Caitlyn's Journey Pt. 02

When they arrived, Caitlyn was immediately aware of the differences between Will's Botswana life and his Oxford one. The neighbourhood wasn't as showy as their Botswana one. This was no gated community on a golf course. This was just a residential street. The houses were large and looked old. It seemed exclusive but lacked the traditional indicators of wealth; there were no ostentatious cars or luxury garden features. It felt practical and lived in.

"How old is the house?" Caitlyn asked once they settled in the kitchen.

"Between 100 and 120 years," Mike replied while Sarah made coffee.

"Wow, that's cool. Is the whole neighbourhood like that?"

"Most are, but there is an extension that's only about 40 years old," Mike said. "Caitlyn, I know for a lot of people, 100 years sounds historic, but we're going to have to change your perspective a bit. Oxford has been around for over 1000 years. Most people don't bat an eye at anything under 300 years old. We have a pub - The Bear, that claims to have been established in 1241, and no one who lives here actually cares. But that's going to have to wait. We have a selection meeting in a few hours, so rest up."

"What's a selection meeting?" Caitlyn asked innocently.

"It's where the men down the pub pretend to pick next week's cricket team while drinking the afternoon away," Sarah answered, handing Caitlyn her coffee. "It's the whole reason we had to be back today. Don't worry. We'll break it up around five and introduce you to everyone."

Caitlyn saw Will smiling as he accepted his cup. She smiled back before settling herself and listening to Sarah and Lettie's ideas for her stay. Caitlyn listened politely and told them she was happy to do everything.

"Are you really going to show me all that?" Caitlyn, as soon as she was alone with Will in his room.

"Yeah, Oxford is quite small. We can do most of the tourist attractions in a day, maybe two if we stretch it out," Will replied.

"Can we see the University?"

"No," Will replied, smiling with amusement at her curiosity. "There isn't one place that you can call the University. Roughly 30 self-governing colleges operate under the name Oxford University. We can visit one of the Colleges if you like."

"That's so weird," Caitlyn replied. "I thought it would just be one campus."

"Most universities are like that; Oxford and the other place are different."

"What's the other place?"

"Cambridge," Will replied, pretending to shudder at the name. "But that's a whole other story; I'll tell you the cowardly story of Cambridge's founding another day," Will said, grinning and climbing into bed. "We should get a nap."

Caitlyn didn't fall asleep immediately. Instead, she lay there looking around his childhood bedroom, reflecting that this was the last step to truly immersing herself in Will's world.

Caitlyn couldn't remember falling asleep when Will woke her up.

"Mum says to get up if you want to sleep tonight."

Caitlyn stretched and shook away her thoughts. Looking at Will, it was clear he'd been up for a while and had taken a shower.

"Dad and I are heading off," He continued. "There's pizza in the kitchen when you're ready."

Caitlyn didn't react except to grab his shirt and pull him down to kiss her.

"Have fun at your meeting," She said as he broke the kiss. "Try not to get too drunk before we get there. It'd be nice if you could hold my hand while I get to be the new girl again."

"I'll see what I can do. But it won't be too bad. Mum and Lettie will look after you, and I'd bet money that Aunt Mandy and the others will meet here before the pub. So chances are you'll be fully initiated into the Coven when you join us."

After demanding another kiss, Caitlyn finally let him go. Getting up slowly gave Will's room a proper inspection. She took in his eclectic taste in books. She noted pictures of him as a teenager playing rugby sports. She smiled at pictures of him with friends and his sisters. Finally, she decided to head down and eat something, hoping she had time for a shower before her introduction.

When she reached the kitchen, Sarah pointed her to the plates while she arranged wine glasses.

"I'm going to restock the house tomorrow. If there's anything special you want, add it to the list on the fridge," Sarah smiled.

"I'm sure I can manage with whatever you get," Caitlyn replied, looking over the pizza options before picking two slices.

"I have a few friends coming over while the boys have their fun; it's our little tradition," Sarah said.

"It's your house," Caitlyn smiled. "And Will already warned me. I've met Auntie Sharon. I can't imagine the Coven being worse than her," Caitlin finished with a smirk.

"Not you as well," Sarah sighed. "Mike likes to overestimate our influence."

"So you didn't convince him to hire a nanny so you could play matchmaker?" Caitlyn asked with a raised eyebrow.

"That was different; Lily and Alex were made for each other, and they've been married for nearly 20 years," Sarah said defensively.

"And what am I doing here?" Caitlyn asked, smiling wider.

"Fine, we might meddle a little bit, but it's for the greater good," Sarah said. I don't know if things will work out for you and Will, but I'm giving you the opportunity. And if it doesn't work, it won't be for lack of trying. But I want to be clear about something. I just want to point you in the right direction and maybe give you some advice if you ask. We don't interfere in each other's relationships. If you fuck up or he does, I'm not going to help; your relationship, your problem. Now tell me, are you a white or red girl?"

"Both, but I figure if it's afternoon drinking and the sun is out - white," Caitlyn said hesitantly, wondering if she was being tested.

"Good answer," Sarah smiled. "Though there is no wrong answer when it comes to wine during Coven days."

"I thought we weren't supposed to call you that?" Caitlyn asked, raising her eyebrows.

"I quite like it, and so do the others," Sarah chuckled. "But Mike doesn't need to know that."

After her shower, Caitlyn helped Sarah and Lettie finish setting things up for their guests. As they discussed Kate's latest training camp, Sarah surprised Caitlyn by opening a bottle before any of her friends arrived.

"I'm not waiting for those bitches. My house, my wine, they know the deal," Sarah laughed before offering the bottle to Lettie. "Just remember to pace yourself; we don't want to be drunk when I break up the boys' meeting."

As Sarah's friends arrived, it quickly became clear that she had warned them about Caitlyn's presence. Most showed no surprise and politely acknowledged her presence--except one who pushed a little further.

"So you're the Yank who seduced my Godson. I'm Mandy, Sarah's BFF and Mike's bully/minder."

"It's nice to meet you, but please don't call me a Yank. I'm from the South, and that's an insult," Caitlyn said politely. "How are you so sure I seduced him? Maybe he seduced me?"

"Ha. He's a Smith and a carbon copy of his father," Mandy laughed. "If Sarah hadn't taken the first step, Mike would still be second-guessing himself. Now, come on. The story of you snagging one of Oxford's most eligible bachelors needs a proper setting. Just leave out the dirty details. We don't want to traumatise Sarah and Lettie."

As Caitlyn let Mandy lead her into the garden, she realised Auntie Sharon had similar words about Will. Taking a seat next to Lettie, Caitlyn noted that the gathering of women was different from what she was used to. Her mother's friends were all similar in age and had similar backgrounds and views. There was a mix of ages and backgrounds. They all had distinct characters, while Mandy and Sarah took on the role of mentors.

"Right, so you and Will, how did it start?" Mandy said as soon as she made sure everyone's glass was full.

Caitlyn briefly glanced at Sarah, who nodded her head before she took a deep breath and started telling her story. The ladies laughed when Caitlyn described her initial impressions of Will. Caitlyn noted the pride on Sarah's face when she described Will's abilities in the bush and his skill as a guide. After she told the story of how Will saved her from the snake, she decided to finish with the camping trip and how it made her realise she was interested in him.

"Maybe he isn't like Mike after all," Mandy laughed. "He never would have gone near the snake, and he definitely wouldn't have turned the camping trip romantic."

"Mandy, you know the rules about insulting my husband while you drink his wine," Sarah said. "And you know my first trip into the Okavango was very romantic. Mike did all the work, fed me, kept me topped up on gin, and proposed at Victoria Falls. If I didn't have the implant, Will might have been conceived on that trip."

"Yes, your husband is perfect - for an emotionally repressed human being," Mandy teased, sticking her tongue out. "Well, Nat, it looks like your childhood crush is off the market."

"Mum," Natalie complained, giving Caitlyn a small wink. "Will is like my brother. He only took me to prom because you and Aunt Sarah made him."

"Come on, Nat," Lettie teased. "I remember when you would doodle Mrs Natalie Smith in your notebooks."

"Listen here bitch," Natalie laughed. "I love you like a sister, but I have no issues airing your dirty laundry."

"Come on, ladies," Caitlyn intervened. "Let's drink more wine before the embarrassing stories come out. I'll even share a few of my own. I'd like to know how you all met, and I need help. I need ideas on things to do with Will while I'm here. Sarah and Lettie have made a start, but more opinions can't hurt."

