“They went on that month-long cruise. They’ve got another week before they even think about returning.”
“That’s right,” Rome said, clicking his fingers. “They were so excited about it. You bought them that, didn’t you?”
“Yes. I’ve been saving for a trip for them since I was a boy. I knew how much they wanted to go, and I put something aside every single week until I could afford it.” His parents hadn’t wanted to go on the trip as they felt guilty for abandoning him.
He’d been working the garage his entire life, and well, his parents were amazing and throughout their life, they had always put their son and business first. It was the least he could do to give back to the people who loved him.
“What brings you around here?” he asked, wanting to know why Rome Jones was really here.
“I think you and I both know why I’m here.”
“Yep, I do. Casey.”
“Yes, Casey. You see, I’ve been hearing a rumor around town. You and her, it’s just a bit of fun.”
Rusty had known this could be a problem. After all, Casey was this man’s daughter, so of course he wouldn’t want anyone to play around with her.
Rubbing the back of his neck, he felt uncomfortable. “Sir, I just want to say … it’s not what it sounds like.”
“I like you, Rusty. I do. A man’s got to do a lot to protect his daughter. I thought rather highly of you. You’re a good man. Your reputation is impeccable. I can’t find a single fault with you, but anyone who is just having fun with my daughter, I’ve got a problem with.”
“I’m not having fun with her.”
“Why don’t I believe you?” Rome was already rolling up his sleeves.
Rusty wasn’t scared. He didn’t know if Rome could fight or not, but it was beside the point. He wasn’t going to fight Casey’s dad.
“I’m in love with her.” There. He had finally said the words that he had kept locked up so tight, and never let anyone else know.
He had a feeling Buster already knew, but his friend hadn’t said anything about it recently.
“You’re in love with Casey?”
“Yes. I have been for a long time now. I’m not just having fun with her.”
“Then tell me why there is a rumor that you are,” Rome asked, folding his arms.
“She’s not ready to know.”
“You think my Casey is stupid?”
“No. I think our Casey is scared, and she … she’ll run the first moment she can because she’s afraid. This is why I have to be careful with her. I don’t want her to run from me. She’s not ready to know I’m in love with her. That I want to spend the rest of my life making a family and being with her every single moment that I can.” He took a step toward Rome. “Don’t tell her, please.”
“You really think she’ll run?”
“She ran out of the diner because people were looking at her. She’s not ready for any of this. It scares her.”
“I love my daughter and will do anything for her.”
“And I love her as well. It’s why I’m taking my time. It’s why I’m not trying to rush her. I love her more than anything else in the world, and I will be there for her, always. Please, don’t doubt that.”
“You want a life with her?”
“I want everything with her.” He wished more than anything he could wave a magic wand and get what he wanted, but life didn’t work like that. Nothing ever came to him easily, and he didn’t mind that. Hard work never bothered him. “I’ve got to take my time, and I guess I need you guys to just see us as having fun. Nothing too serious.”
Rome stared at him for the longest time. “I don’t like this.”
“I know.”
“You’re sure you’re not just trying to have your way with her?”
He smiled. “I’m not. Many years ago, I watched Casey drive away to the big city, and I didn’t chase after her. That has been one of my biggest regrets all these years. I never told her how I feel. I’m not going to make that mistake again, but I do need to make sure that she can trust me.”
“You think lying about where this is going will help with that?”
“I don’t know what will help to be honest, Rome. I just know I want to make this work with her.” He was desperate to make this work.
Rome stood there for several minutes then nodded.
“Then, I will help.”
“You’ll help?”
“Yes. I won’t cause a problem. I won’t try to convince her to move back. I will leave all of this in your capable hands. I know you’ll do right by my girl, and I trust you.” Rome held his hand out, and Rusty shook it. “I’d be proud to have you as a son-in-law,” Rome said.