"The Husband I Never Knew I Had..."

"Trip..."

"So what's he like?"

"Who?"

"Dad." I asked as I steered the old Wrangler out of a sharp curve.

"Strict. But very caring." I nodded, waiting for him to continue.

"It's quite easy to misunderstand him, but he does most of what he does out of love and concern."

"Sounds like you have a wonderful bond with your dad." I voiced out.

"Not just dad. With Bubba too." Cas answered fidgeting with his seatbelt.

"My mom died even before I could learn to talk. So, I mostly grew up with Bubba teaching me everything I know. One time, he wanted me to say brother, but for some reason all I could utter was Bubba. From that day on... that's what dad and I called him."

"You think they'll like me?"

"What's not to like?" He winked at me.

"Keep that up and I'll stop the car for a quickie."

"Like I'd let you." He giggled mischievously.

"I can be very persuasive." I smiled at him.

"You promised you wouldn't rush."

"I know. I know." I felt slightly rejected.

"Hey, don't frown. If it's any consolation, you're making me question my decision about taking our closeness to the next level."

"So..." I waited. Hopefully.

"So, be patient. Any day now, you'll have me asking you to take me to bed."

"That's about the best news I've heard since after we left the community a few minutes ago."

"I know how you feel. Seeing Adella cry, and Anselmo hug my waist so tight as if he didn't want me to leave, was heart breaking."

"Worst day of my life."

"You don't even have any memories from your past, how can you say that?"

"Well, it feels like it. I didn't like seeing you cry."

"I couldn't help it. Everyone's been so kind and helpful to us. It was difficult to say goodbye to them."

"We'll visit soon. No need to worry. And we'll bring them gifts when we return."

"I want to get Anselmo one of those, what do you call 'em... erector sets?"

I started giggling, and Cas looked at me as if I was crazy. That made me really lose it, and started laughing so hard.

"What? Have you gone mad?"

"Erector. That's funny. Erector! You saying it just cracks me up."

"Well what do you call 'em building thingies then?" He glared at me.

"I don't know. Building blocks? Lego sets? Of all the things you can get the kid, you had to decide on an erector set."

"Anselmo wants to be an architect when he grows up. I figured this would help give him an idea of what it's like to build things." Cassie slumped in his seat.

"I'm sorry babe." I poked him on his left armpit. "Yes, you are right as always. It's just that when you say erector, my mind interprets it differently."

"You and your dirty mind Adonis."

"Yeah, but you love me."

"Do not."

"Oh yes, you do."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Hmmm. So, you don't like these biceps?" I reached over to take his left hand and place it on my right bulging arm.

"Nope."

"These hard pecs?" I guided his warm hands to my hairy chest.

"Not really."

"These six-pack abs?"

"Does nothing for me." I slid his hand down to my groin area, and held it there, enjoying the feel of his soft warm hand.

"What about now?" I saw him blush furiously before he jerked his hand free.

"Adonis! You're driving. Keep your hands on the wheel."

"Fine. I could do that, so long as you keep your hands on me. Like the time when you bathed me in the river, and you couldn't get us out because of my aroused state."

"Wait! You remembered?"

"Starting to. Bits and pieces. Mostly about how you used to take care of me. How you hugged me at night to keep me warm. How you'd blow on the hot soup, before feeding it to me. How you kissed my forehead gently goodnight before tucking me in. All that, I now remember. You took really good care of me Cas. Still, I wish you did something more, uhm, daring in the river."

"I said it before, and I'll say it again. Not until you get your memories back. Okay?"

"Fine. I'm starting to get them back now. So don't be surprised if you find yourself on your back real soon as I gyrate on top of you." I chuckled.

"If that happens..."

"WHEN that happens. 'Cause it is going to happen real soon Cas."

"Fine. WHEN that happens..." He turned to look me in the eye, "I'll make sure it'll be worth your wait." He had such a beautiful smile.

And suddenly this trip was giving me a glimpse of what lies ahead for me and my beloved Cassie.