Chapter 29 – Gentry
twenty-nine
GENTRY
Ilied to Ainsleigh when she asked if everything was okay.
During our riding lesson earlier, I’d received two messages.
One from my parents that I’d yet to read. I wasn’t ready to talk about how they’d been texting me updates on their arrival, messages that had gone without a response. I just didn’t have the energy to respond to them. Not after everything they’d put me through.
The second message was from Sawyer saying that he had something to discuss with me and to meet him at the office when I was done for the day.
Once we were finished for the day, I told her I’d see her at dinner and went over to the office to see what Sawyer wanted to discuss.
Loretta was already gone when I made my way inside. I knocked on Sawyer’s office door and waited for him to reply.
A few moments later, I heard him shout, “Come in.”
He had his phone to his ear, so I quietly entered and sat in one of the leather chairs in front of his desk.
He finished the call and turned to face me, interlocking his fingers together as he leaned back in his chair.
“How can I help you today, sir?” I asked, trying not to let my nerves show. I always thrived to do a good job around here, especially after they took me in when they didn’t have to.
“I just want you to know how great of a job you’re doing. You’ve shown such dedication since you started working for me four years ago, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed,” he said proudly.
“Thank you, Sawyer. That means a lot coming from you. I love working on this ranch,” I replied, meaning every word.
“I know you do, son. That’s why I want to offer you the foreman position to oversee guest operations.”
He what? I was so stunned I couldn’t speak. My mouth opened and closed several times. I’d wanted this for so long, but now that it was within my grasp doubt set in.
“I’m honored, and please don’t take this question the wrong way, but what about Leo and Holden?” They were the obvious choices. Brooks was already the Head Wrangler, but I didn’t understand why he’d want to promote me over his own sons.
“Leo isn’t ready for that responsibility.
He’s still sowing his wild oats, and Holden, while he’s dedicated, I don’t think he’s ready either.
I’ve already spoken with both about it prior to speaking with you.
They are both on board with my decision and support it fully.
You deserve to have your dedication recognized, Gentry.
You’ve come a long way in the past four years, and this entire family has noticed,” he replied.
“But they’re your blood, your family. They should come first,” I replied, still stunned that this was finally happening.
He stood and came around the desk, resting on the edge as he stood directly in front of me.
The man towered in front of me, his arms crossed, his expression stern as he spoke again.
“You’re family too, son. You’re a fourth son to me, and if I know you like I think I do, I know you want to try again with Ainsleigh.
You love my daughter with all of your heart, and if things work out like I think they will, you’ll be married into this family, which will only make it more official than it already is.
Regardless of if you and Ainsleigh work out, you’ll always be a part of this family, Gentry.
You’ve earned your place here. You deserve this.
Don’t second-guess yourself. You’ve basically been doing the position for the past couple of weeks anyway without even knowing it, and you’ve done exceptionally well.
Every one of my staff members speak highly of you.
The guests rave about your attention to detail and how welcome you make them feel.
Which is why I’m offering you this position. ”
He turned and reached for something on his desk—a small piece of paper folded in half—and handed it to me.
Hesitantly, I opened the paper, a dollar amount written on the inside.
Questioningly, I looked from the paper into the eyes of the man I’d come to admire.
“That’s the yearly salary. You’ll also get another week’s worth of paid time off and retirement options.”
“I don’t know what to say,” I replied, reeling in my emotions. The money, while much appreciated, was more than I thought it would be.
But Sawyer was right. I did deserve this. I’d worked hard, showed my worth every day, and gave it my all to prove myself.
“Say you’ll take the position,” he said with a laugh.
“Thank you. I’d be honored to take the position,” I said still in disbelief.
“Good. I’ll ask Loretta to get the paperwork together tomorrow and have you sign everything. Let’s head to the house. My wife’s been taunting me all day with messages about how good the house smells with the meal she’s prepared for dinner.”
We both stood and I headed out of the office following closely behind him. We rode our separate ATVs back to the property, my head reeling from the news.
Once we parked, we headed inside the house. The aroma from the enchiladas hit us, and Sawyer’s stomach growled beside me. We both laughed as I watched him walk over to Lillian and give her a kiss on the cheek. He told her he was going to wash up, and my eyes searched the room for Ainsleigh.
