When they turned the corner, there was a mountain of a man hugging Kayla so Evan assumed that was Mr. Monroe. The look on Mitchell’s face said he wouldn’t stop this man if he wanted to hug someone, not even Kayla. The tiny woman behind him must be where Ginger got her looks and stature because she wasn’t much taller than her mom. As soon as she saw Ginger, she wrapped her in a hug and squealed.

Apparently, girls didn’t really grow out of that.

While she and Ginger rocked back and forth as they hugged, Mr. Monroe let go of Kayla and then shook Mitchell’s hand and greeted him with a smile; however, when he turned to Evan that smile disappeared instantly. “You the young man that took advantage of my daughter?”

“No, sir. I’m the man who fell in love with your daughter,” Evan replied. He held his hand out to shake Mr. Monroe’s and realized he needed to let her father know he was the man to take care of her so he gripped just as hard. He didn’t back down until Mr. Monroe loosened his grip and nodded. When they released hands, Evan knew he’d passed the first test.

Ginger and her mother separated so she could introduce Evan. Her mother was as sweet as pie. She had to be, to counter Mr. Monroe. Evan stretched his hand out to greet her as well, but she hugged him instead. “I’m a hugger. You need to get used to it if you’re going to be in this family. Families hug, they don’t shake hands.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said with a smile. His mom was a hugger too, so when Evan looked at Mitchell he saw the same thought cross his face before Mitchell nodded his approval.

“Would y’all like to move to the living room? I think Kayla’s family is coming later, but we can have a drink before they get here,” Evan suggested.

“Are you offering my daughter alcohol while she’s pregnant with my grandchild?” Ginger’s father asked with furrowed brows.

“No, sir. Ginger has sparkling grape juice if she wants it, but after she got sick this morning I’m sure she’ll have ginger ale.”

“So you’re one of those types? You think you’re going to tell her what she can and can’t do? My girl’s a thinker. She doesn’t need you telling her what to do.”

“Daddy…” Ginger’s voice shook.

“Darlin’, your dad’s just trying to see if I can handle you. It’s okay,” Evan said as he took her hand. Then he looked Mr. Monroe straight in the eyes so he knew Evan wasn’t scared of him or wouldn’t cower. “Mr. Monroe, I love your daughter. I loved her before we knew about the baby and have been by her since. I’ve watched what she’s eaten and drank, and ginger ale settles her stomach when she doesn’t feel well. We found out just this morning the smell of sausage cooking makes her sick. I pay attention to everything that involves her and our child. If she wants to venture out to something new, she’ll tell me and I’ll provide it.”

“How, since you quit your job?”

Evan knew her father would grill him, so he mentally counted to ten before he replied, “This ranch, I’m part owner of it with Mitchell, in addition to being the new Chief of Police for Riverton Crossing officially Monday. Ginger agreed to me taking the job because I’m good at protecting what I care about, especially your daughter and our unborn child.”

Ginger’s eyes bounced between Evan and her father. She looked uncomfortable with this situation, so Evan moved to where he blocked everyone else out in the room. She was his focus, his priority. As he stood in front of her, he ran his finger down her check then cupped her face with both hands, and she closed her eyes relaxing with his touch. “I’ve got this,” he whispered before he gave her a peck on the lips. Evan pulled her closer so his mouth was beside her ear. “He’s just trying to bust my balls for taking his baby girl. That’s all.”

“You really love him, Ginger?”

“With all my heart, Daddy.”

“Then let me talk to that boy alone for a few minutes.”

Evan released her and watched everyone leave the room as he took a seat on one of the sofas. How much does he need to know? How much would Ginger want him to know? Mr. Monroe sat across from him. He leaned back with a knowing posture before he asked, “What has Ginger told you about us?”

Evan thought he’d start with what most people wouldn’t want anyone to know so he told her father that he knew about Grayson, how she missed him, and would like him to be at the wedding but they didn’t want to wait. He also told him that their opinions were important to her and how guilty she felt about getting pregnant before she was married, but that she already loved the baby. Finally, he told her father that Ginger loved them very much and ended with, “That’s all I need to know. If you’re important to her, you’re important to me.”

