THIRTY-FOUR.
Tobias
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Destined for each other.
I’m nervous—more than I’m letting on, more than I’ve ever been about anything in a long time.
My palm is slick with sweat where it locks with Ever’s, and I swear every single person we pass down the center aisle is staring at us.
Like they know I’m about to introduce the two most important women in my life to each other for the first time.
I’ve carried this idea in my head for months, turning it over late at night or during drives across the ranch, imagining every possible way it could go.
This felt like the safest option—no formal dinner, no pressure to linger if things get awkward, just the familiar chaos of the market where my mom can’t get too loud or weepy when I tell her I’m in love.
There are people everywhere, distractions if we need them.
It’s perfect. I just hope she doesn’t smack me upside the head the second she sees me.
“Oh, boy,” Ever breathes under her breath as the booth comes into view.
I squeeze her hand, meaning it as encouragement, though honestly it’s more for my own steadiness than hers. “We can go anytime,” I murmur. “Just give me a look and I’ll come up with some excuse.”
She nods absently, eyes fixed ahead.
I turn my gaze forward and spot my mom right away.
She’s standing behind her table of crocheted flowers, chatting with an older woman I don’t recognize.
They’re laughing over something, but I know Mom couldn’t care less about actually making a sale.
She’s here for the people, the familiar faces, the chance to get out of the house and feel connected.
Her eyes flick toward us, do a quick double-take, and then widen. Her smile blooms instantly and when her gaze drops to our joined hands, she lets out a little gasp and starts waving her hands in front of her face like she’s fanning away tears.
“You’ll have to excuse me, Bernadette,” she says to the woman beside her. Bernadette glances our way, sees the two of us, and breaks into a wide, knowing smile before slowly drifting off, clearly hoping to catch the tail end of whatever gossip is about to unfold.
“Hey, Mom,” I say when we reach the front of the booth.
She rounds the table in a heartbeat and throws her arms wide. Ever releases my hand and steps back as I move into the hug. She squeezes me hard—way too hard for it to be casual—and I groan dramatically.
“Oh please,” she says happily, voice muffled against my shoulder.
I glance over at Ever, checking to make sure she’s okay, but her eyes are bright, a genuine smile tugging at her lips as she watches us with quiet amusement. When Mom finally lets go, she turns straight to Ever.
“You must be Ever,” she says warmly. “I’m so happy to finally meet you.”
Before Ever can respond, Mom pulls her into a hug just as enthusiastic. Ever melts into it after a surprised second, squeezing back and letting out a soft chuckle when she doesn’t immediately let go.
“Tobias has been keeping me from you,” Mom says, pulling back but keeping her hands on Ever’s arms, “but I know he only does that when he cares about something. So he must really care about you.”
Ever glances up at me, an eyebrow raised in that teasing way she has, waiting for me to drop the news. Mom catches the look and turns her narrowed gaze on me.
“What are you not telling me, Tobias?”
“She’s not pregnant, if that’s what you’re worried about,” I say flatly. Both of them roll their eyes and shake their heads at me in perfect sync. “We’re dating,” I say evenly, keeping my voice steady even though my heart is hammering.
Ever looks at my mom hesitantly, bracing for whatever reaction might come, but she just shrugs like this is the least surprising news she’s heard all week.
“You don’t think I know that already?” she says, then levels me with the kind of look only a mother can give.
“Ivette tells me about the two of you all the time. You should really join Ever for church service sometime.” She lowers her voice conspiratorially toward Ever.
“He always hated dressing up for Sunday service. Could never get him out of those muddy shoes.”
Ever chuckles under her breath and gives me a slow once-over, enough to make heat crawl up my neck.
“Church service doesn’t line up with my schedule,” I mutter.
“Yes, yes. I know. That’s what you always say,” Mom says, waving a dismissive hand before turning her full attention back to Ever with the purposeful energy of someone who’s already decided she’s family. “Has he been treating you well? Because if he’s not, I’ll straighten him out for you.”
Ever looks at me curiously, clearly amused by the predicament I’ve landed myself in. “If you had asked me that when I first moved here—”
“What did he do?” Mom interrupts, turning on me with a serious glare.
“Ever,” I draw out, exasperated, rubbing the side of my face with a groan. I shake my head, but there’s no hiding the smile tugging at my mouth.
“He’s been amazing,” Ever corrects smoothly, giving me a sweet, reassuring smile that makes my chest loosen. “He’s actually quite the gentleman once you get past the rough, brooding exterior.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” Mom says, still eyeing me like she’s weighing whether or not to deliver that smack she’s clearly considering. “You have no idea what he put me through when he was a boy.”
“Oh, I’ve heard a few stories,” Ever says, playing along perfectly. “I’ve met a few of his friends, too. Him and Ruben got in a fight the last time he was at the ranch.”
“That boy,” Mom mutters, shaking her head with a heavy, familiar sigh. “You should have seen the two of them growing up. Nothing but trouble.”
“Tobias and I actually did meet when we were kids,” Ever says, her voice turning soft and a little shy. Mom’s eyes widen as she looks between us. “He was at the ranch one summer, with Ruben. Although I don’t remember meeting Ruben.”
“That’s right,” Mom says, memory lighting her face. “His uncle Val was the ranch hand back in the day. So the two of you already knew each other when you came back.”
“Well, not exactly,” Ever says with a nervous chuckle.
“It’s a bit complicated,” I cut in, trying to spare Ever from having to unpack every detail of our history. Mom gives me a curious look but doesn’t press, which is a small mercy.
“Well, if you ask me,” she says instead, “it sounds like the two of you were destined for each other.”
Ever’s cheeks flush pink, and I can’t help the slow smile that spreads across my face. Because that’s exactly how I’ve felt from the beginning—like no matter how many years or miles or missteps stood between us, we were always going to end up here.