By the time they headed to the pub. Caitlyn had a new appreciation for Sarah's friends. Beneath the teasing and jokes, it was clear that they were a tight-knit group, and their differences added to the dynamic rather than providing a single uniform voice. They also offered Caitlyn plenty of ideas for things to do with Will, a contrasting mix of group experiences and little private things just for her and Will.

"So what's this pub like?" Caitlyn asked as she fell into step with Lettie.

"It's the last pub in this part of town," Lettie answered. "It's a proper traditional pub. We have a couple of classy wine bars, but I don't think Dad or Will have set foot in either. It's not quite what you would call a dive, and it's not a restaurant pretending to be a pub. They do decent food and pour a good pint. Dad and Will love it, and it's completely unpretentious despite the fact we're in Summertown, where everything is supposed to be upmarket and classy. It's also where Mum and Dad met."

"So it's like a part of your family history?" Caitlyn asked.

"I guess so. Dad says he's been drinking there all his life," Lettie replied. "It's where he had his first drink in England. It's where he drank with Granddad when they were both in Oxford. He met Aunt Mandy and the others, then Aunt Mandy introduced him to Mum, and here we are. When she's not giving Dad shit, Aunt Mandy takes the credit for getting them together. I've never worked out if Mum and Dad chose her as our Godmother or she appointed herself."

Caitlyn laughed at the joke before asking another question.

"So, is it one of those really old pubs Mike mentioned?"

"No, it's basically brand new; it was only built in the 1870s," Lettie laughed. "Nothing in Summertown can be considered old."

"I think my town was only founded around 1870," Caitlyn remarked.

"That explains a lot about America," Lettie smiled. "You're like the world's teenager, always acting out, wanting to do things your way, trying to speak at the grown-up's table."

"Hey, you'd have lost two world wars if it wasn't for us," Caitlyn replied defensively.

Lettie stopped instantly, grabbing Caitlyn's arm.

"Never make that joke around Dad or most people for that matter," Lettie said, her voice turning serious. "There is an element of truth there, but Dad says it minimises the sacrifices that people like my great-grandparents made. Rationing, surviving the Blitz - a year of nightly air raids and bombing, holding off the Germans, ensuring there was an ally left when you finally showed up. If we're going to be technical and appoint winners and losers, the Russians took Berlin, so if anything, they won the War in Europe. I guess you could say you won the Pacific, but the Aussies and Kiwis might have a few complaints."

"Let, I'm sorry," Caitlyn said quietly. "I was always taught that it was an American-led victory."

"That's fine. Just remember, there's always another perspective. It was an Allied victory. Now come on, if we miss the first round, Mum will make us pay for our drinks and won't let us use Dad's discount."

"Mike gets a discount at the pub?" Caitlyn asked, confused.

"We're not supposed to talk about it, but some of the regulars get 10% off," Lettie smiled. "Dad says it's a reward for his loyalty. Mum says the pub is scared of losing 1/4 of their profit if Dad and his mates start drinking elsewhere. It's probably somewhere in between. They survive him spending four to six months in Botswana, but he's also given a hero's welcome when he comes back."

The pub was fun. It wasn't perfect or polished, and most of the furniture was dated or needed replacing, but it was welcoming. As soon as Caitlyn walked in, Sarah introduced her to the staff and told them to treat her like a regular. The staff guided her through the drinks on offer, letting her taste samples. She liked the cider. She was aware of alcoholic cider, but she'd never had it. In her world, cider was just unsweetened, unfiltered apple juice that came out when the months got colder and was heated with spices. This stuff was cool, crisp and refreshing.

With her drink in hand, she followed Sarah to a smaller room to find Will and Mike. Just before they entered, Lettie and Natalie pulled her aside.

"Enjoy the show," Natalie whispered.

"Right, you wankers," Sarah yelled. "You've had three hours to 'pick' your team for next week. If you're not done yet, we should just cancel the season. I want my husband back."

"Oi, Missus," one voice yelled back. "You know the rules: No women until the meeting is over."

"Look here," Sarah replied. "These meetings happen because I allow them to. Mike may have been captain for the last 30 years, and I know you lot are grooming my son to replace him, but I have no issues pulling out the wife and mother card. Anyway, we have more important business..."

Caitlyn was shocked by the scene and even more surprised when Sarah grabbed her.

"This is Caitlyn. She is to be treated with the same care and respect you give the rest of us, or you might have to say goodbye to your little cricket team. Are we clear? Make sure you all introduce yourselves while I kiss my husband."

Caitlyn was immediately drawn into a series of handshakes and questions. Before she got overwhelmed, Will pushed through and gave her a hug.

"Help me," she whispered.

Will immediately stood at her side and took over the introductions before he led her outside.

"You okay?" he asked.

"Yeah, today has been awesome," Caitlyn smiled. "I loved hanging out with your mom, sister and their friends. Just that introduction was a bit much."

"Good, don't worry. Most people will disappear in a minute, and it will just be the core group," Will smiled.

"Who's the core group?"

"Everyone you met at home, and now the men are allowed to join," Will smiled. "Now help me put a table together."

Caitlyn happily joined Will as he combined four tables before he went inside for more drinks. As she waited for his return, it occurred to her that she'd never been in a world where trust and acceptance were immediate and unconditional. She also briefly wondered what would happen if that trust was broken.

"The hard part is over," Sarah said as she came outside. "Now you can just enjoy coming here without feeling like a new attraction. If you get hungry, order something."

"Thanks, Sarah," Caitlyn smiled as the rest of the group came outside.

Caitlyn found adjusting to England a little easier than Botswana. There were minor differences, such as cheers and shouts to "sack the juggler" when a glass was dropped, but it felt familiar in a way her African experience did not.

Most of all, she watched Will banter with the group, amazed that he looked as comfortable in this environment as he did tracking animals through the bush. It was still clearly him, but Oxford brought out another side of him.

Caitlyn would have been happy to sit there and watch the scene, but Mandy and Sarah were having none of it. They pointed out that the husbands hadn't met her yet and insisted that she retell the story of her first days with Will. It was only after the third interruption that she realised this was more about embarrassing him than it was about genuine interest. She was tempted to stop, but when she looked at him for reassurance, he gave her a nod to continue despite his blush.

Caitlyn quickly realised that a pub was not a bar in the traditional sense. It was a place of connections and coming together. However, by the time she had finished her dinner, the travelling had caught up with her, but she didn't want to end everyone's fun. Unfortunately, Sarah caught her yawning.

"Right, we should probably head off. It's our first day home, and our American guest already looks like she's tired of you lot. I don't blame her. I've known most of you for years, and I don't know how I still have the patience."

Sarah gave her a small smile before turning to Mike. "Dear Husband, are you going to pay our tab, or are you going to make me do it?"

"Sarah, you know it's the same account, the same money, right?"

"Yes, but I still think you should pay," Sarah smiled, kissing him. "Think of it as your punishment for calling me Sarah. To you, my names are Babe, Love, Dear Wife, and Love of my Life. Maybe Mrs Smith if I'm being naughty. But never Sarah."

"Mum!" Lettie complained as the table laughed.

"What's about Miss Timms?" Mike asked, winking at Lettie.

"Who?" Sarah laughed. "Are you talking about your old girlfriend who died when you said I do? I'm a phoenix. Miss Timms died so I could be reborn as Mrs Smith."

Caitlyn spent her first few days awed by Oxford and Will's attachment to it. She had thought he was dedicated to Botswana, but he clearly meant it when he said he embraced both sides of his heritage. Little things highlighted his deep connection to the city.

"What church is this?" Caitlyn asked.

"It used to be the Church of St Philip and St James, but now it's part of the University," Will told her. "It's also where my great-grandparents got married," He added casually.

"Did you go to Oxford?" Caitlyn asked.

"No, it didn't interest me," Will remarked.

"I would have thought, with your family history here, it would have been the expectation."

"Why?" Will asked. "Dad didn't go to Oxford, so he broke the tradition. The way he looked at it, university was a time to grow up and figure out who I wanted to be. I already knew who I was in Oxford, so I went to Sheffield. I did my MBA here, though, and Lettie went to London."

"Wow, I had to go to Georgia. It's where Mom and Dad went," Caitlyn replied. "I don't think my parents even considered the idea I wouldn't follow them. I enjoyed it, but now I wonder if it would have been better to spread my wings a little."

He didn't quite allow her to focus on being a tourist, so he mixed in a few local experiences to make sure she saw Oxford through his eyes.

She was amazed when they toured the Ashmolean Museum, and Will showed almost no interest.

