Beginnings of the Heart Read Free Page B

ones making decisions about what we want our relationship to be like.”
    I looked up at his face and asked, “What do your parents think about all of this? They must have some opinion. Do they like me?”
    He chuckled before answering. “Yes they like you, but they would like to get to know you better. Their opinion is if I’m happy and not doing anything stupid, everything’s okay. Last night would rank in their stupid category. We can’t let it happen again.”
    â€œI know. I don’t want to be labeled as ‘that girl’.”
    â€œI don’t want you to be either. My parents have a slightly different perspective than yours. They started dating when my mom was thirteen and my dad was sixteen, so they understand my feelings for you. They haven’t forgotten what it’s like to meet someone and know you’re meant to be with them forever.”
    â€œThey know how you feel about me? You talk to them about this?” He nodded his head while he looked into my eyes. “Wow, the one time I tried to talk to Mom about you she went into an hour long speech about how I was too young to really know how I felt and I should just keep my options open.” I said, slightly stunned parents could be so open with their kids.
    â€œYour options open? Let me guess, she thinks you shouldn’t date anyone until college or after, and then you can get serious about someone, right?”
    â€œYeah.” I said into his shoulder. “I just don’t see what her problem is. She and my dad met in high school and got married right after my mom graduated. I think they’re happy so I don’t get why she dismisses my feelings as a mere crush. I know it isn’t, and I certainly don’t want it to go away.”
    â€œI think your mom wants for you what she didn’t get for herself. She’s in the same town she grew up in and never left. Or maybe she wants to live vicariously through your experiences in college.” He said.
    I looked at him, thinking about what he said. It made a lot of sense and my mom had said things similar before, but I hadn’t paid a lot of attention.
    â€œI think you’re right. You should be a psychologist or something. You’re really good at this.”
    â€œI actually thought about it, but I don’t think I could listen to people all day long every day and still be a happy individual.” He finished with a smile.
    â€œWhat do you want to do? I don’t think you ever told me.” I asked.
    â€œWell, before I met you I was thinking of going out west somewhere and working on a ranch and learning the business. I’d like to own property someday, and I don’t want to mismanage it.”
    â€œAnd now? Are you still thinking of going away?” I asked. My breath was being choked off at the mere thought of being away from him.
    â€œNow I’m not so sure. I know I can learn the basics of running a ranch by doing other things, and I really don’t want to leave you alone for any length of time. Your mom will warp your mind, and I wouldn’t be here to straighten it back out.” Cole smiled.
    He was right. Before having Cole in my life and especially before this summer, I took whatever my mom said at face value. I never really thought about what she said or questioned it. Now I did and was finding I had my own opinions on certain subjects and they were not always in line with hers. I still didn’t have the confidence to disagree with her when she was shoving these opinions down my throat, but I no longer just accepted them either.
    The afternoon passed far too quickly. As promised I was home in time for dinner. I didn’t realize how quiet I was until my sister Samantha nudged me under the table at dinner.
    â€œMorgan, did you hear me? I asked what you were doing tonight?” my mother asked.
    â€œOh…umm, Cole wanted to go get ice cream if it’s okay.” I answered her