Flaming Hearts (Beyond Reality Book 2) (9 page)

The next day, Dean went to the refuge to meet with his parents and he explained he’d met his
One
. His parents, Steve and Bethany, were beyond pleased. Dean knew his parents’ story by heart. When his dad explained to him and Jonathan how they’d probably meet a woman one day and know immediately she was the one for them, he’d told them how he met their mom.

Steve was a firefighter and he’d been called to the scene of a bad car wreck. Upon arriving he found out Bethany was the person who’d witnessed the accident and had called for help. He took one look at her standing on the side of the road, arms wrapped around her waist, waiting for help to arrive, and knew she’d be his.

Dean knew his dad was lucky. He’d really only half believed him about the knowing when he met a woman that she’d be the
One
for him, but there was no mistaking his feelings when he first laid eyes on Becky sitting on that rock on the trail at Devil’s Canyon.

He explained to his parents a bit about how Becky was on a reality dating show and the role of wealthy investor he’d taken on so he could keep an eye on her. He also had to explain he’d invited her, and the production crew, to their family refuge. He supposed he should’ve asked permission first, but he knew his dad would understand and would not only want to meet Becky, but would think it was a great idea as well.

Their animal refuge was a safe place for all types of animals, but they had a lot of coyotes on the property. It allowed them a safe place to run and live without worrying about humans. Having the reality show filming on the property would be annoying, but it’d certainly be good to get some publicity and hopefully be able to raise some money to help with its continued upkeep.

Steve agreed to talk to all of the employees at the refuge and explain what was going on. Dean wanted to make sure everyone knew Becky was his
One
and wanted his dad to explain the circumstances. He didn’t want anyone to look down on Becky because she was on the show and “dating” someone else when she was supposed to be his. He was looking forward to seeing her interact with the coyotes and his family and friends.

* * *

Becky explained what she wanted to do to Eddie and really had to push him to accept. It seemed the producers wanted her to choose to take the group ice skating at a nearby mall. Becky had never been ice skating before and knew it’d be just another chance to make her look bad, so she stuck to her guns and told them she chose the animal refuge and if they denied her she’d walk off the show. She wasn’t sure she really had the guts or legal leg to do it, but everyone knew at this point if she did, it would ruin the entire show. Ultimately, Becky knew it wasn’t her threats that made Eddie cave, but more the fact he’d found out his potential investor’s family owned the refuge. That made him agree to allowing the dates to be filmed there.

Later that day, after the selection process to find out which of the remaining men would be going on the dates with them, they headed over to the refuge. The twins Derek and David were going, as were Dexter and John. Becky didn’t really care anymore who won the dates. It wasn’t like any of the men really wanted to hang out with her. She really didn’t care for Derek and David, though. They were a bit creepy to her, but of course Marissa thought they were, in her words, dreamy, and was thrilled they’d be on their outing.

Becky hadn’t seen Dean on the set that day, but knew he’d be at the refuge when they arrived. He’d said that his family owned it, so she figured he’d be there as well. She looked around to see if Jonathan was one of the camera operators assigned to the outing and when she didn’t see him, she assumed he’d be staying back at the production house. She was a little disappointed. She didn’t really know Jonathan, but she liked what she knew about him. She had time to watch people in the house each day, partly because it was boring as hell just sitting around all the time, but also because no one cared much about what she did, especially if Marissa was around.

She’d watched as Jonathan would help the other camera operators move equipment around. He always did his part and never let anyone struggle with anything on their own. He volunteered for the shifts she knew others didn’t like. She’d even noticed him watching Kina with an interested look in his eye, but she never saw them actually talking.

Becky turned her attention back to the refuge they were approaching. As they neared the gate, Becky could see a ten foot high fence stretching as far as her eye could see. It lined the road and disappeared off into the distance. The property was huge and it looked like a wonderful place for coyotes and other animals to spend out their lives. She didn’t know a lot about coyotes, but what she did know, fascinated her.

They pulled up to a huge house with a large white porch that surrounded the entire front of the building. There was a big red barn off to the side and a series of gates leading into the enclosure. Becky saw a man and a woman standing on the porch, obviously waiting for them. As they all stumbled out of the vans and the camera operators started setting up their equipment, she saw Eddie and the director walk over to the couple on the porch.

It wasn’t long before they all came over to where she and Marissa were standing with their dates. Eddie introduced the couple as Steve and Bethany. Marissa shook their hands, but was obviously not interested much in them, she was too engrossed in her dates and Becky’s dates and trying to keep hold of all of their interests.

In direct opposition to the way Marissa had acted when meeting the couple, Becky shook both Steve and Bethany’s hands and expressed delight they’d allowed them to come to their refuge.

“It’s our pleasure, Becky,” Bethany said, holding on to Becky’s hand a bit longer than was socially acceptable. Becky dropped her eyes at the intense gaze of the woman. It wasn’t disrespectful, but Becky thought it best she didn’t hold her eyes. She wasn’t sure why, but it felt like the right thing to do. Bethany nodded, beamed, and dropped Becky’s hand.

She squeezed her husband’s hand in approval.

“We need to discuss a bit more with Eddie about the plans for the shoot today and what exactly we’ll be doing. Please,” Steve said, gesturing to the property, “look around, but don’t go inside the gates, for obvious reasons, or the barn. We’ll give you an official tour later.”

They all nodded their heads. Marissa and her dates walked toward the production truck, intending to sit inside until shooting was ready to begin. Becky turned to Dexter and John, her dates for the day, and asked if they’d like to walk around. They looked back at Marissa, engrossed in conversation with David and Derek, shrugged their shoulders and agreed. The three of them, with a camera following, wandered over to the fence line near the barn. She didn’t really want to spend time with the two men, but she figured since it was expected of her, she’d better at least try to look like she was enjoying the show. Better ratings and all that.