“She should be down in a minute. I hear congratulations are in order,” Lillian said from across the kitchen as she pulled the casserole dish from the oven.
“Do you need any help?” I asked as I headed in her direction.
“Nonsense. You aren’t helping me with setting the table. You should be celebrating.”
A thought entered my mind as she said that. I wanted to take Ainsleigh out and tell her the good news.
“Do you mind if we skip out on dinner? I want to see if Ainsleigh wants to go to The Chill Grill for dinner so I can share the news.”
“Absolutely not. Take my girl out and celebrate. You deserve it,” she said with a smile as she carried the dish over and sat it on the table.
She walked over and wrapped her arms around me, giving me a tight hug. She pulled back, her eyes misting with unshed tears.
“I’m so proud of you and the young man you’ve become,” she said as she pulled me in for another hug, before she turned and walked away.
Lillian and Sawyer were the epitome of the best people I knew. They took me in when I had nothing, providing for me in a way my own parents never had. They showed me what a loving home should look like, and I’d forever be grateful for them.
“Thank you, Lillian. That means more to me than you’ll ever know,” I told her.
“I hear congrats are in order, bro,” Holden said as he came into the house, ensuring to stomp his boots on the porch before he stepped inside.
“You sure you’re okay with this?” I asked. Sawyer had said he’d talked to Holden and Leo, but I needed to hear the words from my best friend before I felt fully okay with taking the position. I never wanted him to feel like I was taking something that was rightfully his.
“You deserve it. I’ll get a promotion when the time comes. Don’t worry about me. I’m good with it,” he said as he reached for my hand, shaking it before pulling me in for a hug.
“Thanks, man. You okay with me taking your sister out to The Chill Grill?” I asked, hoping he’d give me his blessing.
I hadn’t told him about our date yesterday, wanting to keep that between Ainsleigh and me, but if I took her out tonight, surely, there’d be talk around town, and I wanted to be upfront with my best friend and have him hear it from me, not some gossiper.
“You wanna date my baby sis?” he said, and his expression turned serious as he crossed his arms over his chest, staring me down.
I couldn’t tell if he was joking or not, but I wanted to make this work with Ainsleigh and standing up for us, for our relationship, meant being honest with an important person in both of our lives.
“Yes, I do. We’ve talked, and we’re going to give this another chance.
She told me she’s staying in Texas; the rest of her choices are minute details.
I want to be with her, Holden, and I’d love for you to give us your blessing.
I’m not going to do anything to make her run again,” I promised, a vow I intended to keep.
Not that I needed Holden’s approval, but having it would put us both at ease, and we wouldn’t have to sneak around. I wanted to prove to Ainsleigh how much she meant to me out in the open, not with stolen moments hidden from the world.
“I’m just messing with you. I’m happy you both figured your stuff out.
Just don’t hurt her, or you’ll have to deal with me,” he said as he walked to the table and sat, waiting for everyone else to join before digging in.
A rule Lillian insisted upon that he never broke.
None of them did. No one wanted to see that woman mad. Ever.
Just then, the woman who owned my mind, body, and soul entered the room looking beautiful in her cut off shorts and tank top paired with cowboy boots.
“Dinner smells delicious, Mama,” she said, her eyes searching, and when they landed on me she smiled. A smile that warmed my heart.
“Hey there, cowboy,” she said as she asked her mom if there was anything she needed help with. Lillian shooed her away as she grabbed the bowls filled with toppings for the enchiladas.
Suddenly I was nervous. Brooks, Leo, and Sawyer entered the kitchen, and now I had even more of an audience. I wanted to pull Ainsleigh to the side because I didn’t know how’d she’d feel with me asking her out on a date in front of her entire family, but it looked like I didn’t have another choice.
“Butterfly,” I began as I walked toward her. I leaned against the counter beside her. She looked up at me, her eyes filled with love as she waited to hear what I had to say.
“Can I take you out tonight to The Chill Grill?” I tried to whisper, but with the proximity it was apparent that everyone heard me anyway with the way Brooks and Leo snickered behind me.