Chapter 13

* * *

CHRISTINA

Sometime later…

"I'm nervous about meeting your mom," Christina began, looking at Gideon. "What if she doesn't like me? What if she thinks I'm weird? My family can tend to be pushing, stubborn, or strong-willed and some people don't like that. What if your sister's don't like me? I mean, it could happen – and I'm picky. Are they opposed to picky eaters? I hate the stuff on my plate touching and nooooo mushrooms. Oh my gosh, that fungus-looking stuff is just plain nasty with all the little caps. They grow in…"

"Christina," he interrupted, laughing as he hugged her close. A small airplane was coming in for a landing in the distance, and Houghton was sitting in the van taking a little nap while they walked around in the sunshine. The remote airfield was surrounded by trees and grass, with a few strange-looking flowers coming up that caught her eye almost immediately. "Sweetheart, they are going to love you because of all those qualities – even the mushrooms."

As the plane landed, taxiing forward, both took several steps back until she saw Gideon waving at the pilot.

"It's my brother-in-law," he exclaimed happily. "You'll like him – but not too much, okay? He's a huge goofball and so outgoing that it makes it hard not to like him. I think Giselle is the boss in their relationship because that man has no backbone when it comes to my little sister."

Just hearing that made Christina feel a little better. If they could deal with strong female personalities, then maybe she would fit in with his family. The last thing she wanted to do was alienate someone Gideon cared for by being hard-headed.

As the pilot cut the engine, she saw two heads in the plane just before the door opened. A skinny guy got out, who was all smiles with spiky hair, waving happily, before opening the second door on the plane. The other guy got out and stood there, bracing one hand on the plane and the other holding a large duffel bag. The pilot turned, talked to him for a moment, and then walked over toward them.

"G-Mannnn," he called out, jogging over and hugged Gideon easily. The two clapped each other on the back before Gideon turned to her. "Austin, this is my wife, Christina. Sweetheart, Austin is Giselle's husband and you can call him Austin or by his call sign, Sparky."

"It's very nice to meet you," she began, holding out a hand – and heard a boisterous laugh not a moment before Austin hugged her tightly. "Oh!"

"We're all a bunch of huggers, so you better get used to it, little sis, or should I call you Mrs. G?"

"Just call me Christina – or Chris."

"Will do, Chris," Austin grinned, saluting her… and then lowered his voice, looking at them. "Y'all wanna meet ol' Panic before we head out? My brother-from-another-mother could use a few friendly faces in his inner circle. He's a little quiet, so if he doesn't talk much, it's okay."

"Austin…" Gideon hedged, his voice almost a protective growl, causing her to look up at her husband.

"She's safe, dude. The man's chill factor is at zero, and everything bothers him – so no hugs there, okay – but definitely say ‘hello'."

Gideon grabbed their bags as Austin walked her toward the plane and the quiet man standing there warily. He looked like he was expecting an attack at any moment and had dark circles under his eyes. His face had this pinched look, and stress ebbed off of him in waves.

"Is he okay?" Christina whispered to Austin.

"Yeah, he took something to help him calm down enough to fly, but…"

"I thought you said he was a pilot."

"Keyword, Chris – was…" Austin said grimly, causing her to look at the outgoing man in surprise. He looked worried and quite aware of what the other man was dealing with – which was a little alarming. "Hey Panic, meet my new sister-in-law, Chris… and that big oaf is my brother-in-law. Can you believe little Giselle is related to that giant? I swear his mom used a little too much fertilizer in the garden during her pregnancy – ain't nobody that big naturally."

And Panic cracked a faint, scared smile.

"Hi, Panic," Christina said gently, extending a hand toward him. "You will absolutely love it here. There is such a calmness, such peace, and it's life changing. Now, when they dole out chores to you for the farm – could you ask to watch my cows? Their names are Larry, Moe, and Curly, and sweet as could be."

"They"re named… after the three stooges?" Panic said carefully.

"We've got a chicken named ‘Double D' – but that's for Lena to explain," she smiled, and the man let out a nervous laugh, looking at her in wary surprise. "Trust me, this is the best place to recoup, and Jill will absolutely smother you with hugs if you let her."

"I don't know about all of that…"

"Then tell them, and don't be afraid to. They are not judgmental and very respectful of each person's personality."

Panic nodded, getting this skittish look in his eyes once more as he looked past her shoulder. Gideon was coming to her side, and Houghton was walking up to them from the van, waving politely.

"That's Houghton, and he's like a big brother to all of us," she explained softly, smiling at Gideon. "We are all so glad to meet you – and welcome to Reserve Ranch. We'll see you when we return from Texas. Okay?"

"Sure," Panic said simply, but his voice lacked conviction.

"Let's go," Gideon urged quietly, putting a hand on her lower back and guiding her toward the plane door that Panic had left open. As she climbed into the small plane, she saw the other man jerk back away from Houghton, and the man held up both hands, pointing at the van and then his bag. Obviously, he wanted nobody to help him with his things.

Friendship, trust, and understanding. Jill was going to have her hands full trying to teach that one anything; she mused painfully. Her heart was breaking for the private struggle he was fighting, and she wished that on no one.

