She rushed around the kitchen, making certain everything was okay. She was making Kevin a good, old-fashioned, Southern dinner. It reminded her of the kinds of meal she used to have when she was a kid, especially at her grandmother's house. She heard the laughter of her kids and grandchild from the living room, and it made her smile to know they were all eager to meet the man she had been dating. Hopefully it would be a peaceful evening. Barbra Jean and Brock entered through the back door. Perhaps peaceful wasn't the word that would describe the evening after all.

"You guys can't be here. Kevin is coming to meet my family. That's not you." Reba took a tray of food into the living room to place on the coffee table as her new visitors followed her. Brock immediately sat on the couch with Van and watched the game.

"We are too your family!" They walked back into the kitchen, and Reba felt her stomach churn from nerves. She didn't want Kevin to know how crazy everyone was so soon. She really liked him and there was a fear that he wouldn't want to see her again if he found out her best friend was her ex-husband's mistress. And, her other best friend just happened to be her ex-husband. She thought for a moment, perhaps he should get out while he had the chance.

"Please don't embarrass me tonight. I don't want him to think we're nuts."

"Aw, you're nervous. I promise, I won't say anything creepy." The doorbell rang.

xxxxxxxxxx

"I don't think Barbra Jean meant to tell you all about my divorce and all that. She just gets crazy around new people." Reba entered the living room as Kevin took a seat upon the couch. Cheyenne and Van cleaned up the kitchen and everything before they all went home, leaving her and Kevin alone. Hopefully she could still save his impression of her family, she thought.

"No, I'm glad she did. You only told me it was a long story, now I know. That must have been hard." She sat next to him and he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her to lay her head against his shoulder. He smelled very good, and she felt so safe against him like that. It was a new feeling, and it was very welcomed.

"Yeah, but it's over now. I just hope they didn't scare you away." He laughed, running his hand over her arm. It sent shivers down her spine, but she tried not to let it show. She didn't want him to know the affect he was having on her just yet.

"I really like your family. Your ex was a little intimidating, with all the staring and the evil glares." She laughed, looking up into his eyes.

"He is just worried that I won't be here every waking moment to referee his fights with Barbra Jean." He leaned down and placed a kiss upon her lips, surprising her. She felt his hand upon her cheek before he pulled away.

"Reba, can I ask you a question?" She nodded, still flying high from the kiss they just shared. "Well, since I've met your family, I assume you like me." She laughed, scooting closer to him, as if she wasn't close enough already.

"Yes, I like you a lot."

"That's great, because I like you a lot too. And I was wondering if you would consider wearing the title of girlfriend." She smiled, feeling like she was in high school once again. It had been a long time since someone had asked her to 'go steady,' but it made her feel exactly the same as it used to. Her stomach felt fluttery and she just had to smile.

"You're adorable. Do you know that?" He chuckled, glad she saw the humor in his question. He leaned down and kissed her again, feeling her arms wrap around his neck as his hand touched her waist.

He renewed the kiss and his tongue found hers. She smiled into their kiss, feeling so alive at the idea that somebody found her attractive, desirable. It made her feel special and important, and his lips were so soft. Her heart jumped when he leaned closer to her, hinting for her to lie down. Her first instinct was to pull away, but she followed his request and allowed him to press himself on top of her.

She sighed, unable to control her reaction. It was getting so hot. She felt that she couldn't find any air, but she didn't want to stop for fear that the feeling would be lost. His hand ran through her hair, his thumb caressing her cheek in the process. She was expecting him to take it to the next level, to try something more forward, but he pulled away and looked into her eyes.

"Maybe I should go." She bit her lip, wanting to tell him to stay the night with her. It had been so long, and she was ready to be with him in such a way. He was different than any other man she had dated.

"I think you should." She smiled, rising up to kiss him, pulling him closer to her once more before finally pulling away.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

She hummed a tune as she worked, going through files and charts faster than she normally did. She just had so much energy, so much joy. As another file was placed back into its holder, she began to hum once more. Van, who was sitting at his desk across from her, slammed his file against the desk. She jumped, startled at how loud he was being.

"Mrs. H., please stop with the humming. You're way too happy." Her eyes widened, but she couldn't wipe the smile off her face. "Seriously, it's sinister."

"I'm sorry. I'm just giddy."

"Looks like someone got some action last night." She turned to face him, a more serious look upon her face.

"No. And, anyway, it's none of your business." She sat at her desk with another file, scooting up to her computer. Suddenly, a message popped up on her screen. It was from Kevin. She smiled and began chatting with him, completely neglecting her work.

"This Kevin guy isn't going to hurt you, right?" She looked up to Van and met his eyes. He seemed very concerned about her. It normally would have made her angry, but his sincerity made her stop for a moment.

"Van, are you worried about me?" He shrugged, leaning closer to her across their desks.

"It's just different since we moved out. I mean, I don't want you to be lonely or anything, but I worry about you. I don't want you to get hurt."

"I appreciate you, Van. But I think he's a good one. He might be around for a while."

"Just, don't trust him too soon. Be careful…for me." She nodded, and that was all that needed said. They could read each other like books since they had been business partners, and she knew all the things he meant before he had to speak.

"Thank you."