Daryl climbed out of Ryann's car and followed her. They sat under a big live oak on the cool grass and Daryl looked everywhere except at Ryann.

"Daryl, look at me," Ryann begged. Daryl just shook his head. "I don't care what your father says, you are already a man. You are a good man, Daryl. Please look at me."

Ryann realized that he was not going to look at her. She crawled over to him, sat on her knees, reached over and cupped Daryl's face in her hands. She turned his face towards hers, she leaned in and brushed her lips with his.

Daryl took in a shuddering breath and pulled back. "Why'd you do that?"

"Because I love you." Ryann smiled at Daryl but he just looked confused.

"Why?" Daryl asked. It was Ryann's turn to look confused. "Why do you say you love me? You know what my home life was like before I came to live with your grandpa. You know what my dad is like. Hell, Mrs. Barbosa was right when she told me that history repeats itself. I will end up just like my dad and brother...a worthless piece of shit that will wind up getting drunk some night and beat the hell out of whatever family I have."

Daryl tried to stand up but Ryann stopped him. "You are nothing like your dad and brother. You left that life behind you. You have changed so much. It's time to leave your past behind. Come with me. I've been accepted to college at Texas A & M. We can get an apartment, or a little house, go to college, and see where life takes us."

"I ain't college material, Ryann."

"You don't know that. But if you don't want to go to college then there are plenty of places you can get a job. You told me once you were good with your hands...prove it. Do something with your hands. Do anything. Just please, don't let your father bring you down." She reached over and touched Daryl's cheek once again. "You deserve so much more outta life that what you have experienced so far. Come with me and let's give it a chance."

Daryl stared at Ryann. "Do you really love me?"

"Yes."

"How did you know you were in love with me?" Daryl took her hand and gently tugged her into his lap.

"Well, every time I am near you my heart speeds up and pounds in my chest." She pulled his hand and put it on her chest. "My stomach always has butterflies when you are near me. And all I want to do is have you wrap your arms around me…"

Daryl put his arms around her and gently laid her back onto the grass. He brushed her hair out of her face, leaned down and gently kissed her. She opened her mouth and allowed him access. Their tongues slid along each other. Daryl pulled back and looked at Ryann.

"No one has ever treated me like you do Ryann. I care about you so damn much. If you really think I won't turn into my dad or brother then…"

"I know you won't." Ryann ran her hand up his bicep, to his shoulder and neck then into his hair.

"When do we leave?"