The two didn't arrive at their new home until late that evening. Only a couple lights were on in the house.

"Is this the right place?" she asked Thomas. He just looked at her with a quizzical look. "Right you haven't been here either. Sorry."

The two stepped out of the car Thomas stayed close to Stephanie not wanting anything to happen to her if they were in the wrong place. Or even the right one.

Stephanie walked up to the door with Thomas right behind her she was about to knock when he took her hand. She looked at him puzzled before he knocked, well more pounded on the door with his free hand. They heard footsteps on the other side of the door before the door opened to reveal a long haired blonde man.

"Thomas is that you? It is you ! Come'ere you knuckled head!" the man exclaimed pulling Thomas into a hug. Thomas just stood there like he usually did when other people besides Stephanie touched him.

"And who is this pretty little lady?" he asked looking at Stephanie. Thomas took a step forward and glared down at the man.

"Its okay Thomas," Stephanie said placing a hand on her boyfriend's shoulder. "I'm Stephanie Calina, is this the Sawyer residence?" she asked stretching out her hand.

"Well pleasure to meet you. I'm Tex Sawyer, Mama said you'd be coming by. Lets get your stuff and get you inside." Tex helped Thomas and Stephanie carry their stuff inside. The two would be in the upstairs guest room, the first time they'd be sharing a room.

Stephanie began to unpack putting her clothes in the dresser in the corner. She put her makeup on top and her hairbrush. Thomas sat on the bed and watched her mosey around the room.

"Thomas you're staring at me, why don't you unpack instead of doing that," Stephanie suggested. Thomas did as she suggested hanging his shirts in the closet. Thomas felt weird being in a home that wasn't his own. What if his family looked down upon him for what he has done? What if they tried to take Stephanie away? No he wouldn't let that happen, she was his and he didn't like to share. After the two had finished unpacking they went downstairs to meet the rest of the family.

"Well you've already met me, this is my brother Tinker," Tex said. Tinker was older than Tex and had a hook for a right hand.

"Pleasure to meet such a pretty thing as yourself," he said shaking with his left hand. "Apologize for shaking with my left hand lost the other one in a tractor accident, even made the replacement myself."

"That's impressive," Stephanie commented with a nervous smile. She glanced at Thomas who was just staring at his cousin.

"Hey there Thomas, wow you got tall! I remember you were the skinniest twig in the fire when we last saw you. Ain't that right Eddie?"

"I told you to call me TEX YOU ONE HANDED IDIOT!" Tex yelled at his brother. Stephanie jumped and locked her hand with Thomas's taking a step closer to him.

"Well now lookie here. Our little cousin is protective of his little toy-"

"I'm not his toy thank you very much. I'm his girlfriend," Stephanie interrupted Tex. They all were a little shocked at her sudden assertiveness, definitely something even Thomas wasn't used to. "I'm his girlfriend," she said a little nicer.

"Thomas got a girlfriend before you!" Tinker laughed pointing at Tex. Tex rolled his eyes at his brother and showed him one finger. The two once again began to argue ignoring the couple.

"Well looks like this is our life now," Stephanie whispered to Thomas.