"We're in the second oldest University museum in the world, and you look bored. How? We're looking at works by Da Vinci and Michaelangelo, and you don't care," Caitlyn complained.

"I don't think I've been here since I was 13," Will admitted. "Places like this lose their value when you live alongside them. Parisians don't care about the Eiffel Tower; most of them hate it. Do you want to know what I find most interesting about the Empire State Building?"

"I don't know; the architecture?" Caitlyn asked, confused.

"No, not the architecture or the fact it's an engineering achievement of its time. I stand outside and watch how many New Yorkers ignore it. That's what I find interesting, the idea that people travel to see things that are invisible to the residents that share their environment."

"And yet you're a safari guide," Caitlyn challenged.

"That's different," Will replied. "The bush hasn't changed since the dawn of time, and we're still drawn to it. The Empire State Building is a casualty of humanity. Once we achieved it, we were already looking for ways to surpass it. I love that we have these things in Oxford, but I don't go out of my way to experience them."

"Okay, after this, take me somewhere old and historic you still connect to."

Caitlyn shouldn't have been surprised when Will took her to a pub.

"Drinking is what you still connect to in Oxford?" She challenged.

"No, The Turf Tavern is more than a pub," Will replied. "You can sit in the beer garden and drink in the shade of the last remaining piece of the original city wall. It's special because so much history happened here, and people still use it as a pub. Yes, it's a 700-year-old tourist trap, but locals still use it."

"What history happened here?"

"Well, for starters, this is the pub where Bill Clinton allegedly 'smoked but didn't inhale'. It's also where the former Australian Prime Minister, Bob Hawke, supposedly set the first world record for speed drinking a yard of ale. But tourists don't come here for that. They come here to drink in one of the oldest pubs in the world. The museum is static; its purpose and meaning will never change for the people who visit it. The Turf provides a different experience to everyone. Think about how we got here. It's not visible, and we had to go down an alley with no markings. People deliberately seek it out to be part of its story."

"Well, Mr Smith, should we create our moment of history?" Caitlyn smiled.

"It would be rude not to, especially when it's your round," Will smiled. "I like being your tour guide; you see the tourist attraction, and I see the pub within 500 yards."

"I've noticed," Caitlyn laughed as she led them inside.

Inside the pub, Caitlyn was immediately struck by its age. The ceilings were so low that Will had to stoop, and the wood beams showed their age but looked strong. She was surprised when Will explained that the bathrooms were in a separate purpose-built block, as they couldn't be added to the original structure. After looking around, she turned back to him.

"Where are we going to sit?"

"Outside, this building is so old that there isn't much room. We'll go somewhere else for food."

Caitlyn was still thinking about Will's words as he collected their second round. It occurred to her that a building like The Turf would have been torn down where she grew up when the modern world had outpaced its original purpose. But Oxford held onto its history. She thought about the shops in Will's neighbourhood and how they all still had apartments above them, a relic of when the original store owners would have lived there. It wasn't that Oxford rejected modernity; she'd seen plenty of buildings that proved otherwise. It was more that it blended the modern world into its history.

She remembered when her university had announced a new library that would cost millions of dollars, yet at that moment, she was less than 500 yards from a fully functioning university library that was well over 400 years old.

While she waited for Will, Caitlyn was surprised by an older tourist couple introducing themselves.

"Your boyfriend sounds like he knows a lot about Oxford," the wife said. "When we heard your accent, my initial thought was, 'Thank God, another American'."

"He's from here," Caitlyn replied, smiling at the idea of being Will's girlfriend. "He's showing me his Oxford."

"Lucky girl, we love the history, but I miss some of the convenience of home. It must be nice to see it through the eyes of someone who grew up with it."

"It is. I like the differences," Caitlyn said defensively. "It's a reminder we don't have to tear things down for something new, and we can learn to live with history."

"I didn't mean to sound rude. I was just reflecting on how it's an adjustment. Do you mind if we join you? I'd love to pick your boyfriend's brain."

Caitlyn smiled and directed the couple to the available seats.

When Will returned, he didn't show any surprise and introduced himself politely. But as he answered their questions, Caitlyn noticed that he had changed his demeanour slightly. He wasn't the Will giving her a personal tour of Oxford. His safari guide mask had come on; he was charming and informative, but his inner character had disappeared.

Caitlyn was thinking about suggesting they leave when his mask slipped. The woman asked an innocuous question when he tensed.

"Is Christ Church College where they filmed the dining hall in Harry Potter?"

"Yes," Will answered slowly. "But honestly, if you're going to visit Christ Church, I'd focus on its connection to Alice in Wonderland, the real Alice played in the gardens. Or maybe the fact they have 13 Prime Ministers among their Alumni. That's not counting its connection to Henry VIII and the dissolution of the Catholic Church in England. Harry Potter just used Oxford as a convenient prop until they built the studio."

"Surely you must be proud of your hometown's contribution to a global phenomenon?"

"Harry Potter ranks very lowly on my list of Oxford's contributions to the world," Will said firmly. "The discovery of penicillin and the first 4-minute mile are far more significant to me."

Caitlyn held back her laughter as the couple quickly excused themselves. They politely wished Caitlyn a pleasant experience while saying goodbye to Will with the minimum of politeness.

"Don't you think you were a bit short with them?" Caitlyn asked when the couple were out of sight.

"No," Will replied simply. "They already had a vision of Oxford in their head when they got here. They want to see the version that fits their narrative. They want to see the old University, but they want to see it in the context they imagined. They aren't interested in the real story. I gave them the information they needed. No matter how polite they are, they don't care that this is my home when my version doesn't meet their narrative."

"I've never seen you react like that before," Caitlyn said quietly. "You must have had guests like that in Botswana, yet you were always the perfect guide."

"I was being paid in Botswana," Will laughed. "But remember, nothing changes a person's opinion faster than a live encounter with a hippo or buffalo."

"Good metaphor," Caitlyn smiled. "But wouldn't a lion fit better?"

"How did you spend a year in Delta and not realise that lions are quite low on the danger matrix?" Will laughed. "I'm not saying fear is rational, but anyone who is more scared of lions than hippos, buffalo and elephants is a moron. Lions may be the predator, but you're far more likely to have a bad experience with the other three."

"Even buffalo?" Caitlyn asked.

"Yes, buffalo," Will replied, his smile disappearing. "Let's just say the nicknames, 'widowmaker' and 'the black death' are well earned. But enough of that, we're not in Botswana, and you can't afford me as a guide."

"Maybe not, financially, but I'm sure I could come up with some way to compensate you," Caitlyn whispered. "If you're good, I'll show you later."

"Sorry, Miss Armstrong, I'm a professional," Will teased, smiling. "Now, stop flirting if you aren't going to follow through. Do you want to find out what Mum and Dad are doing for food, or should we do our own thing?"

"Call your Mom," Caitlyn said, her voice turning serious. "I know you're at home, but your parents paid for me to be here and are hosting me; it feels rude not to try and be a part of what they're doing."

"You know they don't care. They wouldn't have done it if they didn't want to."

"Will, you get to say that because they're your parents. It just doesn't feel right for me unless they say it's okay."

After several phone calls, it was decided they would have dinner at their local Chinese restaurant. It was another of those moments that felt familiar and different to Caitlyn. The noises were familiar to Caitlyn's previous experience of Chinese restaurants, but the menu was different. Apparently, British people didn't eat orange chicken.

Caitlyn was surprised when the owner came out and insisted that Mike and Will drink some form of Chinese spirit with him before he allowed them to their table. Ordering food only went as far as their server making sure that Caitlyn didn't have any dietary requirements before the food started appearing.

"We've been coming here since our first date," Sarah explained. "They know what we like, and we tend to follow the set menu, so unless we tell them otherwise, they just send out a blend of what we know and a few things they think we might like, think of it, like ordering the chef's choice. Just ignore Mike and Will's stupidity."

Caitlyn was about to ask about the stupidity, but there was an immediate demonstration. While their server poured wine for the table, a second server appeared with a beer for Mike and Will. Caitlyn was about to ask why they were drinking two drinks when Lettie explained.

"It's something Dad did with Grandpa. Now, he does it with Will. Sometimes, it's sweet father-and-son bonding, but most of the time, it's Dad reminding Will that he can still outdrink him when he chooses to. But it only happens in Chinese or Indian restaurants, so you didn't see it in Botswana."

