Chapter 1

As soon as we drive into my parents’ neighborhood, I start to fidget. It’s been five days since we’ve spoken because I’ve purposely avoided their calls. Exactly like Bryce, they freaked out when I told them about the trip to Israel. And as expected, Nate called me within ten minutes of hanging up with them and went bat-shit crazy. His exact words were, ‘I absolutely, positively, fucking forbid you to participate in this summer program’.

I listened to all of them lecture me on the danger involved until I finally had enough. We agreed to drop the subject for the rest of my vacation, then I’d sit down and logically discuss the pros and cons of the program. This seemed to appease them because they thought I’d given in. But in reality, I’d only delayed the inevitable rip-roaring argument that was bound to happen.

I replay that morning in my mind and wonder again if I’m being selfish.

Bryce paced the room and alternated between running his hands through his short hair and shaking his head. After five minutes, he finally looked at me and my heart hurt. His eyes were glassy and his expression pained. He knew what photojournalism meant to me and, subsequently, the subject matter of social and cultural issues. And I knew in that moment, he was going to try to talk me out of it, but in the end, he’d support my decision.

“Bryce, can we put this aside for the rest of the week and enjoy the beach?” I asked softly.

He came to me and cupped my cheek. “Hear me out, and then we’ll drop it until we get back to Nashville.”

I nodded and stepped into his chest, wrapping my arms around his waist.

“I’m feeling every bit of fear and anxiety that your parents are. Even in a sanctioned environment, this is not a safe location right now. But, it’s more than that. I can’t stand the thought of anything happening to you. It would absolutely kill me, Devon. I finally have you in my life in the way that was meant to be. We have a future, something I’ve dreamed about since you kissed me the night of my graduation. I’ve already told you how I felt the year and half we were apart. Now I have everything— I mean everything—coming together. If something happened to you, I wouldn’t survive.”

Tears pooled in my eyes as I looked up and felt his pain. “I’ll be safe, promise.”

“You’re going to go anyway, aren’t you?”

“Can we talk about it later? I’ll email my professor and tell him I need to think it through. Quinn will do the same. We can both give him our answers sometime next week. It’s an amazing experience to turn down. Don’t make me feel selfish for wanting this.”

There was an inner turmoil in his expression until he finally grinned and leaned down to kiss me briefly. “Wouldn’t want my fiancée to feel selfish. We’re officially dropping the subject until I have backup to talk some sense into you.”

It was on the tip of my tongue to argue about siding with my parents, but I decided to take the reprieve and save my logic for the whole firing squad. Most likely the same firing squad that would be waiting in my parents’ living room the minute we got home.

Bryce went to get our stuff ready for the beach, and I took advantage of the privacy to call Quinn. She wasn’t surprised at everyone’s reactions because she was receiving the same from her parents and Dean. We made a quick plan, which included her doing massive research while I frolicked on the beach with my fiancé. Her suggestion was to fuck his brains out until he was too tired to argue. I liked her idea.

Bryce reaches over and squeezes my knee before linking his fingers through mine. “You nervous?” His smooth voice breaks me out of my trance.

“Yes.”

“I can tell. Your hand is sweating. Relax, Devon. Things will be fine.”

My eyes grow wide as I stare at him in disbelief. I was prepared for him to pounce the minute we drove into the city. His relaxed attitude is throwing me off.

“Fine? Do you know what I’m probably walking into? WE are walking into? I know you may not like my decision to go to Israel, but I expect you to respect it. Especially with my parents about to go berserk. Nate too. He may be your best friend, but I’m going to be your wife, and we need to establish boundaries right now. He’s always been protective, but he forbid—”

“Devon, take a breath,” he interrupts. “It’s going to be FINE. We’re not walking into an ambush. I’ve already had a discussion with Nate. He’s not going to get in your face about this. Tonight is about our homecoming and figuring out our schedule. We’ll worry about the rest later.”

I blink hard and shake my head to make sure I’m not asleep and imagining this. Bryce may be a master at conflict resolution, but there’s no way he’s going to calm my family. I’d bet my car that they’ve been stewing over this since we hung up the telephone. By now, my mom’s likely planned a way to force me home for the summer, so she can watch my every move.

“Baby, are you insane?”

“Yes, insane about you, and I put my foot down. Told Nate to get everyone’s shit together and let us have a nice night. Tomorrow, we can work through the details and the discussions. They agreed.”

My shoulders relax as I lean over and kiss him on the cheek. “And that is why I love you so much, Mr. Randolph.”

He smiles and turns into my parents’ driveway. I giggle when I spot Quinn’s car in the mix. She texted this morning and promised we were prepared to argue like professionals when our families tried to shut down our trip.

As soon as the car is stopped, the front door flies open, and Quinn comes barreling out, running directly to me. Before I can speak, she squeezes me until the air leaves my lungs.

“No mention of Israel.”

“Bryce said they’re leaving it alone tonight. We’re safe,” I wheeze, trying to breathe.

She steps away and scans my face. Then she breaks out in a wide smile and kisses my cheek loudly. “Glad you’re home.”

“Hey, Quinn, how’s it going?” Bryce comes around the car and smirks at her.

