Reunion at Sunset Ranch - Episode 2
by Jules Bennett
Lex! I didn’t know you were coming home!
Lexi’s mother hugs her and ushers her into the house.
I wanted to surprise you.
This is wonderful. Come in. Are you hungry?
I’m actually going to Rhett’s later for dinner, but…
I had to come tell you my news!
Ooh, must be exciting. You’re beaming.
Lexi holds up her left hand and wiggles her fingers.
I’m engaged!
Oh…um…
Mama stares at the ring.
Mama? Aren’t you excited?
I’m surprised. I had no idea you were serious with someone.
His name is Scott Walker. We work together and he’s very nice.
Are you happy?
Well…yeah. Why wouldn’t I be?
It’s just…this is the first I’ve heard of him.
We’ve only dated a short time, but we both have the same career drive.
Do you love him?
Of course. Why else would I be wearing his ring?
When do I get to meet him?
I’m not sure. This is all so fast and new.
He didn’t come with you?
He’s working.
On the weekend?
Just one of the things we have in common. We’re both determined to succeed.
That city life has turned you.
What do you mean?
You used to love riding horses and campfires.
That was a long time ago, Mama. I was a teenager.
Things like that don’t just leave you.
When we lost the house and the horses, I guess I lost my interest.
Mama’s eyes well with tears and guilt consumes Lexi.
Sorry, Mama. I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories.
Don’t apologize. It’s life.
So, you’ve talked to Rhett?
Yes. Why?
And he knows you’re in town?
I just came from his house. Is something going on?
Mama purses her lips and glances away.
Mama?
Come in and get settled. Do you have a bag in the car?
What’s going on?
You should talk to Rhett.
I’ve seen him.
You didn’t tell him about the engagement, did you?
Lexi twists the ring around her finger.
I couldn’t help myself. I know I should’ve come here first, but—
No worries. You and Rhett have always been so close.
He’s good for you.
Rhett was everything to her when she’d lived here.
Now that she’s seeing him again, each memory and emotion assaults her entire being—
But she can’t focus on that now. She’s engaged to someone else.
Are you two keeping something from me?
He does have some news.
He said he had a surprise. You know what it is?
Yes. He actually wanted my permission about it.
Lexi gasps and claps her hands together.
Tell me!
That didn’t work when you were a little girl. It won’t work now.
You and Rhett should spend time together while you’re here.
But I’m only in town a few days — I need to get back.
Just promise me you’ll listen to what Rhett has to say.
Of course I will. Why wouldn’t I?
Because he might…
Lexi waits, but her mother lets the words fade.
She has a feeling this secret is going to be huge.
Wait. You’re not sick or anything, are you?
No, darling. I’m perfectly fine.
And Rhett? He’s okay?
I imagine he’s nervous and anxious, but he’s healthy.
Look, I only like surprises when I’m the one giving them.
It’s going to be fine, dear. Nothing you and Rhett can’t sort out, right?
Of course, he just seemed eager to talk.
As she says the words, Lexi remembers another time Rhett wanted to talk—
The night of her graduation.
He texted her, but she’d been with some girls from her class.
She can still see his text messages in her mind.
We need to talk.
What’s up?
Not over text. This is too important.
It’s about us.
I…I don’t want you to move.
Lexi remembers staring at the statement, watching his next text come in.
I know it’s selfish, but just hear me out…
Before you make a final decision.
Okay. Let’s talk in the morning, okay?
Promise?
Promise.
But when she went to the barn the next day, Rhett blew it all off.
He claimed he was just being sentimental and said she should go live her dream.
Had he asked her to stay…
She probably would have.
No, she definitely would have — but he’d never made a move.
And she didn’t want to risk their friendship by being the first.
Hello? Lex?
Lexi pushes the memory from her mind and focuses on her mother.
What is it?
This Scott you’re engaged to, will I ever meet him?
Yes — yes, of course. Just as soon as our schedules clear.
Mama shakes her head.
What?
You and your fiancé can’t even make time to visit home together?
We will. Our lives are complicated.
If you can’t make time for your family, how will a marriage work?
We’ll figure it out.
Lexi stares down to her ring, still imagining that emerald.
Everything alright?
Lexi forces a smile and looks to her mother.
Fine. Just daydreaming.
Want to talk about it?
I’d rather talk about what’s new with you.
Mama shrugs and says nothing.
Will you tell me what is going on?
Just go back to Rhett.
But before you do, let me ask you something.
What’s that?
What was his reaction when you told him you were engaged?
Lexi thinks back to the text she’d sent from the airport…
And his silence on the other end.
You know Rhett. He’s a man of few words.
But he’s happy for me.
He cares for you.
Always has.
Lexi instantly recalls meeting Rhett the first time at Sunset Ranch.
That instant attraction—
But what was even more powerful was the instant comfort and trust.
They became fast friends.
And her father always adored him.
I’m going to head back to his house.
I think you should.
Lexi doesn’t know why her mother is acting so weird.
Nor does she know why her mother hasn’t been more excited about the engagement.
But Lexi DOES know that she can't get to Rhett’s house fast enough—
She’ll get to the bottom of this surprise.
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