Caitlyn didn't even bother trying to understand and focused on enjoying the food. She tried to focus on the things she wasn't familiar with. Lettie taught her how to make a duck pancake, which caused laughter when she called it a Chinese taco. Only when they got home did she realise it was the first dinner and that she hadn't looked to Will for reassurance. She let him talk with his dad while Sarah and Lettie quizzed her on her experiences and what she still wanted to do.

Caitlyn laughed when Lettie suggested she was overworking her personal tour guide. Caitlyn didn't care; it was perfect. It was a reminder of their first night together and the feeling that when they were alone, he was hers. Her introduction to Oxford belonged to her and Will and their connection. Now, they were building upon that.

After they exhausted Oxford's tourist sites, Will decided she needed to see more of England. He took her on day trips through the historic villages that surrounded Oxford. On other days, he'd take her to towns like Bath. They even spent a night in Sheffield so he could show her his university. Her favourite was Brighton; she found the idea of a pebble beach weird, but she enjoyed eating fish and chips in the sun and playing arcade games on the Pier with Will. He even won her a teddy bear after she begged, overruling his logic that he could buy one for cheaper.

Even though she only got one-word replies, Caitlyn texted her Mom daily to keep her updated. She would have pushed further, but she was enjoying this new world too much. She loved the natural acceptance and comfort. She was a guest, but she wasn't.

She loved offering to make dinner and Sarah's response.

"Christ, Caitlyn, I told you to make yourself at home. If you ask permission one more time, I'll kick you out just to save the headache of repeating myself."

She even discovered she loved cricket--not the game; she still couldn't see the appeal. She saw it as a slower, more complicated, more boring baseball. When she shared this observation, Lettie laughed.

"Oh, please, Caitlyn, you need to tell Dad and Will that."

Something about Lettie's smile let Caitlyn know that sharing that particular observation wasn't wise. But she enjoyed the community coming together for the game and not being treated as an outsider.

She'd been in England for nearly two weeks when reality, in the form of Sarah, hit her.

"We need to be in America in twelve days for Kate and the US Open, and I'd love to meet your parents since you and Will are progressing nicely. But if we don't make arrangements in the next day or two, we're going to have to prioritise Kate. You're welcome to join us, but I'm sure your parents miss you. We don't need anything special. We can stay in a hotel and go to a restaurant. I just need to know so we can book flights."

Caitlyn was immediately taken aback. She hadn't thought about the moment she'd have to blend these worlds in days. But Sarah was right; it couldn't be held back much longer.

"It's okay, Sarah, I owe Momma a phone call. I'll do it tonight. Can you arrange a dinner somewhere? I'll pay."

"Caitlyn, if you offer me money one more time, I really will snap," Sarah replied. "Talk to your mum, work out what you're doing and tell me. I was complicit in breaking your original plan by bringing you here, so we'll buy your ticket home whether we join you or not."

"Thank you," Caitlyn said meekly.

"Good, you're learning. As for dinner, it's burger night at the pub, so that's easy."

Caitlyn waited until she was alone in the house before she actually confronted what she was about to do. Using some of Sarah's training, she poured herself a glass of wine before pressing the button to call her mother.

"Hi, Momma," Caitlyn said softly.

"Hello, Caitlyn. Are you calling because you're coming home? Or are you extending your adventure?"

"No, Momma. I'm coming home. My friend's family has to be in the States soon for business. They'd like to meet you and Daddy if you can make it work," Caitlyn said, keeping her voice even.

"Caitlyn, just call him your boyfriend," Her mother replied. "I guess the fact you're even offering this means you've made your choice, which means we should meet his family. When and how many of them are there."

"You don't need to host them. Sarah said they'd get a hotel. But it's four. Mike and Sarah, Will and his sister Lettie. His other sister Kate is busy," Caitlyn replied.

"Oh, so they get to host you for over a month, but we get to disrespect them and make them stay in a hotel. No, they'll stay here. What kind of name is Lettie?"

"It's a nickname, Momma," Caitlyn explained. "Her name is Amanda Scarlett, for her godmother and Auntie. They just call her Lettie."

"Hmm, strange. They gave her two perfectly good names and didn't use them. Send me your flight details when you have them. But remember, I don't want to know what you've been doing, but in this house, you and this Will are sleeping apart. I'm not having my unmarried daughter living in sin under my roof."

"I know, Momma; I'll send you the details as soon as I have them."

"Good, Bye Honey. We have your Dad's golf dinner at the club tonight."

After the call ended, Caitlyn finally realised that she couldn't remember the last time she had a warm conversation with her mother that didn't involve their social calendar.

As Caitlyn walked to the pub, she thought about how much she was going to miss Oxford. Not the ancient city but the little details she'd learned. How after a day of playing tourist, Will would always take her to the pub, where Lettie would meet them with Natalie and her brother Aiden, Will's best friends. How some of the locals would ask if she was enjoying. Sometimes, she playfully pretended that she wasn't having fun to be part of the banter. She even accused Will of being a subpar tour guide just to watch him get grief for not being a good host, simply because everything was said in fun and no one took it personally.

The safari guide had made her world bigger. They'd never defined their relationship. She didn't even know who she was to him. But she knew she loved him. And according to his family, he loved her. She needed to hear it before she took him to meet her family. She'd seen his façade, and she'd seen his truth. She needed him to say the words. If she couldn't believe he loved her, then meeting her family would be pointless.

At the pub, Sarah took one look at her and stood up.

"You okay," She asked after ordering Caitlyn a drink.

"Yeah. I was just thinking of how far I've grown since I first arrived in Botswana," Caitlyn replied.

"So it's nothing to do with your parents and us meeting them?" Sarah pushed.

"Well, I'm a bit nervous about that, but Momma was clear you're staying with them, and who knows, you might turn out to be besties. I didn't know I would fit in this world, so let's see."

"You're a worse liar than my husband, but there's enough truth in your words to make me ignore it," Sarah smiled. "Right, order your burger and bring the drinks."

Caitlyn focused on making sure her final few days in Oxford included everyone she had met. Her heart told her she wasn't saying goodbye, but her mind was terrified of her parents' reaction to the life and relationships she had built without their input.

While Caitlyn struggled to verbalise her feelings, Will was planning for them to end the England leg of their trip in London. Will was clear that he wasn't a fan of London and was only doing it for Caitlyn.

Despite his words, he seemed knowledgeable about the city and its significant sites. They spent their first day casually walking the city, taking in the obligatory stops--Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Trafalgar Square. Will did put his foot down when she asked to go on the London Eye.

"How can you say you hate London and then give me such a good tour of it," Caitlyn asked over dinner on their first night.

"It's not so much that I hate it," Will answered. "It's like Oxford. All the things we saw today have lost their interest to me. I understand their significance. I like other parts of London. I like the food markets and small neighbourhoods with independent pubs and restaurants. Places like Brick Lane which has some of the best Indian food in the world. That's the London I want to show you. So I figured we'd do all the 'essential places' today.

"I suppose that makes sense," Caitlyn replied. "But you never used a map or asked for directions. You know your way around pretty well for someone who claims to have no interest."

"I know my way around because Grandma and Dad's siblings live here. I visited Lettie while she was at Uni. It's like anywhere, really; once you know your way around, you never really forget."

The mention of Will's grandmother brought Caitlyn's dilemma to the forefront of her thinking. She had to tell him how she felt. They were meant to spend their last night with her, and the thought of meeting more of his family and being drawn deeper into his world if he didn't love her was heartbreaking.

Summoning her courage, she ordered another bottle of wine, knowing this was her last chance.

"Will," She said slowly once the server walked away. "This isn't the way I imagined doing this, but I need you to know that these last few months with you have been the best time of my life. I don't want to go home and have this end. I love you, and I want to be with you. I want to be part of your safari business. But if you don't feel the same. Please don't come to my parents' house. Just let me enjoy these last days with you, and go to your Grandma's without me. I'll change my flight and make my own way home."

Caitlyn kept her eyes on Will as he dealt with her confession. This was not a moment for her courage to fail.

"Caitlyn. If I didn't have feelings for you, we wouldn't be here," Will replied. "Mum might think she's so clever with her plans, but we see through her. Dad allows it because he knows she means no harm. But I knew what she was doing to extend our time together. Maybe I should have been more assertive and explained my feelings; up until two minutes ago, I thought you wanted to go home, and I was protecting myself from that. I also wanted you to choose to stay. I'm happy to include America in my life for you, but it will never be part of me. You know my future. I need Botswana and the bush, and I need Oxford. The idea of a normal job in the suburbs is my nightmare. You have to want to be a part of that."