"Hustle, bro, another plane is incoming…" Austin ordered jokingly. "Hop up, buckle up, and then shut the door."

Gideon joined her in the cramped space, and she loved it. It was cozy back there, she thought, squeezing herself under his arm, practically hugging the man. Yep, hugging her husband for the length of the trip was not going to be torture in the slightest, and she hesitated as an idea hit her.

The plane started to taxi forward, lifting off the ground and giving her a view of the surroundings as Austin handed headphones to both of them over his shoulder.

"Y'all put the mouthpieces close and this will help drown out some of the noise. Welcome to Flyboys Flight number 5709. This is yo' favorite captain of the air, The Sparkmeister…"

"Oh heck…" Gideon muttered, laughing.

"Did he actually refer to himself as ‘The Sparkmeister'?"

"Put your tray tables up, remain in your seats, because it's a long way down… oh wait, you already know that," Sparky jeered – and then cracked up laughing at Gideon shoved at his head playfully.

"Woooooo," Sparky teased, making the plane go up quickly, pushing them back in their seats. "Anyone get motion sickness easily? I don't think I have any gag-bags up here…"

"Oh my gosh," Christina muttered, shaking her head at the man, realizing he certainly would make holidays and family reunions ‘interesting.'

And slid a hand onto Gideon's upper thigh.

Her husband's head turned toward her sharply as his nose flared, telling her he was drawing in his breath at her touch.

"Hi…"

"Hi yourself…"

"Do you mind?" she began – and they were quickly interrupted.

"HEY NOW…" Sparky said loudly in the speaker. "We might be in a plane, but nowhere does it say anything about the Mile-High Club. Keep your fingers, nose, lips, and toes to yourself. If I see anything, I'm landing this plane, and you can just WALK home, young man!" and then glanced over his shoulder. "And I never dreamed I'd say this, but Chris – you too. No female body parts are to be poked or prodded in my plane. Y'all are making me grow up! I never dreamed of the day where I told a woman to keep her body parts to herself, and it's just shameful, I tell ya…"

It was obvious he was half-heartedly teasing them, causing all three to chuckle at the weird instructions before Sparky began singing. The skinny, playful man was actually singing in the speakers like it was nothing to him.

"Heads, shoulders, knees, and toes…"

Oh yes, Christina thought, smiling at the mischievous man singing happily to them with a backhanded jab just like any sibling would do. It was funny, sweet, familial, and somewhat wonderful. If this was any inclination of how meeting Gideon's family was going to be – this trip was going to be wonderful.

* * *

Hours later, the plane landed at a small rural airstrip that was nearly empty at the late hour. Sparky waved at another man and tossed him the keys like a millionaire tossing the keys to his Lamborghini to a valet at some Hollywood event.

Loading into a car, it was a short ride to the house where everyone was supposed to be waiting. Her heart was beating nervously, and she spoke up, trying to distract herself.

"Was that where you work?"

"That dump? Oh, heck no. That's a local place out this way in Wichita Falls. My place is Flyboys. It's a little further out, cozy, and Harley gets us the best of everything. Best flavored coffee, best rollerball ink pens, best toilet paper – she splurges and gets two-ply, not like the military. Ain't nothing better than having a cushy-tushy…"

"Oh mercy," Gideon groaned, slapping his forehead and dragging his hand downward as he chuckled nervously before looking at her.

"You cannot argue, and we both know it," Sparky said defensively, pointing at the rearview mirror. "I'm downright spoiled now and plan on keeping it that way. Now Gizzy, that's my girl – Chris, she's spoiled too, but I would never tell her that. We keep cartons of Whoppers in the house and gummy worms because that's our thing. When you do without and suddenly have it, you never want to go back to how it was before."

"Amen to that. I understand," Christina chuckled, smiling.

"See? I like her! She gets it, bro. Life is about being real – and single-ply TP is about as painfully real as it gets. Now Charmin— oooweee, that's some fancy stuff and…"

"Austin, can we talk about anything else other than toilet paper – please?"

"We're here, ya' prude-boob."

Christina couldn't help but burst out laughing as Austin ducked for a moment before darting out of the car away from Gideon's hand as he reached for his brother-in-law. The gangly man was nearly at the door when several people started to pour out into the yard.

"Time to face the music," Christina muttered under her breath nervously and opened the car door, only to hear her husband laugh behind her as he muttered.

"You have noooo idea…"

As she stood up, several smiling faces began to walk forward in greeting as Austin was calling out names.

"Curly hair is Georgia… cueball is Greg…"

"Hey!"

"The lady with the chili bowl is Gemma…"

"Oh my gosh, Austin! For the fifth time now, it's not a chili bowl haircut but a bob. Giselle, if he keeps this up, I'm going to grow out my hair just to spite him."

"This little goddess is the light of my life, Giselle – and we've got Mama Beck, Papa Beck, and the Beckinator…"

"Dang it, Austin – stop with that!"

