Page 57 of Cowgirls Love French Kisses
"I tried," I say, chuckling. "But I think I might need a few more lessons in Texan talk." The automatic door opens and a wave of heat hits us, but she’s all I see. "Even hotter than I imagined.”
“The weather?”
“No,” I say and pull her in again, covering her cheeks with kisses.
She laughs, a sound that's music to my ears. "Well, you ain't seen nothin' yet," she says with a wink. "I'll show you what real Texas is all about."
Annie leads the way, and I love seeing her in her element.
"Prepare yourself, Mathieu," she says with a grin. What awaits me is a colossal red pickup truck.
"Thisis your truck?" I don’t know why I’m surprised.
"Isn't she abeaut?" Annie says, her voice brimming with pride as we approach her truck. It's a Ford F-150, its deep red paint gleaming under the Texas sun. "This baby's got a 5.0-liter V8 engine," she continues, tapping the hood affectionately. "And she's not just for show. We've got a towing capacity of over 11,000 pounds, perfect for those weekends at the ranch."
Annie circles the truck, her boots kicking up little puffs of dust.
"Four-wheel drive, of course," she adds, glancing at me with a sly grin. "You never know when you might need to take the road less traveled. And my favorite part," she hops into the driver's seat with a practiced ease, patting the dashboard, "an integrated trailer brake controller. Makes hauling a breeze.”
I climb into the passenger seat, and even though I’m a good head taller than her, it takes a hop to get in. “I can see how you love your truck.”
"She's more than just a truck, Mathieu. She's a statement. Now, let's show you what real driving is all about." The engine roars to life and she pulls out, which makes my head press against the seat because this truck has some thrust to it.
As we drive through the Texan landscape, the vast open spaces and clear blue skies are a visual feast. Annie's excitement is palpable as we near her family's home.
"Brace yourself for the full Texan experience," she warns with a mischievous smile.
The scene that greets us is straight out of a Western movie. A large backyard bustling with people, the air filled with the smoky aroma of barbecue and the sound of laughter and country music.
"You ready?" Annie asks, squeezing my hand reassuringly.
"Let's do it." I harness my best cowboy confidence.
I’m in a fog of jet lag, but muster the energy because this moment matters. Annie introduces me to her family, starting with her parents, then moving on to her siblings, and finally, her cousin Natalie. Natalie eyes me with a mix of curiosity and amusement.
"ArealFrenchman, huh?" she teases, giving me a friendly nudge.
“Mattie,” Annie’s father calls me over, “is this how you do burgers back in France?”
I suddenly remember a package in my suitcase. "As a matter of fact, may I propose a little French flair?"
“To theburgers?” He looks hesitant.
Annie sidles up to me. “Is it what I think?”
I nod.
"Trust me, y'all are in for a treat. Go grab it,Matty.” Looks like I have a Texan nickname. “This is gonna be a culinary fusion like no other."
The Roquefort cheese mostly survived the trip. I carefully place slices of the pungent blue cheese onto the sizzling steaks, the aroma blending with the smoky barbecue. Natalie's father, a burly man with a thick beard, watches with a skeptical eye.
The moment of truth arrives as he takes the first bite, the family's anticipation palpable. He chews thoughtfully, then breaks into a broad smile. "Well, I'll be hog-tied," he exclaims. "This French twist is mighty fine!"
Laughter and applause erupt, and everyone eagerly reaches for a Roquefort-topped burger. The initial skepticism turns into appreciation, and I feel a surge of pride and relief. Maybe I can fit in here.
Annie leans in close, her eyes sparkling with pride. "You just won over the toughest crowd in Texas," she whispers and her lips brushing against my ear. A shiver rolls down my spine.
The afternoon unfolds with lively conversations, more food, and a few cold beers. Cousin Natalie keeps throwing curious glances my way and peppers me with questions. Annie's family envelops me in their warmth and humor, making me feel surprisingly at home.
