Chapter 50
Chase takes me by the hand and out the door toward his truck. Climbing in, I stare at him. “Like what you see?” he says proudly.
“You have no idea.”
As he goes to turn the key in the ignition, I slide closer to him. “Belle, you better slow your roll coming over here.” Ignoring him, I move closer. Taking my arms, I wrap them around his waist and he stiffens. “What are you doing?”
“Lovin’ on you.” I look up at him. “I just want to hug you, is that okay?”
“Yeah, but don’t push it. We’re going to see my parents.” I laugh and realize that he’s nervous. “I’m truly sorry about in there, and I swear to never joke about that again.” He takes his hand and places it around me.
“Good.”
“Take a deep breath. You’re taking me home to them. It’s not a stranger.”
“I know and that’s why I’m scared. Do you know how much crap my dad has given me over the past five years?” I have no idea what he’s talking about. “I think he was starting to worry I was gay or was never going to move on.”
I pull back from him, “You’re kiddin’, right?”
“Yes and no. He used to give me a hard time. He knows I’m straight as an arrow. As much as he knew I was head over heels for you, that wasn’t an option. I think he was worried I’d wait around too long and my options would be limited. He didn’t want me waiting on a girl that wouldn’t give us a chance.” Hearing him say those words make my heart hurt.
“I’m so sorry, Chase.”
Taking his hand, he finds the side of my face. “You’ve got nothing to be sorry for. You were protecting our relationship and holding on to the what ifs, but walking into their house today, it’s real.”
Leaning in, I kiss his lips. “Yes, we’re real.” Kissing him once more, I slide my arms around him and place my head on his shoulder for the short drive to his parents’ house.
Pulling into the driveway, I see his dad and Sadie at the barn. She begins to run toward the truck and looking at Chase, he is grinning like he won the lottery. Putting the truck in park, he leaves the keys in the ignition as we both climb out the driver’s side. Sadie quickly finds him and he squats down to her. She wags her tail and jumps around in excitement. He pets her and loves on her a few minutes as his dad approaches.
“Welcome home, you two,” he says, coming to greet us as we hear the screen door slam shut. Liz, his mom, is hurrying toward him.
As Chase sees her, he stands from Sadie and walks toward her. He holds out his arms and hugs her tightly. When he releases her, she takes a step back and looks to me.
“Well, get over here and give me a hug, Belle.” Smiling, I walk to her and give her a hug. This woman has been a part of my life forever. “Y’all wanna go inside and chat before we get ready to go to the cookout? I’ve got the baked beans in the oven.”
“Sure, Mom.”
“Chase, can you help me a second?” Mel questions and I nod. Liz and I walk to the house as Chase follows his dad along with Sadie.
Chase
Walking toward the barn with Dad, I know there’s more to this than help. Stepping inside, he motions toward the wood pile and I help him move some of the boards to his truck.
“So, it’s the real deal, huh?” he says.
“It is. Is something wrong?”
“Nope. Just curious on how long before you popped the question.” Smiling, this man knows me better than I know myself.
“I actually planned on asking her after the Harvest Festival dance this weekend.” He smiles toward me. “Kinda where this all started.”
“Make sure you talk to Mel.”
“Dad, you better give me more credit than that. Why do you think I was so glad she actually wanted to come home?”
“That girl will always want to go home. You can take the girl outta Lattimore, but there’s something about this place that keeps you coming back. I’ve got a big job this week. Want to help me with it?”
“I’d love to, and I hope you’re right. This place is home, but as long as I’ve got her by my side, that’s the best kinda home.”
Dad shakes his head, “Boy, you got it bad.”
“What’s wrong with that?”
“Not a thing, now let’s finish getting this on the truck so we can get in there with our women.”