When Love Wins

Chapter IV

Luna stood in the mall in Texas the afternoon before they were going to be on the ranch, and she watched as everyone decided what they wanted to drink.

"Hey, are you okay?" Chase asked coming to stand next to her.

"I don't think this is a good idea." Luna said softly.

"Being in the mall?" Chase asked.

"No, being in the same not-so-confined space while we are engaged." Luna said softly. "In the bus it isn't hard to not get caught up, because there is always someone around. It was easy at your parents' place while I was okay with you around me but wasn't mentally ready for it and everyone was coming and going as well, but what about now at your grandparents' place? Everyone will have a room and going to bed behind closed doors, and there are wide open spaces."

"Hey, if we wanted to get dirty in the RV, there are plenty of times when it can happen." Chase said and he kissed her forehead. "We just need to make sure we behave ourselves and try and stay in public areas if we are going to be together."

"I'm just scared." Luna said softly. "I was never in Trevor's parents' house without there being a party going and not really being a reason to just sneak off, and we never went on 'secretive' dates even after being engaged because my dad never fully trusted him not to take advantage of the night. I thought he was totally fine, but the more I am around you, the more I know why my dad never trusted Trevor, because I can feel the difference, but I still feel scared. What if I disappoint my dad when he trusts me with a guy? On really busy days like yesterday where we hired a wheelchair and went all over the show, my meds caught me very quickly and made me beyond drowsy and confused."

"And it is times like that when mom or Joy helps you to bed and I say goodnight before you are lying down." Chase said. "I love you too much to want to hurt you."

"Hey, you guys need to decide on drinks." Cory said coming to them.

"Just water will do, Cor." Chase said.

"Okay." Cory said and he went back to their group.

"I have thought about the same stuff, but this is an experience I don't want to deny you or your siblings. You guys are loving this, and my siblings love it even more since your siblings are here, and my parents enjoy having the three of you along." Chase said. "We just need to be mature and levelheaded enough to step back before we get to a point where it's too late. Now stop stressing about it, and just have fun. We are going to look for some cowgirl outfits in a minute, and you need to take your head out of the thunderclouds and focus."

Luna nodded and she took a deep breath and felt her body relaxing a little when he kissed her.

"Let's go find you something cute and cowgirly." Chase said and he kissed her again before they went back to their families.

"You guys okay?" Sephira asked.

"Yup." Chase said. "We just have random anxiety moments to deal with."

"Okay." Sephira said and she looked at Luna. "We can always go back to the RV and just chill if you would rather do that while the rest does the shopping."

"I'm okay." Luna said and she felt like melting into a puddle when Sephira just gave her a hug that spoke books to her heart. "Thank you."

"You are welcome." Sephira said and she smiled at the young woman and felt a little concerned when she noticed the young woman was still very absent minded while they were doing shopping. "Joy."

"Mom?" Joy asked coming to her mom.

"See if you can find out what is bugging Luna. She is very absent minded and borderline upset. Colt also picked it up because he is being extra attentive." Sephira said.