Page 47 of In Love with a Ranger

“Hey,” he began and took her hand in his. “Would you want to meet my parents and family? I know your graduation is pending, and I can imagine that you would probably rather go back to Maryland for the ceremony, but I just really want my parents to see that I found someone special— my soulmate,” he swallowed and saw her expression soften.

“Oh, Gideon,” she whispered.

“I can’t help it, and I know it’s so cheesy but…”

“I would love to meet your family,” she interrupted softly. “I just want the degree so I can get my licensing and hang it in a frame. All that pomp and circumstance is a big pat on the back for those who need it,” she chuckled softly. “Just gimme my paper, my sweet little cows, and my man – and I’m a happy girl.”

“Really?” he smiled nervously, wondering if she would end up regretting it someday. He wanted to support her in everything but was also exceedingly close to his family – a ‘Mama’s boy.’

“Maybe we can take our time getting there so we can meet everyone. I don’t know how far or spread out your siblings are, but I do imagine they have jobs or families.”

“Both. Yes. All… and I’ll make the call to Mom from the truck if you want?”

“That sounds perfect.”

* * *

That evening, dinner was an event.

To call it anything less seemed almost criminal.

Gideon was sitting beside Christina, unsure when to broach the subject when Houghton’s cell phone went off. The man frowned and then his mouth dropped open a second later as he shot to his feet.

“Babe?” Jill began nervously as he held up a finger, speaking.

“Griffin? To what do I owe the honor? I figured you lost my number, and between you and Logan, I didn’t really… oh,” Houghton paused and then headed out of the dining room. All of them at the table shared a curious look, listening to the man in the distance.

“Oh, I see. Um, well, I need to figure out a few things, but you know I’m here for you, brother, but I just have to ask – will Jill be safe if that girl comes here? Let me tell you that if you hesitate at all, my doors are closed to you.”

“What did he just say?” Christina whispered warily.

“What are we, chopped liver?” Daphne mumbled, and Lena nodded before speaking.

“I’d prefer to be safe, too.”

“Lumberjack, ain’t nobody touching you,” Ortega said bluntly, leaning back in his chair and looking toward where Houghton walked off before looking at Max. The man looked extremely grim; his lips were pressed together tightly as he gave Daphne a pointed look.

“You know who he’s talking to?”

“He was leaving as I arrived in Ghazni.”

“Same,” Ortega volunteered quietly, not looking away. “The man doesn’t ask favors. He gives orders and seems to be darn good at it. We were both newbies on his team a week or so before he left.”

“Shhh…” Jill ordered just a moment before Houghton walked back into the room, looking stressed out. “Is everything okay?”

“No. Griffin has a slight problem he is trying to keep from getting much worse.”

“Worse?”

“Oh yeah,” he grumbled and looked at Jill. “We might need a fourth cabin.”

And you could have heard a pin drop.

“Actually,” Max began and looked at Daphne, who nodded. “You might not need that fourth cabin.” The silence echoed loudly until Ortega sat back, chuckling and pointed at his friend.

“Maaaaan, shut your mouth, ya’ twerp. Don’t make jokes like that.”

“I’m not joking, Jake,” Max said quietly. “We want to travel, and the weather is going to be getting better soon, so we are starting to make plans.”

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