“Where could you possibly be taking me in my own hometown? I thought I was the one who was supposed to be showing you around,” Levi murmurs, his drawl thick this morning.
“You’ll see. It’s a surprise.”
“Better be a good one.”
“Oh, I think it is.”
We walk on as I mentally follow the directions I looked up this morning. I feel a little bit bad, and I’m going to have some explaining to do once I get home, but I think Jesse will forgive me. It’s just something I woke up knowing I had to do.
It’s a little reckless and a little crazy. I mean, in truth, Levi and I haven’t even been living together very long. Still, coming home with him, meeting his family, I’m hooked even more than I was when we came. It’s like something set in while we were here.
It’s like I’m home, or at least home away from home.
Despite the whole Molly run-in, or maybe even because of it, I’ve realized one truth: I don’t ever want to break Levi’s heart, and I don’t think he wants to break mine.
We’re a little reckless, but I don’t think we’re going to be reckless with each other’s love. And that’s something I think you’ve just got to hang on to.
I’m glad we came here. I’m glad I got to see a piece of who Levi is, because through this trip I’ve learned not only about him, but about myself.
I’ve learned that more than anything, I want to be the woman by his side, not the Molly walking away. And that’s a sentiment I knew I had to clutch on to.
So, this morning, after rolling out of bed—the cowboy, of course, in it—I did some research and found the perfect place.
“We’re here,” I say, gesturing toward the sign. Mike’s Ink, the best tattoo shop in Woodville, Texas, looks a little shoddy, in truth.
Levi raises an eyebrow. “Am I supposed to understand how this is the surprise? Is Jesse going to like pop out of here or something?”
“Not quite. But the surprise is what’s happening in there.”
Levi raises another eyebrow. “If you want to mix it up a bit, darling, I know plenty of other places we can have a good time. No need to drag me to this tattoo parlor if you want to get a little kinky.”
I slap his firm bicep, and I’m not going to lie, I jolt a little bit at the word kinky.
“We’re not here for sex. I’m here for something to commemorate our trip.”
“You do know Jesse will never forgive you.”
“Well, maybe it’ll just be our little secret. Now come on, I’ve got an appointment.”
We head inside, Levi following closely behind. I take a deep breath, not having any second thoughts. This is exactly what I want to do.
“Can I finally see it?” Levi asks from the corner of the room as Mike finishes up. I didn’t let Levi see the picture.
“Once it’s done,” I murmur, gritting my teeth through the pain on my hip bone.
“You know, for being a surprise, this is a pretty hands-off event for me. You won’t even let me see what you’re getting. I’m starting to worry you’re getting a Screw You, Levi tattoo.”
“After last night, you really think that?” I ask. Mike clears his throat. Let’s just say he doesn’t seem to be the open book, chatty type.
“All done,” Mike says mercilessly, and I smile as I glance down.
“Can I finally see it now?” Levi asks.
I nod. He walks over and studies my hip as I grin at the permanent souvenir I’ve bought myself.
On my hipbone is a tiny outline of Texas, complete with a heart in the middle.
“Wow, Jodie, it looks good.”
“I thought so. The thing is, as cheesy as it sounds, I’ve loved it down here. A huge piece of my heart belonged to Texas before this trip because it’s where you’re from. But now that I’ve been here, I know an even bigger part of my heart belongs here. I love this place because I love you. I love your family. I loved seeing your roots. I love all of it. And I just wanted to show you how serious I am.”
Levi helps me from the chair, and I wince as I stand up, but nothing can stop this feeling I have. Levi hugs me, careful not to lean on the tender area of skin on my hip.
“I love you too. So much. Thanks for coming home with me,” he murmurs into my hair before kissing my neck.
We pay Mike and walk out of the tattoo shop, hand in hand, the heat of the morning already sweltering.
“You know, most girls would’ve just bought a postcard or a hat or something as a souvenir,” Levi teases as we head back to the house.
“I’m not most girls,” I retort.
“No, no you’re not. And I’m damn glad for that.”
I lean on his arm, thankful that no matter what, we’ll always have this amazing trip, this memory of the first time coming home.
And something tells me this won’t be my last Texan holiday.