Selecting the band was easy.
Randy, a ranch hand who works with Jenkins and me, moonlights with his band whenever he can. He does a decent enough job at the ranch, but the guy is a born singer. Always eager to get a crowd dancing, he was too happy to be the entertainment for the night.
The guy has an incredible voice and great showmanship. His band is pretty kickass as well. It’s a shame he’s too afraid to step into the big league.
In true Callahan fashion, the last three hours have been wild. People ate too much, drank a little more than usual, and laughed wholeheartedly.
Dessert was a huge hit.
Tiramisu is officially my new favoritedolci.
Since the nonnas couldn’t spend all day preparing their signature dessert at Happy Belly, they had to hide at Riley’s Flower Mound location. She drove back in town with them.
Today is about my girlfriend, but when her father called me son, I had to swallow a lump in my throat.
Growing up, I’ve been called boy, kid, rascal, and even troublemaker. Assholes have called me son as a put down. Since my dad died when I was eleven, no one I respect has ever called me that in a positive way.
My girl’s parents have long welcomed me with open arms. Hearing the simple word fall from Mr. Callahan’s lips meant everything. Carina’s mom’s comment floored me.“Rhett is part of the family, cupcake.”
They made me feel accepted just the way I am––a small-town boy who’s madly in love with their only daughter.
I tap my foot and bob my head to the beat of a top country song, my gaze roaming around the room as my eyes land on happy, smiling faces.
Everyone’s having a good ol’ time.
Pride courses through me.
Other than a few accidents while we were eating from excited little ones, everything is as smooth as butter. I couldn’t have asked for much more.
Carina leans into me and says, “You’re going to get a birthday gift when we get back home.”
I pull away from her and frown. “What are you talking about? Today isyourday.”
“It is.” She flashes me a mischievous grin, “but you get a prize for being the most amazing boyfriend in the world. Look what you did for me,” she says that last part, fanning open her arms.
I grin. “It’s not that hard to be amazing when I’m dating the most incredible woman in the world.”
“That was cheesy on both our parts.” She giggles.
“I know, but we’re allowed to be cheesy on special occasions.” I chuckle.
“I like how you randomly create these rules.”
“The only way to keep you on your toes, little lady.” I wink. “Speaking of which, I think we should take a twirl on the dance floor. What do you think?”
“Take me dancing, handsome.”
“Come on, doll,” I say, getting up and extending my hand to her.
She takes it, and we stride to the middle of the dance floor, where her grandparents have taken permanent residence since Randy’s band started playing. I don’t think you can qualify their moves as two-stepping, but bless them for trying.
“They’re hilarious,” I say as Carina start dancing.
“Don’t remind me.” She rolls her eyes.
“Let them be.”
“As if I’d be able to stop them. I mean, look at them. You’d think they grew up here.” She laughs.
