Love on a Dirt Road (The Roughneck Series Book 1) (11 page)

  "Oh, honey, you ain't fooling nobody" He said as he ruffled her hair. "But girls, this old man is in need of some home cooking, what's for dinner?"

  "I'll get started on dinner, so y'all can visit" I offered and headed to the kitchen.

  I decided on chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and fried okra. If Joe needed home cooking I could deliver. Once I was finished with everything I called them to the kitchen as I set the table.

  "Smells good Lainey" Joe said "So whatcha been up to?"

  "Lainey's in love daddy and it's making her bat shit crazy" Sam said with a laugh.

  "Out with it." Joe said as he shoved a heaping spoonful of mashed potatoes in his mouth.

  And then I repeated the story to Joe.

  "Love makes you do crazy shit sometimes" Joe said very matter of fact.

  "I'm learning that" I said.

  "But listen, Lainey, not every man is a prick. They ain't all like the piece of shit you got away from" Apparently Sam had filled him in.

  "I know" I said as I looked down.

  "And being in the oilfield is a hard life. But if he's what you want, then you work it out. And trust works both ways. I guarantee it's hard on him too."

  "It is, he told me that." I said softly.

  "Trust me" Joe said as he pointed his finger to his chest. "This old man has been doing this a long time, it ain't for everybody. I learned that the hard way. But when it's meant to be, you figure it out."

Chapter 12

  Joe stayed for two nights and then he was back to work. Sam took a couple of vacation days so she would be able to spend time with him. It made me so happy to see Sam with her dad. She really loved that man. But then again, it made me sad, because I missed mine. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't jealous, I was genuinely happy she had Joe. Just a little sad for me. Which always made me think of Jase and his dad.  Jay was still alive. What was he like now? Was he sober? Was he sorry? Those were the thoughts that plagued me. I wanted to know the answers, for Jase. He was so stubborn and determined that he didn't need him in his life. I wasn't so sure. The things his dad put him through really scarred him. I just wanted him to heal, instead of ignoring the pain and keeping it buried. But every time I brought it up to Jase, he never wanted to talk about it. But I wouldn't give up, I would just give him time.

  Sam and I decided it was Christmas tree decorating and wine night. The bar scene didn't appeal to Sam as much as it did before so it seemed like a fun way to spend our Saturday night.

  "Guess what?" Sam said as she wrapped lights around the tree.

  "What?"

  "My dad has a girlfriend!" Sam said, although I couldn't quite read the expression on her face.

  "He does?" I said in shock.

  "Yeah, her name is Vickie. She's a waitress at the restaurant he eats at all the time, down the road from the rig."

  "Wow! Are you ok with that?" I don't ever remember Joe having a girlfriend. It was always just him and Sam. Once he started working away from home Sam never mentioned anyone, I never even thought about it.

  "Yeah, as long as she's good to him and not after his money or something. I'm always worried about my daddy being alone. But if she hurts him, I will cut a bitch"

  "I'll help you!" I said "I'm glad he got to come in for a couple of days though"

  "Me too, he said he'll be home for Christmas though."

  "Yay! But have you told him about you and Moon?"

  "God no. I just mentioned his name and I believe his words were 'You better not let that little fucker get you in trouble' So I decided to hold off" Sam said with a laugh

  "Well he just remembers Moon as the crazy kid that used to get us all in trouble in high school. He didn't even try to hide the stuff he did"

  “I know. But I want my dad to know who he is now. He's a good guy, he deserves a redo."

  "Then you should just talk to him, he'll listen to you, you've got him wrapped around your finger."

  "I hope so. I'll tell him. I want to spend Christmas with both of them so I have to."

  "So have you told Moon that you love him yet?" I asked Sam. Because it really was obvious that she did.

  "No. I'm waiting for him to say it first. I can tell he's holding back on me."

  "Can you blame him? You sprinted out the door when he asked to date you"

  "You're never gonna let me live it down are you?" Sam said as she threw an ornament at me.

  "Probably not" I said as I caught it.