"Will, I've wanted to be a part of it since Botswana," Caitlyn said through her silent tears. "I now see how suffocating my old life was, and I'll only go back to it if I can't have you. Yes, I will want to visit and see my parents, but I want you more."

"I love you," Will replied simply. "We'll make it work."

"I need you to take me back to the hotel now," Caitlyn smiled.

"Caitlyn, you just ordered a bottle of wine," Will said, surprised by her sudden urgency.

"See if you can cancel it or if we can take it with us," Caitlyn replied, reaching across the table for his hand. "But I don't care. You just told me you love me, and now I want to be alone with you in our room, preferably naked and sweaty, so I can physically feel your love and not just hear the words."

While Will paid for their dinner, Caitlyn ordered an Uber. As much as she enjoyed the novelty of London's public transport, she was determined to be alone with him as soon as possible. As they stood, she reclaimed his hand and refused to let go, even as they got into the car. She almost swore at the driver when he reminded her she was legally required to wear a seatbelt, creating distance between them.

In their room, Will had barely closed the door behind them when she pounced on him.

"Say it again," She demanded, kissing him passionately.

"Caitlyn Armstrong, I love you," Will replied when the kiss broke.

Hearing the words, Caitlyn kissed him again before she began clawing at his clothes, ripping his shirt open and fumbling with his belt. As soon as she finished with his belt, Caitlyn immediately went to her knees and took him into her mouth. This wasn't foreplay. This was ensuring he was ready for what she wanted.

It was easily the messiest and sloppiest blowjob she'd ever given. That was intentional. She didn't want to wait for him to work her up. Her saliva was the only lubricant she needed. Despite that, she felt her need and arousal grow as she worked on him.

Satisfied with her work, she stood up and shed her panties, not bothering with her dress, and kissed him again.

"Now, fuck the woman you love," She whispered. "Make me yours again."

Caitlyn was taken by surprise as Will took her at her word and quickly bent her over the bed, lifting her skirt and sinking into her in one fluid moment.

Caitlyn had always felt secure giving herself to Will, but this felt different. The admissions made this moment feel significant. She had put them on this path with no thought to the future. Now she knew her future included Will; this felt new, more real and more powerful than what they had before. The fact that his urgency matched hers added to the moment. This wasn't just rough, selfish sex; it was the passionate release of months of unspoken feelings and fears.

Caitlyn continued to initiate sex through the night until she became too tender to continue. Once the initial passion waned, it became more about prolonging their connection. At one point, Caitlyn even suggested that they try to sleep with Will still inside her, but that didn't really work, and Caitlyn had to make do with the comforting cocoon of having Will's arms wrapped around her.

For the next two days, as they wandered the city, Caitlyn felt like the luckiest woman in the world. She was exploring the hidden treasures of one of the world's great cities with the man she loved. Better yet, he'd admitted he loved her. She remained possessive of his hand as they wandered markets and other little shops looking for knick-knacks and other small mementoes. She claimed kisses at every opportunity, feeling like she was in her own private film.

When it came time to check out, Caitlyn almost refused to leave the hotel room, wanting to stay in the bubble of love they'd created since their admissions. Will overruled her, reminding her of their commitment to his grandma.

"Grandma wants to meet you. She says it's unfair you've met Nana and Auntie Sharon," Will smiled. "Trust me, I'd love to stay here, but you've worn me out, and it'll be fun. Aunt Scar and Aunt Becca are great. It'll be like the first time you met Mum. They'll fuss over me for a minute and then send me to join Dad and my uncles at the pub while they get to know you. Then we'll have a big family meal."

"Why do the women in your family always want to isolate me?" Caitlyn complained.

"No idea. I guess it's their way of stopping me from trying to guide the conversation and protect you."

"Do I need protection from your Grandmother and Aunts?" Caitlyn asked shyly.

"Maybe, I don't know, you're the first girl to meet them since I was a teenager," Will admitted.

Caitlyn still grumbled as she got her things together and finished packing. She then put Will in charge of their suitcases while she focused on their smaller luggage. As they caught their final train, Caitlyn decided to continue the conversation.

"Am I really the first girl you've taken to meet your grandma?"

"No, I said you were the first girl since I was a teenager," Will corrected. "And I've never taken a girl to her. She met some of my old girlfriends when visiting us in Oxford. Caitlyn, serious relationships have been hard for me. Most girls I've met don't realise how serious I am about my connection to Botswana. They see it as a novelty, a holiday I take every year. Not a lot of girls seriously consider the idea of giving up the comforts of living in England for Botswana. I've met three before you: Mum, Aunt Lily and Aunt Penny. I'm not turning my back on England, but once I get my safari business going, I will spend at least nine months a year in Botswana."

"I'll spend nine months a year in Botswana with you," Caitlyn smiled.

"You kind of made that clear the other night before you did your best impression of a slut," Will teased.

"That was no impression. I am a slut, your slut, and I'm quite proud of it, William," Caitlyn whispered, kissing his cheek. "How much further?"

"20 minutes on the train and another 20-minute walk."

"Can you tell me more about your family's wealth?" Caitlyn asked. "It doesn't change how I feel about you. It's just the sort of thing my parents will focus on. And I can't back you up if I don't know anything."

"There's not much to tell. I don't really know about it," Will said. "I mean, I understand that Mum and Dad's house is worth millions, and having homes on two continents is a sign of wealth. But I grew up with that, so I never asked."

"Will, that's not an answer," Caitlyn protested.

"You didn't let me finish," Will countered. "But it is an answer. I said I don't know. Do your parents discuss the details of their finances with you? Here's what I know: my grandad gave Dad some money to get him started, and Dad invested it because he didn't want money but couldn't refuse without breaking their relationship. My great-grandparents were academics, and my grandad was a civil servant -neither are natural routes to wealth. Dad did well with his investments, that's all. The Botswana house was my Grandad's. My step-grandma didn't want to live there after Grandad died, so Dad exchanged his inheritance for the house, so we always had a home in Botswana. I looked up the cost. Our golf estate home costs £100,000 less than a starter London flat."

"So you aren't actually rich," Caitlyn smiled. "You're just a product of smart financial planning?"

"What do you think wealth is but smart financial planning?" Will asked. "I've never been rich, Mum and Dad are. We may not discuss it, but I understand we live in a different world. They paid for Kate's first two years on tour until her sponsorships could support her. Even though we grew up in Oxford, they ensured that going to Botswana wasn't a treat or holiday but a natural part of our lives. That's not normal. So, I understand I'm privileged, but I'm not expecting a big inheritance. Mum and Dad have been pretty clear about that. Lettie, Kate and I will split the property, but half their money goes to charity. We all received a nest egg to start our lives when we turned 21, and that's their big financial gift. I've saved mine, and I'll eventually use that to fund my business."

"Kate is a professional tennis player, and your parents funded the start of her career. Did she need a nest egg?" Caitlyn asked.

"What does Kate's career have to with it?" Will replied. "Is she less deserving of our parents' money? They paid for my career when they sponsored my training as a Safari guide. Please don't say it's different because it's not; they facilitated our choices. Does Kate need it? Probably not. But she's still their child getting the same privileges that Let and I get."

"I suppose she's paying them back by having your dad manage her career."

"As far as I know, it's not much because it isn't my business. Dad only takes a symbolic payment from her. The only time we've ever discussed it, he said it would be shameful to profit from supporting his child."

"That's sweet," Caitlyn said.

"It is, and Mum would kill him if he tried."

Caitlyn enjoyed meeting the last of Will's family. His prediction was proved right when, after a few hugs and reassurances that he was eating properly, he was ejected from the house to join Mike and his uncles at the pub.

His grandmother, Amy, hugged her instantly, and his aunts were a mix of welcoming and curious but not in an overbearing way. Lettie took over, introducing Caitlyn to the cousins before leading her to the kitchen and pouring her a cup of tea. She suspected Sarah had again laid the groundwork for her arrival. She did have a small moment of satisfaction when Sarah was surprised by her planning for the future.

"Will wants to start his own safari company, and I'm going to help," Caitlyn smiled.

"That's new," Sarah intervened. "When did that happen?"

"I've known about the business idea since Botswana, but we only confirmed I would join when he told me he loved me."

"Fuck me," Aunt Scarlett interrupted. "First Mike with Sarah, now Will with you. There must be something in the Smith gene pool that gives them access to pretty women they have no business getting close to."

"Scar, this might be a good time to remind you that while Mike sees you as his sister, you aren't actually related, and I have no issue hurting you for insulting my husband and son," Sarah threatened with an amused smile.

