I sniffled and whispered, “I do, Will. I do believe in our love, but it doesn’t make it any easier.”
He ran his hand up and down my back. “I know it doesn’t. I’m not taking classes on Fridays, so I can always drive to Austin for the weekends. I won’t even be two hours away from you, Lex.”
I pulled back and looked into his heavenly blue eyes. “Promise me.”
“I swear to you, I’ll come visit you at least twice a month.”
I threw my arms around him and began kissing him. If I thought I could, I’d strip down naked and have him make love to me.
My father cleared his throat, and Will pulled back.
“Will, how are you today?”
Will stood up and winked at me before turning to shake Daddy’s hand. “I’m doing fine, sir. How are you?”
“I’ve been better. Not too sure I’m ready to send my girl off
to college.”
I smiled as Will let out a small chuckle.
“You all packed and ready to go, son?”
Will nodded his head. “Yes, sir, I am.”
“Good to hear. You have any regrets about not playing football?”
I rolled my eyes. Daddy couldn’t understand how football was not a huge part of Luke’s and Will’s lives. They liked playing, and both had played in high school, but they each had turned down the chance to play in college. Colt, on the other hand, had every intention of playing football for A&M.
“No, sir. My goal is to focus on studying and possibly graduate early.”
Daddy raised his eyebrow and nodded. “You want on this ranch that bad, huh?”
Will chortled. “Yes, sir, I do. I believe Luke and I will be valued assets to both the cattle side of the business and the breeding side as well.”
Daddy hit Will on the back and shook his hand again. “I know you will. Y’all have already made Jeff and me proud as hell.”
“Thank you, sir.”
I smiled as I watched my father and the love of my life share a moment together.
Daddy glanced at me and winked. “I’ll let y’all visit for a while. You taking Alex out tonight, Will?”
“Yes, sir. We are all going to dinner and then back to my place to watch a movie.”
“Sounds low-key. I like it.” Daddy turned and walked out of my room.
I slowly stood up and walked over to my suitcase. I was finished packing, but I couldn’t bring myself to close and zip it up. I laid Emma on top and turned to face Will.
“You’re bringing Emma?”
I felt my cheeks heat as I slowly nodded. “Yeah. If I thought I could bring Banjo, he would be ready to go in the trailer.”
Will walked up to me and pulled me into his arms. He leaned down and kissed my lips tenderly. “You ready for dinner? I’m sure everyone is probably almost there by now.”
I nodded my head and reached for his hand.
The entire way to the restaurant, neither of us spoke. It was as if we were simply enjoying the presence of each other.