I finally get it.

Cammie didn't do anything of this to spite me. She didn't keep the relationship a secret to be deceitful and neither did Wes. They did it to protect me, just like I'm doing with Cob. I know that if my family discovers I'm dating the enemy they'll encourage me to end the relationship, and it's not something I'm willing to do. We're still new, a budding respectful partnership that could definitely be something serious if we proceed.

After two months of living out of state, I make plans to visit my parents, except I'm bringing along a little surprise I hope they'll all be able to accept. My secret relationship with Cob has grown into something neither of us could have planned. It's quick, and in some ways I know they'll question if I was desperate and fell for the first man available. It's hard to contemplate telling them how and when we originally met and the circ.u.mstances surrounding it.

He tells me not to worry. He promises he has a way with parents, even the strictest of fathers, but he's never met mine. My dad isn't just protective, he's d.a.m.n near scary when it comes to us kids. I fear he'll hate Cob from the get go, all because he knows we've been intimate. My dad doesn't care how old we are, or the fact that we can make our own decisions. He doesn't like giving up authority, or the idea of his precious daughter's caring about another man.

Take Cammie for instance. He's known Wes since he was a young boy, but the moment they came out as a couple the world stopped spinning. He threatened him, and pretty much told them they couldn't be together. Because of his actions he almost lost his daughter. She moved in with Wes and they stayed estranged until he could get his foot out of his a.s.s and admit he'd been wrong. That's why I know my new boyfriend is in for a lot more work. He's a stranger and my southern bada.s.s father doesn't go easy on people he doesn't know.

Cob seems excited to meet my family. We've made a pact that it's finally time to come out as a couple, while still avoiding to show his face around the Kentucky ranch.

This is our first road trip. Cob had the great idea of making a few stops along the way. We packed a cooler full of drinks and food, and a blanket in case we couldn't find a picnic table. It's funny. I've always been told the best things in life are free. He's never had to wine and dine me or shower me with fancy gifts. I enjoy his company more. I guess for the two of us time has been something we both have. Aside from my family, which I see almost every day, he's my only real friend in Kentucky. I like the people I work with, but none of them have invited me anywhere, not that I'd be able to accept. My plate is full with my new boyfriend.

Speaking of friends, I think Lys heard from Cob's sister than he had a new girlfriend in Kentucky. Apparently he'd mentioned me to his mother who in turn asked her daughter if she knew anything about it. I guess she and Lys put two and two together.

I got the third degree for a couple days. She finally figured out why I'd been asking about Cob. She claims I need to be careful, but if he's a womanizer and complete liar I don't see it. So far he's been open. His phone is never locked. He doesn't leave the room when he gets a call, and the few times females have called him he's told them he's with his girlfriend.

He tells me how different this is for him, but each time I enter a room and see his eyes light up I feel a rush of excitement.

We stop to eat at a state park, where picnic benches are lined up on the edge of a lake. A few kayaks are floating around, while birds and other small creatures patter around us. A cool breeze whips every now and again, but for the most part it's sunny skies as far as the eyes can see. "It's nice here."

"It's quiet."

I smile. "It's funny. I used to wish I lived in a big city where there was so much to do, but now I sort of enjoy the peace. I like knowing I have a tranquil place to come home to. I'm a country girl at heart."

"Yeah, I prefer the city for now, but I can see myself settling down somewhere like this. I wouldn't mind living in a cabin in the woods and living off the land, while my house wench raises our b.a.s.t.a.r.d children in her bare feet."

I giggle. He's mostly kidding. "Have you ever considered getting married and having a family?"

He leans forward and takes my hand in his. "Not until recently."

I'm blushing. My cheeks burn with excitement as his words sink in. "What about you, Callie? Do you have some kind of princess wedding dreamed up in that beautiful mind of yours?"

I shrug. "I don't know. I'd like to have a family some day." I fidget as I continue. "I think I mostly want someone who loves and treats me right."

"What if you already have that?"

Is he implying that he might feel like he loves me? Is it too soon? Can a couple fall in love in two months? How long does it take? Are their rules?

I bite down on my lip and peer deeply in his eyes. "I'd say I was a lucky lady."

He's rubbing his thumb over the back of my hand. "I'm excited about meeting your parents."

"I wouldn't be. It'll probably be terrible."

"I'm not scared."

"What if they hate you?"

He pulls away and throws up his hands to motion to himself. "What's there to hate? I'm good looking. I went to college. I come from a good family. My job pays the bills. I've got my s.h.i.t together. That's what every parent wants for their children, right?"

"I'm pretty sure I heard my father say Jesus wasn't even good enough for one of his daughters."

"Well, s.h.i.t. I'm screwed then."