“Very funny, lover boy. I’m still mad at you for leaving me behind.” She huffs, crossing her arms.

“Believe me, this was not a trip for mixed company.” He wiggles his eyebrows, and she fakes gagging.

Bryce wraps his arm around my shoulders and leads us to the house.

“About time you guys got here. I’m starving!” Nate yells when we walk in.

My dad pulls me into a hug while shaking Bryce’s hand. Bryce’s parents, Karen and Steve, greet us next in the same way. I slip away when I spot Quinn’s parents, Michelle and Paul, standing in the middle of the room, smiling.

I rush to them and throw my arms around their shoulders. “What are y’all doing here?”

“You don’t think we’d miss your engagement celebration, do you?” Michelle smiles warmly.

“What are you talking about?” I turn and look around the room. My jaw drops.

There’s a ‘congratulations’ banner hanging on the fireplace and several pictures of Bryce and me on the mantle. I look past everyone’s smiling faces, and when my eyes land on Bryce, his lips twitch then curl in a smug grin.

“You knew about this?” I question him.

“I may have.”

“You didn’t think to tell me?”

“Why would I do that? It was a surprise.”

I catch Quinn’s smirk and narrow my eyes at her. “You should have warned me!” I wave my hand down my body in disgust. “I’m in cut-off shorts and a tank top!” She shrugs, completely uncaring.

“You look absolutely fine. And besides, this is casual and all family.” My mom comes to me and tucks my hair behind my ear. “We didn’t really get to celebrate your actual engagement last week. The guys’ graduation was the focus. So Shelia and I decided we wanted to celebrate the right way. Tonight is all about you and Bryce.”

I look at Shelia, Bryce’s mom, and my throat clogs with emotion when our eyes lock. She’s beaming.

There are so many arguments running through my head, because in my mind, we did celebrate last week. But the only thing I can say is a quiet, “Thank you.”

Mom nods, clearly hearing the emotions in my voice. Bryce comes to my side and puts an arm around my waist, kissing my temple. His blue eyes sparkle with happiness.

“Forgive me?” he asks playfully.

“Yes, but only because this is the type of surprise that includes champagne.”

“Noted.”

“Bryce, you’ve had her to yourself for an entire week. Think you can share for a few hours?” Quinn says sarcastically.

He scowls at her until they both burst into laughter. A second later, everyone joins in, and champagne is served. The dread I felt in the car is forgotten.

“Do we have any idea of the travel schedule yet?” I ask Quinn as we clean the kitchen. It’s the first time since I got home that we’ve been alone.

“Professor Grant will be leading the program. He won’t tell us who, but he’s supposedly spoken to a few well-known journalists with Fox, NBC, and ABC who will be joining us. The group is scheduled to leave around the first of June. Once we officially accept, he’ll send us more information, including vaccination forms.”

I nod and look around the corner to make sure no one’s coming then turn back. “How did you get your parents off your back? I was only able to because I was two states away.”

“Told them we’d discuss it when you got back. They know we do this together. Even though Bryce said tonight was safe, I suspect our mothers are currently figuring out a way to bring it up.”

“Bring what up?” Bryce walks in with Nate following.

“Nothing, lover boy. We’re just catching up.”

He hands me my phone and slides an arm around my shoulders. “Babe, your email is going crazy. May want to check it.”

“I’ll take care of it after you leave. Don’t want to be rude.”

He gives me a sideways glance and raises his eyebrows in question. “Where am I going?”

“Don’t you have to go home?”

“I guess, if you’d prefer to stay at my parents’ place, we could. But it may hurt Karen’s feelings.”

“What are you talking about?” It’s my turn to be confused.

“I figured we’d stay here a few days until we leave for Knoxville.”

“Stay here together? In my parents’ house, with them here?”

Quinn giggles while Nate looks at me like I’m an idiot.

“Yes, babe, I talked to our parents. We did just return from a week away together. Not to mention being engaged takes us to a new status level.”

“And my dad agreed to this?” I question in disbelief. “Sure, my mom is pretty liberal, but Dad is—”

“Having a heart attack,” Nate tells us. “But Bryce can be pretty convincing.”

“I’d really like to know how in the hell you pulled that off.” I glare at Bryce, who’s grinning cockily.

“I did have to promise to keep my hands to myself,” he leans in and whispers.

“Well, I guess I won’t be staying over tonight. Thanks a lot.” Quinn pouts.

He doesn’t seem to care and ignores her completely. My phone dings again with an email.

I open it and bite my lip nervously. It’s been such a terrific night; I hate to ruin it. Quinn slides next to me, pushing Bryce to the side. She reads over my shoulder, and we share a quick glance.

“Who’s trying to get a hold of you?” Bryce questions, stepping behind me and kissing my head lightly.

“It’s Professor Grant. He’s scheduled a video-conference in two days to discuss the Summer Expo.”

“That’ll work out great since we leave for Knoxville the next day.” He says it so casually that both mine and Quinn’s heads snap up.

There is no sign of anxiety or worry at all on his face. Even Nate nods and then walks out of the kitchen.

For a group of people adamantly opposed to this trip less than a week ago, it’s eerily calm.

Something’s going on.