Mr. Monroe’s posture changed with how much Evan knew. “If she’s told you about her brother, then she must trust you a lot because she doesn’t talk about Grayson. The day she moved to Tennessee about killed me. Then that singer boy screwed her up something bad, causing her not to trust easily, so for her to trust you with something she’s ashamed of speaks volumes. I never thought she’d find a fella that could calm her insecurities, but I just watched you with her and couldn’t miss the way she changed when you touched her.” He blinked a few times before he said, “I wouldn’t want to be the one keeping my daughter from experiencing that kind of love.” He pointed his finger at Evan. “Don’t get me wrong, Evan. If you hurt her, they won’t ever find your body. Do I make myself clear, son?”

“Crystal. Thank you for seeing, because most people wouldn’t take the time to look once they’d made up their minds.”

For the first time Mr. Monroe smiled at Evan. With a chuckle in his voice he said, “That’s just it. I promised Doris I’d keep an open mind. From the moment I saw Ginger, I knew you were the man for her. I just needed to make sure you’re man enough for the long haul, not just the here and now.” He leveled his stare at Evan. “Once that baby comes, things’ll be different. Are you prepared for that?”

Evan ran his hand down his face before he held Mr. Monroe’s stare. “Every day I get a little more prepared. I don’t have my father’s advice to rely on so I may need yours. I could turn to Kayla’s dad, but I hope I can turn to Ginger’s as well. If that’s all right?”

Tears welled up in the man’s eyes, and Evan didn’t think Mr. Monroe expected that, but saw how much he appreciated it. Mr. Monroe cleared his throat. “That’d be nice.” He nodded at Evan to let him know they were good. When Mr. Monroe stood, Evan followed suit. He gave Evan a bear hug to end all bear hugs, and Evan knew Mrs. Monroe wasn’t the only hugger in the family.

They walked out of the living room to find everyone gathered out back by the pool. Evan immediately went to Ginger and lightly pressed his lips to hers. “We’re good,” he whispered and the smile that spread across her face took his breath. He leaned in for another quick kiss. “I didn’t tell him about your stalker.”

Her eyes widened. “Thank you. I don’t want them to worry,” she whispered.

While the women went inside, the men sat outside. A couple of hours later, they heard happy women voices coming through the door as Mr. Gregory shook his head and Thomas followed him. “Nothin’ louder than a bunch of women talkin’ about weddin’s and babies. Evan, you always tried to be the over achiever. Boy, couldn’t you’ve waited to get one done before the other?”

Evan chuckled. “I know, Mr. Gregory. We didn’t plan it, but we’re glad it happened.” Evan introduced Mr. Monroe to Mr. Gregory and Thomas. The men greeted one another and started with stories about married life. Even though some of the advice was given in jest, Evan knew deep down it had a little truth wrapped in it. As he listened to these men talk, he couldn’t help but wonder what kind of stories his own father would’ve told. He listened for a while and knew it was rude, but he walked away because it was all he could do. As he headed toward the corral, he talked to his dad. He was leaning against the fence when he a hand grabbed his shoulder.

“Hey, man. You okay?” Mitchell asked.

Evan casually wiped his hand down his face. “Ever since I found out about the possibly of the baby, I’ve been missing Dad more than I have in years. Mitchell, I can’t screw this up.”

“You won’t. I won’t let you.”

“I’m gonna hold you to that.”

“What are brothers for if not to tell each other when they’re being stupid?” They stared across the corral for several minutes before Mitchell asked, “Did you know Deputy Frank and Curtis were cousins?”

“Not until the meeting in the office. Frank didn’t move here until high school. I remember him being around occasionally when we were kids. He didn’t play sports in school, barely passed if rumor’s correct. He left for a while, military service I think. I would’ve thought he’d be in the jail, not putting other people in.”

“Do you think he’s coming back?”

“One way or another. Ben issued an APB on him. We know we have him on the assault charges because there was a witness who saw him hit Harley in his cell. He said Frank came in after midnight when Harley was asleep and didn’t realize what was happening. He put his hands up, and that’s when Frank punched him in the gut. While he was bent over, Frank cold cocked him. The two officers that worked in the jail said that’s when Frank called for help to move Harley, and he was barely conscious. No one saw him give Harley the drugs, though.”

“Any idea where he went?”

“Not yet.”

“Don’t get pissed, but do you think he visits Ruby as often as Curtis?”

“I have no idea. Why would I get pissed? Look, I’ve explained that whole situation to you and Ginger. Ruby’s just another person in this town. Now that I know what love is, I realize I never loved her. It was just teenage infatuation.”

“Just checking. Is Ginger really good with this whole Chief of Police thing?”

“She’s wrapping her head around it.”

“We better head back up before they send a search party for us. You know we’re on the grill.”