"They'll say we rushed into this."

"We did."

"They'll say we should have slowed it down."

"It's none of their business. I didn't force you to be with me, and you didn't trick me into wanting to see you. It was mutual, and honestly, we both had time to think about it before we found each other in Kentucky."

"True."

"Callie, I'm not going to be afraid of meeting them. I'm crazy about you, and I think it's time we stopped hiding."

"Are you sure, because I'm okay if we turn around and wait a little while longer."

"I'm certain. Come on. Let's get back on the road. We're wasting daylight."

When we reach my car I stop Cob and take his hand, pulling him close to me. His arms immediately wrap around my back as I speak near his awaiting lips. "Before they attack you with questions and make you feel incompetent, like I know they'll try, I want you to know something."

He kisses me first. "What?"

"I'm falling in love with you, and not because I'm desperate to feel it. I miss you when you're not around. When something happens you're the first person I want to talk to about it. I've never felt safer than when I'm in your arms. You might think I'm crazy, and perhaps this will cause you to distance yourself from me, but I just thought you'd want to know. When we first met I wanted to hate you, but now I can't imagine it. I want you in my life, no matter what obstacles we have to get through to make it happen."

"What if some of your family hates me forever?"

"It'll be their loss."

"And you're okay with it?"

I nod. "Yes."

We kiss again, this time slowly. He holds me close and keeps me in a hug even after we finish. "We're in this together, beautiful. Remember that."

Chapter 18.

Cob Despite not knowing Callie's family, I'm confident I can prove to them that I'm an upstanding citizen, who deserves to have a chance with their daughter. This past month has taught me a lot of life lessons, and also showed me everything I've been missing out on. To have the comfort of a woman to hold, to know she's there when I need her, even on my worst of days, has been a blessing. I used to be bitter, shallow, and mostly consumed by s.e.x. Like a drug, it was always my go-to. When I first saw Callie I wanted her with a burning hunger, but something changed me after it happened. I became obsessed with her. No other woman compared to how it felt to have her in my arms.

Never in a million years would I have imagined she'd move to Kentucky, especially the same time work took me there. I've never believed the old saying my parents told me, like things happen for a reason, not until now. What were the chances of us both being in that restaurant on the same night? I've thought about it every day since then. With each moment we share together I firmly believe this was meant to happen. Call me a sap or even a p.u.s.s.y. I'm not ashamed to admit I'm falling for her. She's smart and beautiful, and she wants me regardless of my shady past and history with other women.

My father once told me I'd find the right woman and know without a doubt she'd be my future. When I went to college I recalled that conversation and laughed about, simply thinking there was way too many prospects to settle down with only one.

I'd never been challenged by a woman until Callie, and now I don't know how I've gone so many years without having one single person to share in the good times and bad.

Sure, we're not perfect. We have major obstacles to get over. The first being her uncle's ranch. The second is meeting her parents. The third is when I take her home to meet mine. She'll be the first, and I know they'll go a little crazy when it happens. I've already heard enough out of my sister to imply my mother is waiting patiently. I think it's the final step for me in admitting we've become serious.

Much like the ranch in Kentucky, we finally pull down a long windy country road and come upon miles of white picket fencing. While pa.s.sing a few houses Callie names off family members who reside in each one.

I'm beginning to feel overwhelmed. There are plenty of reasons why they're going to attack me at all corners. Callie told me the reason she left home. I know about her feelings for her sister's husband. It really hasn't sunk in until we're on the dirt road heading up the driveway.

They live in a large cape cod shaped house with a wrap around porch, equipped with two wooden swings at either side. There's even a large oak tree with a handmade tire swing hanging from it. In the background are farm fields as far as the eyes can see, and the wheat that's growing is blowing with the gentle breeze. This is the kind of scene you find on calendars. I now understand why a place like this would be so dear to Callie's heart.

When the vehicle comes to a halt I see Callie look at me with worry. It's my job to convince her we'll get through this. "Calm down."

"There's something I didn't tell you. I sort of left the part of you out when I told them I was coming to visit."

If my eyes could pop out of my head it would be happening. "What?"

I'm not angry with Callie, but more freaked out. "Why would you do that?"

"Because, they wouldn't have wanted you to come."

"Why? You're a grown woman. Aren't you allowed to make your own decisions?"

She shrugs. "Sort of. I mean, in theory."

I run my hand through my hair. It's hard to come to terms with the shock of this. I can understand her concerns, but she's left me in a horrible position. "So you'd rather me walk in their house with no knowledge of me and expect them to be okay with it?"

"They'll be nice to you. I promise."