"Hey, Mom, Dad, everyone…" Gideon began, laying a hand on Christina's lower back. His voice seemed proud, so happy, and so excited to be bringing her home to show her off, that she couldn't help but look up at him and smile. "This is my bride, Dr. Christina Beck."

"This little woman is the cow doc?"

"Hush up, Gary."

"Y'all are just mad because I'm stomping you in Scrabble."

"Because you cheat!"

"How's it cheating?"

"A-t-e-m-o-y-a is not a word…"

"No, it's not, Gary. I have to agree with Gemma on this one…"

"Actually," Christina spoke up, causing everyone to grow quiet. "It is a word. It's a fruit in South America."

"SEEEEEE? Guess who's my favorite sister-in-law?" the man crowed in delight, sticking out his tongue amidst several defeated groans.

"Oh-em-gee… another nerd in the family."

"We're not nerds if we are educated, you troll…"

"I'm a paramedic and not a nerd."

"Nobody knows what ‘Cyanotic' means… except a nerd."

"It means you"re blue because someone is throttling you within an inch of your life..."

"Get him, Gizzy!" Sparky jeered in delight, and Christina chuckled at the bickering between the brothers and sisters. It reminded her so much of the Bradley family reunions she'd been to over the years – and put her right at ease.

"Wear gloves, Giselle," Christina called out, holding up a hand and wiggling her fingers. "Fingerprints – and nerd solidarity!"

"Uh, THANK YOU!" Giselle laughed as Gary turned and darted into the house after shoving his sister on the shoulder playfully. Christina was about to say something else – and jerked back as something popped up right in front of her face.

"What the…"

Austin held up a wooden spoon almost an inch from her nose, causing Gideon to laugh easily, as did several others.

"We're going to break you in right. There are no rules, no shame, and every song imaginable is on the table for karaoke. You can be our backup singer until you are ready to belt it out like Celine Dion. If you do that, I'm getting the leaf blower, and we'll make it epic…"

Christina blinked, processing what he said, as he shoved the wooden spoon in her hand and turned it around. There, in little wooden letters glued to the spoon, was her name.

"Here's your mic, sis – canna I get a beat?"

Stunned, she stood there for a moment as Gemma, Georgia, Greg, and Gideon's father all pulled out a wooden spoon from their back pockets and she saw his mother was holding hers modestly at her side. The musical strains of ‘We Are Family' by Sister Sledge started to play loudly. Everyone began dancing, singing, pulling Gideon forward, and grasping Christina, pulling her into the fray that was moving as a single blob toward the open front door. Gary was standing there, silhouetted in the door frame, singing at the top of his lungs.

Christina looked at Gideon – and he shrugged, smiling sheepishly, before joining in and singing, pulling her spoon forward so he could lean into it. They sang into kitchen spoons, too?

"This is my family – and they are going to love you," he chuckled – only to see both Giselle and Austin running around, jumping out, and dancing among the crowd.

"It's the Beck Bonanzaaaaa!"

* * *

That night, Christina and Gideon lay down on a pair of twin beds pushed together in what was her husband's old bedroom. It was adorable to see the photos of him playing high school football, the photo of him when he graduated from boot camp, and a variety of other photos.

"They are a bit much sometimes, but they mean well," Gideon said in a hushed whisper, smiling as she snuggled up against his side. She knew to keep her voice down because she could hear other people mumbling in the distance in the other bedrooms. Yes, the Beck household was quite full, and some of Gideon's family members lived nearby, except Giselle and Austin.

Giselle had pulled her aside and informed her that her best friend had a farm and was looking for a person to work with, helping the herd grow if she was interested.

She was. It was her first real job opportunity, and a possible position at Baird Farms near Yonder would be really nice. If it was a temporary gig, then maybe she could open a practice or…

"What are you thinking?" Gideon whispered, interrupting her thoughts. "I really wasn't expecting you to be so cuddly on the plane. That was nice, and I like it when you are comfortable enough to just reach out. Sometimes I feel like I'm always touching you or pawing at you…"

"You are," she chuckled tenderly, angling her head and kissing his chin. "I love it."

"I love you, and just being near you makes me happy."

"I'm glad."

"You know, the singing is kind of a fun twist and makes your family feel very down to earth. I hope that we can do something like that with our family…" she whispered in the darkness, wondering if he was picking up on the hint.

"If you like singing that much, I don't see… wait…"

Christina chuckled at Gideon's frame tensed beside her. He quickly rolled to his side, dislodging her slightly as he turned on the lamp beside the bed, looking at her.

"Shut that off," she grumbled. "It's bright, and my eyes were used to the dark already."

He did as she asked and didn't move an inch.

"Christina… are you pregnant?" he whispered softly, sounding so hopeful and excited that it brought tears to her eyes. She loved this man with her entire being, heart and soul, and couldn't be more grateful to be a part of his world.

"I am," she replied tenderly. "I'm so excited, Gideon."

He pulled her into his arms, hugging her close, as he began to kiss her tenderly where she lay beneath him. Breaking the kiss, he softly began to sing ‘Be my baby' – and she joined in quietly, their two voices together in the darkness, celebrating this miracle together as they made love.