"And I have no issue with hurting you, Sarah, for suggesting Mike isn't my real brother," Scarlett threw back with a matching smile.

"Enough, ladies," Amy said firmly. "Today is about welcoming Caitlyn, not your squabbling. But Sarah, Scarlett does have a point. Mike is my son in every way but name, just like you became my daughter when you married him.

"Sorry, Amy, but Scar started it," Sarah said with a sheepish smile.

"Caitlyn, let this be proof that your children never really grow up," Amy smiled. "Now, Sarah, call your husband and tell him we're going out for dinner. I've already made a reservation for a curry."

Caitlyn really enjoyed the dinner. It was another new experience that felt similar. As funny as it had been to watch Sarah get scolded by Amy. It was even funnier to watch Amy dote on her grandchildren while treating her children with mildly amused disdain.

After dinner ended, Caitlyn joined Will, in escorting Amy on the walk home.

"I hope you enjoyed your first and last stay in a London hotel," Amy said as they walked. "Next time you visit, you'll stay with me. I don't have enough years left to be happy when my grandchildren choose not to be with me."

"I'd never keep Will away from you," Caitlyn replied, flashing Will a smile.

"I was talking about both of you. As long as you love him, I'll treat you like my granddaughter."

"So always then, thanks, Grandma."

"Slow down. We aren't there yet," Amy laughed. "We've got to build up to that, but I'm a pretty awesome grandma, and I'll bet I will be an even better great-grandma. All the privileges of spoiling my new littles, too old for babysitting."

When they made it to bed, Caitlyn changed into shorts while leaving her t-shirt on. Turning around, she spotted Will smiling at her with a raised eyebrow.

"Whatever you're thinking, you should be ashamed of having those thoughts in your Grandma's house," she teased as she climbed in next to him.

As they made their way to the airport, Caitlyn felt her anxiety growing over her reunion with her parents. She missed her home and wanted to see them, but her recent interactions with her mother had worried her. She tried to reassure herself that when her parents met Will and experienced his family's genuine warmth, they'd get along. Were they the traditional family that she'd grown up around? No, but they were accepting and welcoming and open to including her. She just hoped her family would feel the same.

At the airport, Sarah refused to let Caitlyn order a drink in the lounge and insisted that Caitlyn go shopping with her first.

"Right, what do your parents like?" Sarah asked. It might only be for one night, but I'm not turning up empty-handed."

"Sarah, you've just hosted me for over a month. It'll be okay," Caitlyn replied.

"I wasn't asking permission to buy your parents a gift. I asked you what they liked. Do they drink, or would they prefer something else?"

"Daddy likes scotch, he collects rare bottles, and Momma likes wine, but perfume is good too."

Sarah nodded and went straight to the scotch section, picking out the most expensive bottle.

"I know nothing about whiskey, but at that price, it has to be rare," Sarah smiled before going through the wine and picking out an expensive bottle of South African wine.

"Momma likes the French stuff; she thinks it's fancy," Caitlyn said softly.

"Good for her," Sarah laughed. "I married a man from Botswana. South African wine is part of who we are, even if my boys refuse to support their rugby team. Anyway, my English side can't support anything French in good conscience. I've had this bottle before, and it's good."

Caitlyn laughed as she followed Sarah, who added a few British treats, like shortbread, to her offering.

When they finally arrived, Caitlyn thought she'd over-worried. Her parents were perfect hosts as they welcomed Will and his family. She noticed her father hesitated when Mike offered his hand, and her mother was surprised when Sarah offered a hug, but they adjusted.

They graciously accepted Sarah's gifts. Watching her father offer Mike a glass of the gifted whiskey was the picture of hospitality. She was even surprised when her mother welcomed Sarah's offer to help with dinner. The kitchen was her mother's domain; some of her closest friends never entered it. Caitlyn almost forgot her worries through the general chatter, 'getting to know you questions'. Then, during the main course, her father asked a question that changed everything.

"So Mike, you must do a lot of fishing and hunting in Botswana?"

Normally, Caitlyn would have smiled as her father asked the question. Usually, this would be safe ground. But she knew Will and his family's connection to the bush. Lettie's worried look didn't help.

"No, I find fishing boring, and we don't hunt. When we camp, we stay in game reserves and national parks where hunting is banned. There are some legal hunting areas, but they're hugely expensive and cater to wealthy tourists," Mike replied casually, topping up his wine glass.

"So you don't hunt for financial reasons rather than ethical ones?" Jim pressed, and Caitlyn could see him getting slightly agitated.

"I can afford it. I just don't see the point."

"I'm not sure I agree with you, but I can admire a man who stands by convictions. So, do you oppose hunting?"

Caitlyn felt Will tense up next to her. She squeezed his thigh reassuringly, but they remained silent as Mike calmly answered.

"It depends on what you mean by hunting. Are you food hunting or trophy hunting?" Mike asked. "I don't imagine you're about to tell me about your indigenous roots and how hunting is ancestrally important to you?"

"Does the difference matter?" Jim snapped. "I don't see what being a native has to do with it.

"Interesting, we can look at that another time. But yes, the difference does matter," Mike answered simply, "I don't mind the concept of hunting for population control and legitimate conservation, provided the meat is used. I don't like trophy hunters; they always want the best and biggest animal with the best bloodlines. The animals that keep the population strong. You'll never see a trophy hunter go after a kudu or buffalo with broken or underdeveloped horns or the old, weak ones with scars like a predator.

I will concede that elephant hunting is a necessary evil because the elephant population is too big for the ecosystem in Botswana. At least the income from elephant hunting can go towards supporting communities that suffer the most. But once again, the hunters don't just want to help with population control; they want the biggest and best-looking trophies. Then there are the arseholes who go hunting for lions; they can all rot in hell."

Caitlyn knew they were in dangerous territory. Her father was passionate about the right to hunt, and Mike was almost dismissive of the idea. She wanted to intervene, but her father always dictated the conversation in her parents' house. She also knew several hunting trophies were mounted 20 feet away in her father's study. She was also aware that Sarah was hiding a smile as if the confrontation amused her.

"But if I'm paying for the privilege of hunting an animal, say an elephant, shouldn't I get my choice of animal?"

"Now you're thinking about what's in the hunter's best interest, not the species. It's why I have very little time for trophy hunting," Mike shrugged.

"Okay then. Why should lion hunters rot in hell? Surely you appreciate the skill and challenge of hunting an apex predator?" Jim asked, notes of anger bleeding his voice.

"It's not easy to kill an aggressive or angry lion. But lions are lazy; they are only really motivated by food. Male lions will act aggressively if a rival threatens their territory or pride, but that's about it. Most of the time, they spend their days lying around; they're considered inactive for about twenty hours a day. I could drive you within twenty feet of a lion, and it wouldn't react. I'm not a great shot, but I could probably hit my target from that range. So yeah, I have no respect for anyone who goes after one of the most docile predators in the wild."

And there it was, Caitlyn thought. The night was ruined. Mike had come into her family home and challenged her father's authority; not only that, he had done it with poise. She wanted to intervene, but she didn't have the words. Then it got worse.

"I bet you don't even take a gun with you for safety if nothing else?"

"Why would I need a gun to be safe?" Mike countered quietly.

"What if lions or something come into your campsite? How will you protect your family?"

"The likelihood is they won't. But we always take appropriate precautions to keep us all safe. But let's take your example. The safest thing to do would be to watch the lion's body language and remain calm. If they make an aggressive movement, get into the nearest vehicle as quickly as possible; we leave the doors open for that reason."

"How is that safer than shooting it?" Jim asked, now openly dumbfounded.

"How good a shot are you?" Mike continued, "Do you have the skill with a rifle to accurately shoot a charging lion, with all the fear and nerves running through your body? If you don't put that lion down in one shot, there won't be a second. I've met hunting guides who joke about how bad their customers' shooting is. There's a reason most professional hunters keep their rifles trained on the target animal. I'm sure you've seen the video of that NRA president who was such a bad shot; he was torturing the elephant rather than shooting it. I hope you didn't help pay for that trip."

"That's just one example," Jim stuttered.

"No, it's one example that was buried for eight years because even the NRA knew it wasn't a good look for the hunting lobby. I'm sure there are more in the archives."

Just before it could get worse, they were saved by Sarah's timely intervention.

"Gentlemen," Sarah interrupted, kissing her husband's cheek. "We shouldn't be having such contentious discussions the first time our families come together. Jim, I can honestly say in nearly 30 years of visiting Botswana, I've never felt the need for a gun. But I can assure you that when or if you choose to join us. I will make Mike buy the finest hunting rifle available if you ever feel unsafe."

