“I think some ibuprofen and a little bit of sunshine may be my hangover cure. I’m feeling better already.” She smiles and makes a tiny crack in the window for Biz to shove his nose through.

“I’m glad.” I clear my throat and chance a look in her direction. “So, listen, I’m taking you to my family home, if that’s okay with you. My parents are great people and it’s really peaceful out there. I thought it would be a great way for you to unwind.”

“Meeting the parents already, Cain? I thought you’d at least let me test out the merchandise first?” She laughs and quirks her eyebrow up at me.

“Oh, test away, Tink, test away,” I say as she screws up her lips and rolls her eyes. “Seriously, you’ll love them, and they’ll love you.”

“Thank you for allowing me into your home. That means a lot,” she says softly.

“Like I said, you need some mothering.” I shift in my seat and tap the wheel with my thumb. “Listen, there’s something you need to know before we get there. It’s not a big deal or anything, but I don’t want you looking at them funny or anything, okay?”

“Do they have horns growing out of their heads?”

“No, it’s just that … my parents are … the thing is, I have two moms, okay? Like I said, it’s not a big deal, but I can’t have anyone hurting their feelings, ya know? If that’s a problem, we won’t go.” I train my eyes on the road, hoping Celia is who I think she is.

The cab fills with silence for longer than I like. Maybe this was a mistake.

“First of all, Cain Bennett, I’m no bigot. I would hope you would know that about me already.” She crosses her arms, and I feel her glare burning the side of my face.

“I promise you, this is not about what I think of you as a person. It’s about protecting my family. I always ask this question, no matter who it is. I’m not questioning your beliefs; I just love them that much. Okay?”

I know she understands my point when her arms slowly uncross and her posture relaxes.

“Well, aren’t you the sweetest son ever? Which brings me to my second point. You’ve got to be the luckiest man in the world, to have two mothers to dote on you. What a blessing.”

I grin and chuckle to myself. “You have no idea.”

Perfectly timed, I turn the truck onto the gravel drive. I slow down so I don’t throw rocks into the grass, and watch Celia as she takes in the scenery. I have to admit, the land is breathtaking. Past the hundred-year-old oak trees lining each side of the drive, there are rows upon rows of fig trees, persimmon trees, and pecan trees, as far as the eye can see. At the end of the gravel drive is my family home, a stark white two-story house with a wrap around screen porch, black shutters, and dormers. The front yard is impeccably landscaped with an antique, cast iron sugar kettle serving as a fountain.

I called ahead, so I’m sure they're both home, waiting for us. The screen door inches open, and I see Mom peeking out of the tiny crack.

It didn’t matter how many times I reiterated to her that Celia and I are just friends, I could hear the excitement building in her voice the longer we talked about her. Do I want there to be more between us? Without question, but it’s gonna take time. I consider today the first step in my quest to capture Celia Lemaire’s heart, no matter the condition. Broken, scarred, or busted wide open—I’m the man for the job.

I see Jabbers, my parents’ unruly black lab, shoving through the screen door and bounding toward the truck. Biz goes apeshit, nearly knocking Celia out the truck, trying to get to Jabbers. Those two are old pals from way back.

“Cain Joseph, get your butt over here and give your momma a kiss. I’ve been missin’ you,” Mom pouts with outstretched arms.

I meet her halfway and scoop her up for a quick twirl, planting a sloppy, wet kiss on her cheek.

“Hey Mom. Missed you, too,” I whisper as I set her down.

Her signature red-checkered apron is dusted with flour, a cardinal sign there are treats in our future. She’s twisted her blonde curls on top of her head in a bun, surely to keep it out of the way as she bakes. This woman can make an apple dumpling that will make a grown man weep.

She pushes up on her toes and peeks over my shoulder at Celia, who’s standing quietly behind me. Mom shoves me aside, my time in the spotlight over. A huge grin spreads across her face as she surveys Celia. “Introduce me to your friend, son.”

I nod quickly and wave my hand toward each of them. “Mom, this is Celia Lemaire. She’s one of my tenants, but she’s also become a friend. Celia, this is my mom, Lila Bennett.”

Both of their faces shine with bright smiles as they clasp hands. Before Celia can pull her hand back, Mom pulls her close and wraps her in a tight bear hug.

“It’s wonderful to meet you, Celia. I’ve heard so much about you,” Mom gushes as she throws me a wink.

“Oh, really?” Celia eyes me suspiciously.

“Don’t worry, Tink, I didn’t mention that crazy fetish you told me about.”

Celia’s cheeks pink up, and she slaps my shoulder. “Cain, that’s not funny!” She turns to my mom with wide eyes. “He’s lying, I swear.”

Mom chuckles as she loops her arm around Celia’s and starts walking toward the barn. “Don’t worry, dear, I’ve met my son a time or two. A lot of hot air, that one. I, on the other hand, have a plethora of ammunition on him. Did he ever tell you about his undying love of boy bands as a teenager?”

Celia starts to giggle, but slams her hand over her mouth when she gets the evil eye from me.

“I don’t care what you say, JT is the shit. He can sing, dance, and act—he’s a triple threat,” I defend as Celia’s eyes widen in amusement.

“You’re absolutely right, honey. There’s nothing strange about that … not at all,” Mom says as she eyes Celia, shrugging and shaking her head.

At this none-too-subtle barb, they both roar with laughter. I kick up dust and follow behind as I grumble to myself.

“While I’m having a blast, and believe me I am, I have a question. Where are we going?” I ask as I stop walking and toss up my hands.

“Mo’s at the chicken coop, dear. I’m bringing Celia to meet her. Put those two hounds behind the fence, would you? We can’t have them following us.” She turns back to Celia, effectively dismissing me. “Those two trouble makers will terrorize my sweet chickens, for sure.”

I turn back toward the house and spot Jabbers and Biz close to the gate. I grab the dogs by the collar and usher them into the enclosing. When I turn around to meet Celia and Mom, I realize I’ve been left in the dust.

“’Oh Cain, I missed you so much,’” I mutter under my breath as I tromp toward the chicken coop.

Damn women.

“Oh, I love them. They’re the cutest things I’ve ever seen. Aren’t you, sweetheart? You’re so precious, aren’t you?” Celia baby talks, telling me she’s spotted our newly born litter of kittens.

When I round the corner, I find her sprawled out on the dusty ground, trying to coax the kittens out of their hiding place in a stack of lumber. The pile is fairly high, so there are plenty of nooks and crannies for the kittens to hide. If they don’t want to be caught, Celia doesn’t stand a chance. I may have spoken too soon, though, because a lone orange kitten is brave enough to approach and sniff Celia’s outstretched fingers. I crouch down next to her to watch the show.

“You’re such a beauty, aren’t you, little one? Can I scratch your head?” Celia coos, and the kitten begins to purr as Celia gives it a little scratch behind the ear. A giggle escapes her lips. “That’s quite a motor you’ve got.”

“I think that kitten may have stolen your heart,” I whisper, trying not to spook our visitor.

Celia sighs and slumps her shoulders dramatically. “I think you’re right. I’ve fallen in love. I want to scoop this little one up and take her home.”