Rather than answer, I hold out the Tupperware of cookies we brought, steering the conversation to safer ground. “Ever and I made these this morning.”
“Are these what I think they are?” Mom asks, eyes widening as she takes the container. She pops the lid open immediately, pulls out a cookie, and takes a bite. She chews slowly, eyes closing as she hums in quiet pleasure. “They’re just as I remember.”
“Tobias found the recipe this morning,” Ever adds. “It was really sweet of him to think of it.”
Mom leans over and wraps her arm around my waist, resting her head on my shoulder like she’s trying to hold herself together. Ever makes a little pouty face at the sight, lacing her fingers together in front of her.
“God,” I mutter, shaking my head. “If the both of you start crying over cookies, I’m never baking again.”
“Oh hush.” Mom smacks my chest lightly, making Ever laugh, and I wouldn’t trade this moment for anything. The two of them already feel like they belong together. Mom takes another bite then holds the container out to Ever. “You don’t get any after that comment.”
Ever grabs one, and Mom pulls it away from me with mock sternness. I shake my head, bewildered at how quickly they’ve formed an alliance against me. How did I become the odd one out in my own cookie negotiation?
I watch as they slip into light conversation about baking and crocheting.
Ever asks Mom to teach her how to make something, and Mom immediately agrees, inviting herself over for dinner without missing a beat.
Ever doesn’t say no—she can’t once Mom gets herself involved in planning—but she doesn’t seem bothered in the least. Their voices overlap in easy rhythm, laughter threading through every sentence, and I stand there feeling my love for Ever grow even deeper, more certain than it’s ever been.
I’ve never been more sure about anything—or anyone—in my life.
“If you don’t mind, my dear,” my mom says once the conversation winds down naturally, her voice gentle but purposeful, “is it okay if I have a moment with my son?”
“Of course! Yeah,” Ever replies quickly, already turning her attention to me. “I’m gonna go see if there’s any sourdough left.”
“I’ll meet you there,” I tell her.
Ever steps back, but Mom rushes forward before she can get far and wraps her in a tight hug. Ever looks startled for half a second, then leans into it, returning the embrace.
“It was so lovely to meet you,” Mom says as she pulls back. “And I’m so happy for the two of you, truly. I can’t wait to get to know you more.”
Ever’s eyes gloss over at the sincerity, tears threatening to spill, so I step forward before either of them can start crying.
“Alright, that’s enough,” I say roughly. Mom waves a dismissive hand at me again.
“It was really nice to meet you too,” Ever tells Mom. “I’m sorry it didn’t happen sooner.”
“You have nothing to apologize for,” Mom says, giving me a knowing look that promises a lecture. “I understand why he waited so long.”
“Don’t wander too far,” I tell Ever, and she nods with a short wave before backing away. I watch her disappear into the crowd, keeping my eyes on her for as long as possible.
“You love her, don’t you?” Mom asks quietly, breaking the silence once Ever’s gone.
I take another deep breath and nod slowly. “I’m gonna ask her to marry me,” I tell her honestly.
Her hands fly to her mouth, and this time she’s crying—quiet, happy tears that make my own throat tighten. I glance down at her, heart cracking open at the pure love shining in her eyes.
“I’m gonna have a daughter-in-law?” she asks, voice breaking on the words.
I nod again, and she opens her arms, nearly tackling me into an embrace. I hold her just as tightly, letting the emotion crash through me. My chest feels frantic, too much feeling for a heart that’s spent half my life dormant.
“I’m so happy for you,” she says softly into my chest. “She really is lovely. Even more lovely than how Linda made her out to be.”
I drop my arms when she pulls away and glance around the crowd, already knowing I won’t spot Ever in this mess. Mom follows my gaze and squeezes my arm reassuringly.
“Well, go find her then, before she gets dragged into buying candles from Patty,” she says with a humorous lilt.
I look down at her, watching as she fumbles with the Tupperware lid. I take it from her gently, click it shut, and set it on the counter.
“Do you think she’ll say yes?” I ask quietly, letting a hint of doubt creep in.
She gives me a doubtful look, one eyebrow arched. “I hope not, if you’re planning to ask her here at the farmers market,” she says seriously.
I cross my arms and shake my head with a huff of frustration. But then her eyes soften, the same look that always made me stop and listen.
“You know,” she continues, “Linda used to tell me about this one summer Ever was at the ranch. She said Ever was never quite the same afterward. Linda couldn’t figure out what it was, but she always thought Ever had the look of love in her eyes.
” Mom arches an eyebrow at me. “That ranch gave you purpose when you were young—something I was never able to give you—and I know in my heart the two of you are meant to be together.”
This time I step forward and wrap her in my arms. I didn’t realize how much I needed her confirmation until right now.
She’s stuck by me through every pain of growing up, every mistake, every time I pushed her away, and somehow she’s still here, still proud.
I feel like I’ve finally found my purpose.
“I’ll let you know what she says,” I tell her as I step back.
“She’ll say yes, Tobias,” she confirms firmly, patting my chest. “But if I ever find out what you did to treat her poorly when she moved here, you’ll never hear the end of it.”
“Trust me,” I say with a wry smile, “she never lets me hear the end of it either.”
“Good,” Mom says, chuckling under her breath. “I’m glad she’s keeping you in check.”
She smiles and waves at a couple stepping into her booth, then turns back to me. “Linda would be happy the two of you found each other.”
“Thanks, Mom.” I give her a strong nod, then force myself to turn away.
I can’t let myself get too emotional—not right now, not after giving both of them grief for it.
I take one last look at her—smiling, already chatting with the new customers—and head into the crowd to find Ever with a new sense of purpose.