Christmas Eve

  It was already the best Christmas ever. I knew Jase wouldn't be home every Christmas because of work but I was thankful he would be here for this one and I was going to enjoy it.  He was sleeping peacefully so I snuggled up to him and let out a sigh. It was funny how just waking up with him made my day better. It changed my whole mood. He made everything better. I heard the ding of my phone.

Sam: OMG. I need your help!

Me: What's wrong?

Sam: This pie is runny. My cake tastes sour.  What the fuck does it mean for dough to rest?????? I need you!!!

Me: Lol. Ok. Give me just a little bit and I'll come help.

Sam: UR a lifesaver Lainey boo boo!

  I knew how important tomorrow was for her. She wanted everything to be perfect. She told her dad about Moon and he agreed to give him a chance. Like I said, wrapped around her finger. Joe was also bringing Vickie to meet Sam. I hadn't even met the lady yet, but I already said a prayer for her. She might need it. Jase and I were also going to be there, honestly I wouldn't miss it. I loved Sam and wanted to be there for her. I also wanted a front row seat.

  "Hey babe." I whispered "Babe"

  "hmmm" was all I got

  "Sam needs my help cooking desserts for tomorrow. I'm gonna run home ok."

  Jase opened one eye and looked at me a little confused. He was so cute when he first woke up. The messy hair and half asleep look worked for him. Who am I kidding, everything worked on Jase. But sleepy Jase was especially sexy.

  "Ok" He said.

  "I'll come back over this afternoon" I told him.

  "Actually I'm picking you up" He said, suddenly very alert.

  "You are?" I asked.

  "Yep. Make sure to bring a jacket and wear your boots."

  "okaayyy" I said. "Where are we going?"

  "I'll pick you up around 5" He said as he closed his eyes again and smiled.

  "You're not telling me where we're going?"

  "Love you" And that was my answer.

  "I love you too, brat" I said and squeezed his jaw while I gave him a kiss.

5:15

  We were driving down an unfamiliar dirt road. I was sitting in the middle with my head resting on his shoulder. He had been very quiet about where we were going.
  "Where are we?" I asked as I took in my surroundings. Jase pulled into a private road. The driveway was long and winding. It was surrounded by trees. The sun was beginning to set and the shadows were dancing. It was breathtaking.

  "Almost there" Jase responded.

  We pulled into a large open field that extended at least 5 acres. It was surrounded by overgrown trees in a huge square. But that was it. No buildings, no lights, nothing. Where were we? I thought to myself once again. Jase put the truck in park but left it running with the lights on. He opened the door, hopped out and held his hand out for me to take. The grass was overgrown, I was glad he told me to wear my boots, although I was still didn't know what we were doing. We walked out about 10 feet from the truck and Jase stopped.

  "Stay right here" He said as he jogged back to the truck. I looked around once again. This place was gorgeous, there was something about it that just took my breath away. It was so peaceful.

  I heard the music start. I recognized the song immediately. "I don't dance" by Lee Brice. Jase walked up to me and put his hand out once again. I put my hand in his and he pulled me close. My stomach immediately filled with butterflies. Was he really doing this?  We started to sway to the music. He was dancing with me. This song was Jase all the way, because he told me more than once, he didn't dance. This was heaven, wrapped in his arms, I loved this man so much. Then my heart absolutely melted when I heard him singing in a quiet whisper close to my ear,

  "I don't dance, but here I am, spinning you round and round in circles. It ain't my style but I don't care. I'd do anything with you anywhere. Yes you've got me in the palm of your hand. Cause I don't dance."

  My entire body relaxed into him. I was a pool of liquid. Melted. Unable to stand on my own two feet. We continued to sway through the end of the song. I was convinced that was the most romantic moment of my life. I loved this man more than I could even put into words.

  "I love you" I said when the music stopped. I couldn't help but bite my lip.

  "I love you Lainey" He said and he grabbed my bottom lip, pulled it into his mouth and ran his tongue across it. Oh yeah, he was good.  Then he pulled his mouth away from mine and spun me around so my back was resting up against his chest.

  "So what do you think of this place?" He asked me.

  "I think it's beautiful" I said.

  "I've had my eye on it for a few months now."

  "You have?" I asked as I looked at the sky. It was beautiful blend of blue and orange. The whole scene was amazing.

