at my old car. “I think it will be okay.”
Nate met me halfway and took my bag before leaning down and kissing me.
“I missed you.”
“It’s only been a day since I saw you.”
He smiled again, and my stomach felt like butterflies were in there. “I know, it’s crazy. I never in my life imagined I’d be feeling this way.”
Pulling me into his arms, he kissed me again.
“Well, if this is how you act when we’re apart for a day, what would it be like longer?”
Nate laughed, took my hand, and led me to the front door. “Let’s not find out.”
Once inside, Nate helped me with my jacket and hung it up. “Did you bring a heavier coat? It’s supposed to snow tonight.”
“No, I need to unpack all of my winter clothes.”
After taking my bag and bringing it to his room, Nate met me in the kitchen where I was peeking at the soup he had on the stove.
“What are you making?”
“Beef stew, my mom’s recipe.”
I drew in a deep breath and moaned. “That smells heavenly.”
Nate winked at me, and my heart jumped in my chest. “I was about to put the rolls in the oven.”
“Is there anything I can do?” I asked as I looked around the kitchen.
“You can go get into something comfortable. I know you already ate, but after I eat, I thought maybe we could watch a movie.”
“You’re sure you don’t need help?”
Nate shook his head. “I’ll let you pick out the movie.”
“Are you sure about that?”
He shut the oven door and turned to face me. “You’re going to pick out a romance movie, right?”
I felt my cheeks heat. “I was thinking Hallmark. All the Christmas movies are playing.”
Nate closed his eyes and let out a sigh. When he opened them, I was trying not to laugh. “Fine. But if you tell anyone, especially Josh, that I watched Hallmark, I will deny it until my dying day.”
Jumping in excitement, I kissed him and said, “Deal!”
I spun around and quickly made my way to Nate’s bedroom. He had placed my bag on his bed. Unzipping it, I took out the clothes I had brought and the pajamas. I wasn’t sure why I brought those since I was hoping to be naked and snuggled up next to Nate all night. I also wasn’t sure what to wear for Thanksgiving, so I didn’t pack anything, figuring I would be leaving to pick up my mother anyway.
The small bathroom bag was at the bottom of the bag. I took it out and headed to the bathroom. I set it on the counter. Putting it on Nate’s counter felt weird. I didn’t want him to think I was trying to move my things in. With this relationship still so new and my worry that it was too good to be true, I wasn’t even sure I could take anything out and leave it here.