"Why would I trust someone who has admitted to being a bad shot to keep me safe?" Jim spat.

"I wouldn't trust myself with a gun," Mike admitted. "But I'd trust my son. He's a safari guide trained to deal with aggressive animal behaviours, including shooting problem animals if needed."

"Is that true," Jim asked.

"Yes," Will said quietly. "I can hit a target from about 75 yards, but I've never had to shoot an animal while guiding. And if I'm ever in a position where I have to, I'm probably the one who made a mistake, not the animal. I'd only shoot it as a last resort to keep my client safe. On my own, if I couldn't get away safely, I'd probably just let nature take its justice for my stupidity."

Caitlyn kept replaying the argument in her head in the silence that followed. She admired the way Mike had so calmly challenged her father's views--views that she had herself until she worked in Botswana. Caitlyn had never seen anyone challenge her father like that. She saw so much of Will in Mike, the easy confidence, the refusal to be anything other than true to themselves. More than that, she was struck by the difference between her mother's silent but tacit support of her father and Sarah's verbalised support of Mike.

Caitlyn recognised that Sarah was also subtly mocking her father. Her words may have appeared to be a diplomatic way of ending the argument, but Caitlyn had spent enough time with Will and his parents to know that Sarah would never make Mike do anything he didn't want to. There was also the sweet smile she had held throughout the argument. Sarah enjoyed watching her husband's natural authority. The same way Caitlyn loved watching Will guide his guests in the bush.

She was also angry at Will. She wanted to confront his open admission that he wouldn't protect himself in a dangerous situation.

With the divide between the families clear, there was no offer of dessert. Will's family accepted another drink out of politeness but quickly retreated to bed, complaining of jetlag and their need to travel the next morning. Will went to follow them, but Caitlyn stopped him and led him into the garden.

"Were you serious when you said you would let nature take its justice?" She asked impatiently.

"Maybe," Will said cautiously. "I want to believe I would. But I also understand that as a human, my first instinct is to survive. So, the likelihood is that I would kill rather than be killed, but that would be my last resort. I'm confident enough in my skills that it's unlikely, and if it did, I have the knowledge to remove myself from the danger. I'd hate myself if it did come down to shooting. I understand shooting problem animals - I've done it. I understand controlled hunts for population control. But I don't know if I could kill an animal acting naturally, especially if I caused it to act defensively. It would ruin the wild for me, and that would end up killing me. The bush is where I understand myself. It seems wild, but it's orderly; I understand the food chain and my place in it. There's no politics, no social order, just nature."

Caitlyn could feel his honesty and remembered why she fell in love with him. But she was still angry.

"Here's what I understand," she said after kissing him. "I understand that I love you, and I want my life to be centred on that love. If you die for morals, you will break my heart, and I will never forgive you. You will spend eternity knowing I hate you for choosing your morals over me. Now take me to my room, and kiss me good night. Daddy might shoot you if you try to stay, but I might shoot him if he denies me my good night kiss."

"Caitlyn picking you isn't the problem; I thought I made that clear. It's living with myself. If I make that choice, I don't know if I will be able to be the man you fell in love with."

"You will because I will demand it. You don't get to be a coward and hide behind morals at the expense of our relationship. What if we have kids? Do you expect me to tell them that you chose to die when you could have fought to be a part of their lives?"

"It's a good thing we're dealing in hypotheticals because that's the most unfair question I've ever heard. " Will chuckled. "Now, bed if you want a good night kiss before your dad shoots me."

Breakfast the next morning was strained. Her parents were still playing host, but it was clear that they wanted the experiment over. Caitlyn was almost glad that Mike and Sarah had only agreed to stay one night before they went to join Kate. Caitlyn wanted them to stay, not because she enjoyed the forced friendliness but because she feared her parents' behaviour when it was just her and Will. She wanted the freedom to show Will her hometown without her parents' disapproval hanging over her. Mike's presence agitated her father enough that he hadn't even focused on Will yet. She felt guilty using them as a shield, but it was the only protection she had to show Will her upbringing without her parents' influence.

Unfortunately, the uneasy peace could not last, and her parents confronted her as soon as Will drove his family to the airport.

"I'm sorry, Caitlyn. I understand this is an extension of your Botswana adventure and finding yourself, but I cannot approve of this relationship," her father said bluntly as soon as they were alone. I expect when the boy leaves, you will remain here and start looking towards your future."

"One disagreement with his father, and suddenly, you can't approve of my relationship," Caitlyn asked in shock.

"I never approved. I tolerated it. I understood your wanderlust after graduating college. I expected it to run its natural course, as these romances do. I was going to be patient, but now that I see how different our families are, I must insist. They aren't our kind of people," Jim said, his voice growing forceful.

"Maybe they aren't your kind of people, but Will is my kind of person," Caitlyn said passionately. "I love him. I love them; from the first day they met me, they've treated me with love, kindness, generosity and respect. You didn't even give the decency of respect. Maybe if you hadn't spent dinner trying to prove your point with his father, you would like them too."

"Caitlyn, if you persist with him. I will cut you off," Jim threatened. "I will not let you use Armstrong money to fund your adventure with a safari guide."

"Will is so much more than a safari guide," Caitlyn threw back. "He's going to own his own business, a business I'm going to help him build. If you want to cut me off, fine, I will find my place in the world with him. I have a degree and skills and will find a job to help build our life together if needed. And I don't think his family will let us starve. I think they might be wealthier than you. Did you hear the way Mike casually admitted he could afford to hunt in Botswana? He just doesn't care to... That's what really got you going; you've always dreamed of a hunting safari in Africa; you just could never justify the expense."

"Maybe he was lying," Jim snapped. "Posturing to look better."

"Why would he lie about a hobby he is not interested in, Daddy? Anyway, I've seen their homes and their lifestyle; trust me, their wealth is real. He just doesn't need to prove it."

"Caitlyn Armstrong, I will not be spoken to like that in my own home. I tolerated it last night because he was a guest, but I will not allow it from my daughter. Apologise Now!" Jim yelled, finally losing his composure.

"Or what, Daddy," Caitlyn said, crying but not backing down.

"You can pack your things and leave today."

Caitlyn looked to her mother for support, but she could only see disappointment.

"Okay, Daddy, I'll pack our things, and we'll leave when Will gets back," Caitlyn replied through her tears. "We'll probably join his parents at his sister's tournament. She's a professional tennis player. She's playing in the US Open. Imagine if you could see past your wounded pride and insecurities; you could have had a professional athlete in the family. They even talked about inviting you. Imagine what that would have done for your precious reputation."

"I don't care about their daughter. She doesn't even count. She's adopted; it's not like she inherited her talent from them," Jim fought back, but his tone had lost some of its power.

Caitlyn could see in his eyes that she wasn't just fighting back; she was winning. She decided to press her advantage.

"Maybe she didn't inherit her talent from Mike and Sarah, but they did enable it," Caitlyn said. "Mike funded her until she could support herself. Imagine that, Daddy? Imagine being able to fund a professional tennis player without having to make any sacrifices. You would notice, wouldn't you? Somehow, despite our history and name, we're only rich enough to keep up appearances," Caitlyn shot back. Taking a deep breath, a wave of realisation flowed over her. "Will represents everything you and Momma told me to look for in a husband. Wealthy, prominent family, ambitious, he ticks all of your boxes. Perhaps the real problem is something else. Is it that I met him in Botswana or that he's 1/4 Motswana?"

"Caitlyn Armstrong!" Eleanor finally intervened. "We are your parents. You cannot choose him over us."

"I'm not choosing him over you, Momma; you're choosing your beliefs over my happiness."

"Caitlyn, please," Eleanor said, softening her tone. "We want what's best for you."

"Isn't my happiness what's best for me?" Caitlyn argued. "I want Will to become my husband one day. On that day, I will vow to forsake all others, ALL OTHERS, Momma, including you. Do you want to tell me that particular vow doesn't include parents? Can all the vows I make with God be used selectively? I wonder what Pastor John would say about that. But I suddenly understand why we never say anything when Daddy comes home from a 'work dinner' smelling of perfume or why your tennis lessons always last 4 hours." Without another word, Caitlyn went to her room to pack her things, crying freely, knowing that everything would be okay when Will returned.