  "I put the down payment on it a couple of days ago." Jase said.

  "You're buying this place babe?" I said, unable to hide the excitement in my voice. I was so happy for him.

  "I'm buying it...for us. If you will." Jase said as he pulled a small black box out of his front pocked and got down on his knee.
Oh my God, was this really happening?
My eyes welled up with tears, there was no holding them back. Jase grabbed my hand and held it.

"I know this is soon but I've never been able to move slow with you Baby.  I think I loved you the first time I saw you, I just didn't understand it. I didn't think it was possible. Hell Lainey, I didn't think it was possible to love at all. But one look at you and I was done. You were the missing part of my life all these years, I just didn't know it. And I know a life with me won't be easy, but I'll spend every second of it trying my best to make you happy. Lainey, will you marry me?"

  The tears were falling, I couldn't speak. So I just shook my head.

  "Is that a yes?" Jase asked with a smile

"Yes, baby, yes" I said with a shaky voice. Jase slipped the ring on my finger.

  "Oh thank God" Jase said as he stood and pulled me close to him. I jumped into his arms and wrapped my legs around his waist. I put my arms around his neck and then admired my ring.
My engagement ring.
It was white gold with a huge princess cut diamond and diamonds along both sides of it. It was perfect.

"I love you so much, Jase. I'm going to be your wife.  You’re going to be my husband" I said and squeezed my arms around his neck.

  "I love the sound of that." Jase said and spun me around in a circle.

  "Me too" I said with a giggle.

  "I just have one request" Jase said.

  "What's that?" I asked.

  "I can't handle the whole your place, my place thing much longer. The builders are ready to start now. Are you ready to marry me in the next three months? I want you to be my wife our first night here."

  "Baby, I would marry you right now" I said with complete honesty.

  "I want you to have a wedding. I don't want you to regret that. Because this is forever." He said and gave me a kiss.

  "Forever." I repeated.

  It was almost midnight. Almost Christmas Day. Jase and I were lying in bed, wrapped in each other’s arms.

  "It's almost Christmas." I whispered.

  "Merry Christmas baby" He said and then reached over to the nightstand. "I want to give you your present."
 

  "Jase, you proposed and gave me this beautiful ring" I said as I held my hand out to admire my ring. "You didn't need to get me anything else."

  "Hush" He said and kissed me as he put a small rectangular box in my hand. It was wrapped in silver paper with a white ribbon.

  I opened the box and there was a silver charm bracelet. It had two charms attached to it. An oilrig and a heart.

  "It's beautiful, I love it"

  "Even when the rig has me, you have my heart. I want to add different ones when big stuff happens for us. Like when you marry me." He said and kissed my neck. "And when we have babies" He said and kissed me again.

  "You are too perfect, you know that. I can't wait for all those things" I said and I wrapped my arms around him. "I have a gift for you too. But I'm nervous to give it to you." My gift seemed almost cheesy compared to this.

  "Nervous? Why?" Jase laughed.

  I scooted off the bed and walked over to my overnight bag in the corner. I grabbed the small gift bag and went back to the bed. My stomach was doing flip flops. Jase gave me that crooked smile that melted my heart.

  He opened the bag and pulled out the small photo album.

  "It's a boudoir album." I said with my face in my hands. "It's something to keep you company when I can't be there" I couldn't look up. I was embarrassed. I should have just stuck it in his bag before he left for work like I initially planned. The first picture in the album was me standing next to a sheer curtain. I was wearing a black lacy bra and matching panties with my black cowboy boots. The photography studio did a really good job with hair and makeup so I was happy with the pictures.

  "Holy Shit" was the first thing Jase said when he opened the album. He didn't look up at me once. He just flipped through the pages slowly.

  "You're so fucking beautiful." He said but didn't lift his eyes. "Damn" I got the feeling I did ok.

  "So you like it?" I asked nervously. Jase put the book down and scooted closer to me.

  "I love it" He said "The only problem is that little book there is gonna give me a permanent hard on at work."

  "Well if you have that problem now, I can take care of it for you." I whispered in his ear as I put my hand down the front of his boxer briefs.

  "Baby, I have that problem every time I'm near you." Jase said as he kissed me.