I'm not confident she knows. I take her hand and squeeze it. "Whatever happens, we're a team. I'm still going to want to see you even if your overprotective father doesn't approve. It's our life. I don't know what the future holds for us, but we're off to a great start. We've got something good going. Keep that in mind while we're here."

She nods. "Okay."

"Let's get this show on the road, beautiful."

We make it up the front steps before a female with red hair comes outside to greet us. I recognize the face, and can make out that this is probably Callie's mother. I put on my best smile, though I'm feeling a bit nervous. As I extend my hand for her to shake while I introduce who I am, I hear Callie speaking. "Mom." She puts her arms around her and hugs her tightly. Aside from myself, I've never seen her affectionate with another person. I can tell she loves this woman deeply. "It's good to be home."

"Let me look at you," her mother says as she steps back and takes her daughter in. Then she smiles and turns all of her attention on me. "And who do we have here?"

"This is Cob, Jacob, actually. He's my boyfriend."

She finally shakes my hand as she gives me a once over. I'm in a pair of jeans and a tight T-shirt with a pair of dock shoes. It's casual, but looks nice for any occasion. I see her mother studying me while I speak. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Healy. Callie has told me all about you."

"That's funny. She never mentioned a boyfriend."

"I've been keeping him to myself for the past couple of months."

"Months. So you began dating as soon as you moved?" Her question is for Callie.

She nods. "Sort of. I met Cob in Pennsylvania when I went to visit Lys. When we ran into each other in Kentucky we hit it off."

I put my arm around Callie's "We've been tied at the hip ever since."

I can tell her mother is unsure of me. It's going to take a while before she can accept that her daughter had a secret relationship without her knowledge. "Mom, I told you I was happy. Cob is the reason."

"Why the secret?"

Callie looks to me before replying. "I didn't want people thinking I hooked up with the first man to come into my life because of Wes and Cammie. Cob knows what happened. I told him everything. Our relationship has nothing to do with them, and I wanted it to stay that way. I didn't want people talking behind my back, and before you say you wouldn't, remember I worked at the same salon as you. We all gossip, and then gossip turns to drama. Stories are misconstrued, and I wasn't going to have Cob introduced to a bunch of skeptics. He's my boyfriend. We're together. I hope you can accept him for being good to me these past couple months."

"You're still living at the ranch, right?"

Callie nods and lightly nudges her mother. "Mom, seriously. It's been months. I wouldn't dare move in with a man so soon."

I'm sort of disappointed she's say that. In a way I'm relived, but a small part of me wishes she could be with me every night. "Ma'am, with all due respect, Callie and I are still in the new stages of our relationship. We're taking our time," I lie. "There's no rush."

I can tell it's what her mother needs to hear. At this point I'll say whatever necessary to ensure they accept me.

"I'm sorry. Where are my manners? It's great to meet you. Would you like me to call you Jacob or Cob?" She conjures up a smile and leads us inside the home. "Either is fine. My family calls me Cob. Long story short, I enjoyed corn entirely too much as a kid."

"He still does," Callie adds.

"My mom and dad started calling me that when I played little league and there were a couple Jacobs. It stuck."

Every wall contains photographs of memories. While she tells Callie her father is on his way home, I start looking at each of them, trying to figure out which one is my beautiful girlfriend.

Callie comes up behind me. "That's me and my sisters. Ca.s.sie has brown hair, and that's Cammie."

"You look identical."

"Yeah, we get that a lot. I promise we're very different."

"When will I get to meet everyone?" I ask.

Her mom answers for her. "Tonight. Everyone is coming over for dinner. I hope you like venison. It's Callie's favorite."

I nod. "I do. Thanks for asking." I hear a rumble and see a man coming down the stairs. I'd say he's about my age or maybe several years younger. He's wearing ripped jeans, no shirt, and a backwards baseball cap. He quickly pulls Callie into his arms and spins her around. "There's my favorite sister."

She hugs him back and turns to address me. "Josh, this is my boyfriend, Cob."

He studies me for a few seconds, then finally shakes my hand with more muscle than needed. I'm certain it's to silently threaten me to treat his sister with respect. I can appreciate that. "Good to meet ya. I haven't heard s.h.i.t about ya, but since I know how this family likes to gab I can understand why."

Their mom seems embarra.s.sed. "You two make me sound horrible. What else is there to do at the shop all day?"

I let out an air-filled laugh. "It's fine. I think my mother enjoys going to chat with all the women more than having her hair done. I guess it's something woman like to do from time to time."

Callie is impressed with me. When we're alone tonight she'll probably reward me with something s.e.xual. I can hardly contain the excitement.

Just then the porch door squeaks open and a tall muscular middle aged man steps through the door. He takes one look at his daughter before giving all of his attention to me. He's wiping his greasy hands on a red shop rag. "Who are you?"