Chapter 11
Dallas
I’m screwing the gas cap back on after filling up when my phone rings, belting out the holiday ringtone I downloaded. It’s an unknown number.
“Are you Dallas?” a man’s voice asks gruffly.
“I am.”
“This is Ginger’s father, Ronald. I’m with Jonas and Marshall.”
“I’m glad they were able to get to you.”
“Yeah, they picked me up and as soon as we cleared the main road leading in and out of Coyote Bend, it was shut down. The roads are bad. Slicker than hell, so we’re taking it slow. You’ll probably reach your place with my daughter before I get there.”
“We should because we’re right outside of town now.”
“I want to check on her and see how she’s doing. The holiday is difficult for her.”
I glance toward the gas station and see Ginger looking at snacks. “The thing is, I don’t want her to know you’re on your way because I’d like to surprise her.”
“Is that right? Well…I reckon I can go along with that. Your buddy Marshall told me that you’re in love with my daughter. Is that true?”
“It is. I love her very much.”
“You took a mighty quick fall don’t you think?”
“I agree with you,” I say carefully, wanting to ease his concerns. “Love wasn’t on my horizon when I went to Montana for a visit. But then I met Ginger and my heart was hers the moment our eyes met.”
Her father chuckles. “Love at first sight. It happened to me when I met her mother.”
I’m encouraged by what he shared. “I want to propose to her.” I’m hoping he won’t tell me that’s a bad idea. Or he won’t say give it time. Because it doesn’t matter if it’s days or decades, I know she’s the only woman I’ll ever love.
“I’ve got her mother’s ring if you want it,” he says. “I had a feeling and brought it along on the trip. That tiny balled shit for brains ex of hers refused it. Said it was old and looked cheap.”
I hear the embarrassment mixed with anger in his tone.
“But it’s precious to my daughter and she wanted to use it as part of her wedding ring set. It’s a way of her mom being there on her special day.”
His voice cracks on the last sentence.
I’m feeling choked up myself at the thought of how much Ginger must be missing her mom. “I think that’s a great idea.”
He sounds happy that I agreed. “She might not be ready to accept a proposal,” he warns.
“I know. But I want to try. If she turns me down, I’ll go beat the hell out of her ex to make myself feel better about getting rejected.”
Her father laughs loudly. “I’ll be your wingman. But we’ll need someone to post our bail.”
“I have a big family. Someone will get us out.”
He laughs again. “Alright then, son. I’ll see you soon.”
I disconnect and go in to help Ginger pick out snacks. Then I dart into the bathroom and call my family to give them a heads up that I’m almost there with the woman I love. “She means the world to me,” I tell my mom. “And I’m going to marry her.”
My mom’s squeal of delight can probably be heard two states away. “Marshall and Jonas went over to Coyote Bend and picked up her father so they can spend Christmas together. We’ll have two extra people.”
“I’m so excited! I’ll get everything arranged.”
My folks are always prepared for unexpected visitors. Mom keeps extra gifts in case someone drops in. She’s the same way about food. Always cooking extra portions in case someone shows up. “I gotta go. Ginger’s heading back to the truck.”
“Okay. You drive careful with my future daughter-in-law.”
Once I’m back in the truck with her, Ginger hands me a cup of coffee, then rips open a bag of chips. “Being horny makes me crave salt.”
I nearly spew the sip of coffee I took and whip my head around to stare at her. “Are you serious?”
“Completely.”
“That really gives new meaning to watch your salt.”
She pops a chip in her mouth and chews. “I got horny because we were talking about your cock right before I went to get the snacks.”
“If it helps you to think about my cock, then I support you.”
She laughs.
“And whenever you want to see it again, I’ll support you in that, too.”
“You’re quite the thoughtful guy, aren’t you?”
“It’s important to me that you feel my…support.”
She shakes her head. “Drive, cowboy.”
“Whatever you say, darlin’.”
“Remember that when we’re in bed,” she murmurs. “That you’ll do what I say.”
“I don’t have an issue pleasing you in any way you want to be pleased.”
“We need to change the subject or we’re going to have to stop for a quickie,” she says, fanning her face with her hand.
“I can’t do quickies with you. There’s not enough time in the world to love your body the way I want to. Not enough time to do the naughty things with you that I—”
“Dallas!” She slants me a look.
“Okay, darlin’. I’ll reluctantly behave and change the subject.” I tap my fingers on the steering wheel. “We’ll get to my parents’ ranch before mine.”
Sleet begins to ping against the windshield.
“That’s good. The storm must have moved faster than the forecasters anticipated.” She looks anxious.
“Don’t worry. We’re almost there. We passed the welcome sign already and soon you’ll see some of my favorite places. There’s one now.” I point to Dough Corner. That’s Marigold’s bakery. The sweet treats are all good and she makes the best cinnamon rolls in Texas.”
“I’ll have to try one.”
“And there’s Bear’s Diner. I ate there with my parents shortly after we were reunited.” I drive through town pointing out things I think she’ll like and it doesn’t take long until we’re at the turnoff for my family’s ranch.
I park in the driveway of the home my parents worked hard to build. My father had been told he’d never have anything, never amount to much and now he owns one of the biggest ranches in Texas. He wanted to prove my mother’s family wrong and now he’s wealthier than they’ll ever be.
I turn to the woman I love and gesture at the house. “Welcome honey. This Christmas, I’m bringing my world into my world.”
“You always say the most touching things.” She lifts her hands and puts them on each side of my face. “I’m checking to see if you’re real.”
“I’m real but I only came alive when I met you.
That’s how it feels to me. That I breathed for the first time.
That my heart beat for the first time. I know it’s the first time I have ever felt a love like this.
” I pause, waiting and silently praying she’s going to say her heart might feel the same one day.
But we’re interrupted by the front door opening. My parents step out onto the porch. My mother is smiling widely and waving, almost giddy with joy. She’s been saying for years she hopes I’ll find someone, hopes I’ll find a love like she and Dad have.
She doesn’t say it, but I know she’s also waiting on grandkids. I’m hoping to give her those.
Ginger turns when my dad bellows out a greeting. I get out of the truck and go around to help her out introducing my parents as we walk.
“Ned and Elizabeth,” Ginger repeats to herself. “Got it.”
“I salted the walkway, but it sleeted again.” Dad points to a few spots. “Careful. Don’t step on those or you’ll bust your ass.”
Ginger nervously walks up the steps, and my mom throws her arms open wide.
“I’m so glad you’re here.” She hugs her tightly, then pulls back and I send her a warning look.
I can read her expression. She wants to say stuff like please marry my son and welcome to the family.
I don’t want her enthusiasm to overwhelm Ginger.
“Come on inside. Too damn cold out here,” Dad says.
I take Ginger’s hand in mine. It feels like it belongs there and if I’m lucky, that’s where it’ll always stay. Her hand in mine. Her heart with mine. That’s all I want for Christmas.