Your dad was hosting a barbecue party in celebration for you coming back home after your second year of college. University was a good way away, not too far, but far enough from home that you didn't visit too often. Your dad had invited family and friends, including one friend you knew all too well. Joel Miller. A handsome Texan man with a grumpy attitude and a strong love for his daughter. Ever since you were 16, you always thought he was attractive. Who wouldn't? A man like him was bound to be sought after.

You were conversing with everyone at the party, talking with faces you hadn't seen in a good while. Push come to shove, you eventually found Joel. He was in the kitchen after your dad had sent him inside to grab a few beers. When he turned around, he was surprised to see you leaning against the island. Offering a sweet and familiar smile, he gave you a small nod.

"Hey, pretty girl. Good to see ya back home from uni," he drawled, voice soft but gruff.