News spread around town like wildfire, and I was actually happy about it. I want everyone to know he’s mine.
Today, we’re driving to Houston so I can meet his parents. It’s a five-hour road trip, which gives me way too much time to think. I kinda understand why Gavin was so damn nervous to be introduced as my boyfriend to my folks, but at least he wasn’t a stranger to them. This is on a different level. Gavin’s promised he’s said nothing but amazing things about me.
It’s scary how fast I’m falling for him, and I don’t ever want this to end. Gavin’s my past, present, and my future, and it’s a big deal to meet his parents. He hasn’t dated seriously in over a decade, so to say I’m feeling anxious is an understatement.
“What’re you thinking about over there?” He grabs my hand and kisses my knuckles as he turns on the cruise control.
“What if your mom and dad don’t like me? What if I’m nothing but a big disappointment or something?”
Gavin lets out a howl of a laugh. “Are you kidding me? They already love you and are ecstatic to meet you. My mom can’t wait and even called me this morning to make sure we were still coming and I wasn’t going to chicken out. They’re down to earth and will be just as supportive as your parents are.” He glances over at me. “Well, now that your dad is on board with the idea of us,” he adds.
“That makes me feel a tad better. And hey, Dad just needed to warm up to the idea. He knows he can control me as much as he can control Kenzie,” I tell him, and we both laugh, knowing Kenzie does whatever the hell she wants and doesn’t care who knows.
“Okay, so I need to ask a million questions, and I have about four hours to do it,” I say, wanting to ask everything I can before we arrive.
His smile is contagious. “Ask me anything you want.”
I let out a breath. “Tell me about your parents' relationship.”
“That’s not a question,” he says, chuckling. “But they were high school sweethearts. Mom barrel raced growing up, and Dad rode bulls too. He never went pro like I did because of an injury. They got married before they both turned twenty-one and had me soon after.”
“Aw, that sounds sweet. Do you have any brothers and sisters?” Even though I know so much about him, I realize I still have a lot to learn.
He shakes his head. “Not that I know of. It’s a good thing, though, because your family is so goddamn huge.”
“This is very true,” I admit. “There are a lot of Bishops.”
Gavin grins. “And we’re gonna add some more to that list.”
I shake my head. “One day.”
We blow through San Antonio without getting stuck in traffic, and the rest of the way to Houston goes by way too quickly. When we take the loop away from the city, I’m amazed at how quickly it transforms into open pastures. It’s not Eldorado, but I see barns and horses and even some cows grazing in the distance.
Those five hours passed in a snap. Gavin makes another turn, and we drive down a long rock road until the two-story home with white shutters comes into view. We park, and I suck in air.
Gavin’s palm rests on my thigh, and he squeezes. “They already love you. Trust me.”
I smile. “Okay, let’s do this then.”
Gavin comes around and opens my door, and he holds out his arm for me to take. Having him this close is comforting in every sense, but as we climb the steps leading to the front door, I grow more nervous. He rings the bell, and his mama swings open the door. Before saying a word, she pulls me into a big hug and squeezes me. “It’s so nice to meet you, Maize. Sorry, we’re huggers ’round here. I’m Rose, but you can call me Mom.”
I laugh and hold her for a second. “I’m a hugger too. Nice to meet you, finally.”
“Come on in now. Y’all must be tired from that drive. Your daddy will be back any minute. He’s out feedin’ the horses,” she explains, going to the stove and stirring something. Instantly, my mouth begins to water.
“Whatcha cookin’?” I ask, taking a few steps forward.
“Seafood gumbo,” she tells me.
“Oh, I love shrimp!” I admit.
“Don’t be shy. Come see. Gavin told me you were a highly regarded, award-winning chef,” she adds.
This makes me laugh. “He’s just being kind.”
Gavin’s mouth falls open. “No, I’m not. She won first place at the rodeo’s barbecue contest.”
His mom turns and looks at me. “Honey, that’s not easy to do. Some people travel around the state and enter those competitions just for the prize money. Now, I want barbecue.”