“I wonder if we’ll see any of the coyotes today,” Becky mused, straining her eyes to see any movement on the other side of the fence. There was a large pasture around the house, then a line of trees and a wood line. The coyotes were probably off in the woods doing whatever it was that coyotes did, but she sure hoped they’d get to see some of them.

The men finally got bored with her inane conversation and wandered off to the production truck where Marissa was holding court with the other men. Becky didn’t care. She’d stay right where she was in the hopes of a glimpse of a coyote. She resisted the urge to look around for Dean. If he was there, he was there, but she didn’t want to seem desperate to see him.

Dean found her about ten minutes later. She was sitting on the ground, legs crossed, with her elbows resting on her knees, her chin in her hands, scanning the countryside. He smiled. He was so in love with her. Hell, he had no idea why or how he’d fallen so fast, but there it was. Just looking at her made his heart beat faster and made him want to protect her from any and all threats. He never wanted her to be hurt. Ever.

He’d never understood how his dad and granddad fell in love so fast when they found their
One
, but now he knew. It was just there. That feeling of rightness and contentedness, and yes, love.

Dean walked over to Becky with his dad following close behind. He knew he wanted his father to approve of his woman. This was a big moment for him. He’d never wanted anything so badly in all of his life than for his dad to meet and like Becky. He didn’t think it’d be a problem, but there was always that doubt. If they didn’t like or approve of her it’d make coming home awkward. He loved his family and hoped they’d love Becky and vice versa.

Becky stood up when she saw the men coming toward her. She wiped her hands on her jeans and tried to knock off any stray grass or dirt she’d picked up by sitting on the ground. She hoped she wasn’t doing anything wrong. She hadn’t gone near the barn, but she couldn’t read the expression on either one of their faces.

At seeing the nervous look Becky had on her face there was nothing more that Dean wanted to do than to sweep his woman up in a huge reassuring hug, but he knew he had to show some decorum, especially with all the production crew hanging around, not to mention the director and Eddie as well.

“Hi, Dean,” Becky said shyly as they walked up to her.

Dean reached over, took her hand and squeezed it tightly in his.

“I know you met my parents earlier, but I wanted to introduce you myself.” He turned to Steve and dipped in a formal little bow. “Steve, this is Becky.” Then he turned toward Becky. “Becky, this is Steve.”

Becky didn’t know why Dean was being so formal in introducing her to his dad, but she unconsciously mirrored Dean’s motions and bowed a bit when she took his dad’s hand. She knew somehow this was an important moment, but she wasn’t sure why or how. All she knew was that she hoped Steve liked her since he was Dean’s father and it seemed so important to him.

“It’s very nice to meet you, Mr. Baker, and I’m so thankful you let us all come out today. I know it’s terribly intrusive for all the cameras and such, and I’m sure you’ll be bored to tears once they actually do start filming. Your place is beautiful and the animals are so lucky to be able to call this home and be safe here.”

She looked up at Dean’s dad and watched him smile at her.

“You’re right, Becky, they’re lucky, but we’re lucky too. We get to watch them get healthy and know they’re safe for the rest of their lives. And please know that as Dean’s girlfriend you’re welcome here anytime. You come back with Dean after the show is over and we’ll have dinner…okay? But I only have one condition.” He paused for dramatic affect and continued quickly when he saw Dean frown. “You have to call me Steve, not Mr. Baker.”

They all laughed and Becky readily agreed.

Dean smiled as his dad slapped him good naturedly on the back.

“Thank you, Dad...just…thank you,” he told him sincerely, not quite able to hold back the emotion in his voice. His dad seemed to like Becky. All would be right in their world as soon as the damn reality show was over.

As the tension seemed to be over, Becky couldn’t hold her excitement back anymore and blurted out, “Where are all the animals? Will we get to see them today?”

Dean and his dad chuckled together.

“Patience, little one,” Steve told her. “They’ll come. You’ll see lots of animals today.”

Just then they heard Eddie call for attention over a bullhorn and proclaim they’d start shooting in twenty minutes.

“I’d better go,” Becky said, looking over her shoulder at the group gathering near the production truck. “Seriously…” she said nervously, “this is going to be really boring…you don’t want to watch, do you?”

She hoped he wouldn’t, that no one else would have to watch her in this stupid show and see her be humiliated.

“It’s okay, sweetheart,” Dean told her soothingly. “Remember what I told you yesterday.”

Becky sighed. “Okay, well…thanks again, Steve. It was so nice to meet you. You’ve undertaken something of great importance here and I’ll try to make sure it gets across on the show.” She turned around and walked toward the others.

Steve looked at his son. “I like her, Dean, I like her a lot.”

Dean grinned. “So do I, Dad, so do I!”

* * *

The show got started about forty minutes later. They were supposed to walk around the fence toward the barn. Then once they got in the barn, they were supposed to be shown how the food was prepared. Once that was wrapped up they’d be given a chance to feed some of the animals, including the coyotes. They were reassured that the coyotes knew the sound of the dinner bell, for lack of a better term for it, and would show up for the food.

From the moment the cameras started Marissa became lively and energetic…and claimed the spotlight. She exclaimed how beautiful the refuge was and wondered if the coyotes would be scary…and Becky knew what was to come. When they did finally see them she’d play the damsel in distress and get all the men to reassure her that she was safe.

For once Becky didn’t care what Marissa did, she was just so happy to be here at all. This really was a chance of a lifetime. She hadn’t lied when she’d told Dean it was her dream to own a place like this. She’d always loved animals and it’d be such a privilege to be able to help them when they needed it.