He freezes mid step and turns to face me. “Blessing for what?”
“Dating! Just dating.” I hold my hands up in defense.
“Just dating? Is my girl not good enough to marry?” Another step and raised eyebrows from Cal.
Shit. This isnotcoming out how I want it to.
“No… no, that’s not… She’s perfect, honest to God, but she’s still in college, and I’m here. And we just want more time. But one day I’ll ask for her hand. Just not today.”
“Good. I wouldn’t give it today. You’re a great guy, Jaycob. I’m proud of the work you’re doing here at the ranch with me and your daddy. But, she’smywhole world.” He slaps me on the shoulder. “You shoulda manned up and told me yourself. Not blindsided me.” I nod in understanding. “Do your parents know?”
“Not yet, sir. We wanted to tell you first.” I fidget on my feet under his gaze. I don’t think I was this nervous when I interviewed with him as an eighteen year old kid.
“Well that’s a strike on your side isn’t it?” I swallow hard. “Let’s go tell ‘em then, huh?”
“Only if Reece wants to. I won’t push her, sir. This whole timeline is hers and I’m just along for the ride.” Keeping our relationship quiet was a secret Reece wanted to keep. She gets to decide when and who we tell. I won’t let him take over and want things on his timeline.
“Good. You do right by my girl and we won’t have any problems.”
My shoulders relax at his acceptance. The hardest part is over. “Yes, sir. I promise I will.”
He nods once, walking back to the house.
“Oh my God! I’m so happy Daddy didn’t lose it.” Reece yells when we get back into the truck.
“What do you mean?” I snap my head in her direction. “You said everything was going to be fine because he loves me!”
“I was just trying to make you feel better. Honestly, I thought he was going to lose his shit. But I think that went well.”
I stare at her. “Are you serious? You tried to appease me before sending me into the lion’s den? And you let him take me out to the barn by my shirt collar like a teenager?”
“I mean, I would have come looking for you if he came back alone.” She pecks my cheek with a quick kiss.
“Gee, thanks. You’re just the sweetest.” Reaching over, I place my hand on her thigh as I drive over to my parents’ house. “You have it easy. My mama is going to be over the freaking moon thatwe’re dating. She thinks I’m going to be the perpetual bachelor. I guess I was just waiting for you.”
“Guess the Universe knew better than we did.” She winks at me.
Since my parents live on the ranch too, we’re in their driveway in no time.
“Your mama is already in the doorway waiting.” Reece laughs.
“I knew your Mom was going to text her.” I pull her to me quickly for a kiss before we both hop out of the truck.
“My Reecey girl! Oh my God! I can’t believe it!” Mama holds her arms open to pull Reece into a hug.
Dad appears in the doorway. “Son. That was quite the risk you took,” he says, laughing.
“Tell me about it. I thought for sure y’all would be looking for my body near the pig pens.”
“I wouldn’t doubt that the thought crossed Cal’s mind. But he’s probably a little too afraid of your mama to do anythin’. And Ms. Juliette.”
I shake my head, he’s probably right. “Thank God for them then, huh?”
Mama hugs my shoulders. “Come sit! Tell me everything!”
Reece happily joins Mama on the couch with the fresh bowl of popcorn. Dad and I laugh before joining them.
Thank God Reece and I came up with an alternate story as to how we started dating because admitting to both sets of our parents that it was because she dared me to take her virginity would have been awkward as hell.
