Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 65156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 326(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 326(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
Callum smiles, a warm expression that seems to melt away a little more of my anxiety. “Like I said, there’s nothing to worry about. They’re going to love you, Violet.”
We each make our way out of the truck and head toward the front door. The weight of what’s coming doesn’t feel so heavy anymore.
As Callum opens the door to his childhood home, the subtle pressure of his hand around mine grounds me. We step inside, and I’m immediately struck by how warm and inviting everything feels. Despite its size, the house doesn't scream wealth or status—it’s grand in its own way, but it's the lived-in touches that really stand out.
The scent of something delicious wafts from the kitchen, filling the air with the aroma of home-cooked food. It’s the kind of smell that hits you deep, reminding you of family dinners and cozy evenings. The hallway walls are filled with family photos, capturing moments that stretch back years. Callum as a boy with a mischievous grin, his siblings in various stages of childhood, his parents looking proud and full of love. It’s clear that this house is more than just a place to live—it’s a place where memories were made, where love has been nurtured over the years.
It’s cozy, warm, lived-in, and loved. Everything about it feels genuine.
“Hey,” Callum calls out as we walk further into the house.
“Hey, you’re the first one here.” A woman’s voice, full of excitement and energy, calls from somewhere deeper in the house. A moment later, his mother appears, her face lighting up with a smile so wide it nearly takes me by surprise.
She’s exactly as I’d imagined Callum’s mother would be—kind, warm, and full of life. Her eyes sparkle with curiosity as she steps in front of us.
“Violet, you’re as beautiful as I remember,” she says, glancing from Callum to me. “I was so sorry to hear about your father. He was truly a wonderful man.”
“Thank you,” I whisper, surprised she remembers me at all.
“Mom, I need to talk to you and Dad before everyone gets here,” Callum says.
She wipes her hands on the apron she’s wearing, worry swimming in her eyes. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, it’s good news,” he replies with a grin.
Callum leads me to the family room where his father is watching a baseball game.
“Callum has something to tell us,” his mother says, standing next to her husband’s chair.
His father turns off the TV and gives his full attention to Callum. I can feel my heart pounding in my chest as Callum tells me to have a seat.
“Well, I wanted to tell you guys that Violet and I got married,” Callum says, resting his hand on my shoulder as he stands next to the chair I’m sitting in.
“What?” they both say in unison.
“I didn’t even know you were dating,” his mother says, looking between us.
“Hey, what’s going on…oh…we’ll sit,” Brock says, sitting down on the couch next to his father. Willow, his girlfriend, sits next to him with a gleam in her eye as she looks at me.
“Your brother got married,” his mother says, still staring at Callum.
“Really? Hmm, I think I heard something about that,” Brock replies before laughing.
“You knew?” his mother shouts.
“Knew what?” Tripp asks, walking in with Millie.
My eyes find Millie’s and she gives me a small smile as she shrugs.
“That Callum and Violet got married,” his mother says.
“Oh yeah, Millie was their witness,” Tripp says, plopping on the couch next to Willow.
“Tripp!” Millie shouts, shaking her head.
“Millie, we just went shopping and you didn’t say a word. Who else knows?” his mother questions.
“Mom, I told them all. I wanted to wait until Sunday dinner to tell you and Dad,” Callum explains.
“Well, I’m surprised, but I’m thrilled. I never thought my boy would fall in love and you’ve done it so quickly.” She rushes over and hugs me, squeezing me a little tight. “I’m so excited to have you join the family, Violet.”
My eyes lift to Callum and he gives me a small nod. He understands what I’m trying to say with just a simple look.
“Mom, it’s not like that. We aren’t in love. Violet needed a husband in order to keep her ranch and I offered to help her out,” Callum says.
I hear the men in the room groan as his mother stands in front of us. “What? What does that even mean?”
“Hey, smells awesome in here.” Anya says, walking in with Griffin, interrupting the tense mood. “Oh good, we didn’t miss anything.” She rushes over and stands behind the couch.
We have an audience now and I’m feeling like some sort of freak show.
“It’s not something everyone will understand, but Violet needed someone and I stepped up to help. She would’ve lost the ranch if she didn’t get married, per her father’s will, and I couldn’t allow that to happen. So, we got married. Now she saves the ranch and I have a wife. Everyone should be happy about that. She’s part of the family now and I expect her to be treated as such. We don’t have a romantic relationship, but that doesn’t make her any less my wife.”