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Seeing another house where hers had once sat ended up being anti-climatic. She’d expected big emotions and memories. Nothing. The new home didn’t look anything like her old one, but had the same cold appearance. Dignified with no emotion behind it. It only took moments before she was ready to move on.
Flynn smiled. “Want to check out the school?”
She nodded immediately and Flynn drove the route her school bus had taken, bringing good memories. She’d always enjoyed learning. While the people part had been more of a challenge, the classes had been interesting. Soon they sat outside Circle Strong High School.
The memories were even better here. Most of those revolved around Flynn and math class. “I’m not sure I would have even dreamed it was possible to have a future with you.”
He picked up her hand and kissed it. “Me neither. I thought you were too smart for me. Thought you’d find a billionaire to whisk you off to see the wonders of the world.”
That made her laugh. “Well, he may not be a billionaire, but the guy I love has helped me to see the real wonders of the world.”
He smiled and then kissed her again. The passion rose and filled the car. Someone tooted their horn and cheered as they drove by.
Tessa pulled back, laughing. “Caught making out in the parking lot. I never imagined reaching that level of cool.”
Flynn kissed her quickly again before putting the Jeep in gear. “Ready for one more side trip?”
She nodded. She’d go on any number of side trips with this man.
Within a minute, she realized he was heading to his parents’ ranch. He’d called them earlier and told them the whole story. Tessa had hidden out on another level of his condo, not wanting to make the conversation awkward and wanting them to be able to speak freely.
She’d known he would want to go to visit them if he was in the area, but she hadn’t thought it through more than that.
Would they think she’d abandoned their son by hiding out in Wit Sec? Would they blame her because Flynn had left the rodeo and ranching life to join the FBI?
Would they even remember her? That day had been so special to her, but it was probably just another day for them with another of Flynn’s friends.
Her heart rate picked up as she saw the entry to Walker Ranch. The Christmas lights strung along the sign reminded her the holiday was only a few days away, another thing she didn’t know much about.
Marty and Shelley Walker were the kindest people she’d known. She could only hope that hadn’t changed.
Flynn knew Tessa was nervous, just as he knew she needn’t be worried. His parents were thrilled to hear she was alive and well. Thrilled to hear he was in love.
But Tessa wouldn’t truly believe any of that until she’d experienced it for herself. She’d had no one like his folks growing up. No one at her back, no one ready to listen, no one with open arms.
The security cameras at the gate would have alerted his parents to their arrival, so he wasn’t surprised to find them waiting on the front porch, which was covered with poinsettias and wreath. His brothers Beau and Morgan were there too.
His mom practically bounced in place, his dad’s arm around her shoulders the only thing anchoring her to the wood beneath her feet. All four were grinning and he’d barely parked the Jeep when his mom threw open Tessa’s door. He reached over to pop her seatbelt open, knowing his mom was about to haul her out.
Sure enough, in seconds, Tessa was surrounded by his mom. His dad had the two of them wrapped up in his powerful arms. Both brothers were grinning and came around to hug Flynn.
“The FBI gig making you soft yet?” Beau threw a punch at Flynn’s gut, but pulled it at the last second.
“Still tough enough to take you down anytime.”
Morgan tapped his mom on the shoulder. “Let the girl breathe, Ma. The rest of us want in on the hugs, too.”
First one brother, then the other hugged Tessa, both telling her how glad they were to see her.
Beau grinned. “You’re the only girl Flynn brought around who made him goofy. Hope you’re still keeping him off-balance.”
Morgan nodded. “Remember when she came out for the day? All he could talk about was how much fun he’d had. The perma-smile stuck on his face was hilarious.”
Beau slapped Flynn on the back. “We even tricked him into mucking out the stalls for a week because he was so starry-eyed.”
The ridiculous banter kept going as they moved a wide-eyed Tessa up the stairs and through the door. They kept moving into the kitchen, the heart of the farmhouse. Christmas had taken over here as well, with a small tree standing in the corner and his mom’s reindeer collection on full display on every surface.
The big dining room table was set for six and he drooled at the scents filling the kitchen. “You made pies?”