She tried to call him, but he didn't answer. Realising he was driving, she called Sarah, who put her on speakerphone. Hearing his voice, Caitlyn broke down again and explained what had happened. Caitlyn heard Will react, but Sarah hushed him quickly.

"Pack everything essential," Sarah said once Caitlyn finished. Don't worry about luxuries; we can replace those. Just focus on the things you can't bear to leave behind. By the time Will comes to get you, we'll have you booked on the next flight. Just keep yourself safe and make sure you're completely sure about this. This isn't the sort of choice where you can easily change your mind and go back."

Caitlyn counted ten, breathing deeply, reaffirming her choice before she started packing. She was thankful she had barely begun the process the day before, and everything she wanted was still packed. She focused on small things, things that were sentimental to her. Apart from her Grandma's locket, she left all the jewellery she'd been gifted over the years, seeing them as symbols of her parents' control.

Once she was done, she quickly went to the guest room and put Will's things together. Caitlyn defiantly went to wait outside, not wanting to spend another moment burdened by her parents' home and their conditional love.

"Caitlyn, wait, we can fix this," Eleanor said quietly as Caitlyn reached the door.

"The only way to fix this is for Daddy to apologise and accept my choices," Caitlyn said defiantly.

"Caitlyn, please, be reasonable," Eleanor pleaded.

"I'm not the one being unreasonable, Momma," Caitlyn said sadly.

"If I can't convince you. Please can you wait inside? It's unseemly to sit on the street."

"Is it unseemly, or do you not want the neighbours to know you kicked your only child out?" Caitlyn asked.

When her mother didn't answer, Caitlyn knew the answer.

"It's okay, Momma. I won't completely embarrass you and sit on the curb. I'll sit on the porch swing. If Daddy doesn't like it, he can call the police, but this is still my legal home. It's the address on my driver's licence, so he can't claim trespassing. And I'm sure he'll enjoy explaining to the neighbours that he called the police on his daughter."

"No one is calling the police," Eleanor said, defeated.

Caitlyn was turning away when her mother asked another question.

"Is their daughter really a professional tennis player?"

"Yeah," Caitlyn replied coldly.

"Why didn't you tell us?"

"Because they asked me not to. They didn't want you to define them based on her; they actually protect each other. I only told you so you would know what you're missing by rejecting them. It was manipulative, and I will apologise to Kate and Sarah for it. Now, before I go, Momma, I want you to tell the truth when people ask you what happened today. The real truth, not the one that works for you and Daddy, if I get any texts or messages saying I'm a traitor. I will burn the Armstrong name to the ground. I will expose every family secret, every hypocrisy. Not just you and Daddy, everyone. I'll go back generations. I'll destroy the entire legacy that your place in society is based on."

"You'd really do that to us?" Eleanor asked in shock.

"You kicked your daughter out for choosing love over image," Caitlyn replied.

"Okay, I can't promise for your father, but I will do my best for you."

"Bye, Momma."

"Bye, Sweetheart."

While she waited, Caitlyn weighed her choices. She had no problem with her decision. She had made it for herself. It hurt that her parents were unable to choose her happiness over their expectations, but she got to keep Will, Oxford, and Botswana. She got to be part of a family that looked forward. She got a family who was everything she was told to look for. They didn't want her last name; they wanted her.

She was still sad, but she saw through the hypocrisy. She had always known the game her parents were playing, but for the first time, she truly saw through the hypocrisy of their ideals. She still didn't know if her father's rejection of Will was racist or if he just couldn't handle the idea that she was joining a family that didn't reflect his values.

Caitlyn laughed at her defiance. She had always submitted to her father because he demanded it. She gave herself to Will by choice. He didn't make demands; he gave her choices. Choices that could hurt him, but they were still Caitlyn's choices. Caitlyn knew she was likely to have another breakdown, a moment where she would rethink her actions. But Will would be with her, and he would validate her choice. And she knew she would pick him again.

When Will returned, Caitlyn wrapped herself around him, holding onto him tightly as a new set of tears flowed. Will didn't talk; he just let her cry until she pulled away and helped pack their things.

"We don't have to leave, you know," Will finally said once they got going. "We could book into a hotel and hang around for a few days. I'd still like to see the town and meet your friends."

"No, everyone I know is a part of my parent's world; I don't have friends; I have connections," Caitlyn said as she looked out the window. "Regardless of whether or not my parents tell the truth, I'll still be seen as a traitor for not giving in to them. I'm breaking their legacy, a family that's been around since this town was founded, because I fell in love with an outsider. Momma has probably already called my relatives and told them what happened. Everyone in town will know in an hour or two, and I don't want to deal with the whispers, the shaming. Let's just get to the airport and be with people who know what real love and support is."

"Okay, but don't close the door fully," Will said softly. "This is your home. No one can take that away from you."

"Maybe, but for now, I don't want to be here," Catilyn said forcefully. "Actually, wait. If I'm saying goodbye, I'm not leaving without a taste of Miss Rose's fried chicken," Caitlyn said, smiling.

Will gave her a funny look but followed Caitlyn's directions. Along the way, Caitlyn pointed out a few of the landmarks in her town. The ones that reflected her family's history and connections. In her mind, she was emphasising her point: that the town would never understand her choice. Will just quietly listened while she ranted.

At Miss Rose's, Caitlyn ordered all of her favourites for both of them while Will read the restaurant's history on the back of a menu.

As much as she wanted to enjoy the meal, she noticed Will was distracted and looking around.

"What's wrong?" she asked concerned.

"Miss Rose?" Will said quietly. "I get that she's important and means a lot to the community. Apparently, her family has been here for as long as your family has. Does she get the same recognition?"

"Will, it's different," Caitlyn said, taking a sip of her drink.

"How?" Will asked plainly. "She's part of the fabric, but I bet she isn't a country club member. Maybe that's by choice. But let's focus. Miss Rose's family have been here for at least as long as yours. Why is the library named after you but not her?"

"Will... I," Caitlyn said quietly.

"It's okay, I'm not blaming you for history you had no choice in," Will smiled. "I'm just asking myself questions that may have never occurred to you while you were playing sorority Barbie."

Caitlyn was surprised when Sarah was waiting for them at the airport.

"We decided that we should all travel together. The next flight is in four hours, so it's not a big wait. Mike and Lettie are waiting in the lounge," Sarah said after she hugged Caitlyn. Now, let's get you some food, but no drinking."

Sarah kept close to Caitlyn as they entered the airport lounge and led her around the buffet. Caitlyn wanted to say that she wasn't hungry, but she let Sarah mother her instead. She gave a small smile when Sarah forcefully reminded her husband and son that the no-drinking rule also applied to them.

On the flight, she didn't talk. She just put in her headphones and rested her head against Will, holding his hand and taking comfort in his presence.

At the hotel, she initiated sex immediately.

"Caitlyn, I don't think that's a good idea."

"Will, all I've been doing is thinking since we left. I don't want to think anymore. I want to feel. I want to feel something good and pure," Caitlyn said. "Well, not too pure; where's the fun in that? But seriously, I want to be consumed by you; I want you to pin me down and give me no option but to forget there's a world outside of us."

Caitlyn smiled when Will nodded and ordered her to stay still. She complied willingly as he slowly undressed her and laid her on the bed. She'd asked him to be forceful, and he'd countered her by ensuring the moment was as intimate as possible.

He kissed every inch of her and focused on her pleasure until she begged for more.

Even as he finally gave in to her begging, he kept his actions slow and deliberate, maintaining eye contact and making sure Caitlyn could see his love, not his desire. When she begged him again to just fuck her, he put his hand around her throat.

There was no pressure or attempt to choke her. It was just a subtle reminder that she had given him the power to dictate this moment, and it would be on his terms.

Caitlyn kept her legs wrapped around Will after his climax, wanting to prolong the moment of connection and the emotional intimacy he had just invested in her. As she got uncomfortable and her legs fell away, he kissed her.

"Take a shower with me, and then we should find Mum and Dad for dinner."

Caitlyn quickly realised that the shower was an extension of the sex as Will took control of bathing her, washing her hair and massaging her scalp. He even took over blow drying and brushing her hair as they got ready to leave.

"Where did you learn how to brush hair?" Caitlyn asked as they waited for the elevator.

"Two sisters," Will laughed. "I used to get jealous and feel left out when Mum brushed Kate and Lettie's hair, so she taught me. I would do one while she did the other. I stopped doing it regularly when I was nine. But I would occasionally do it through the years when they had a bad day. You know a boy being mean to Lettie or Kate losing at tennis."

"I can't imagine that you let too many boys be mean to them."

"No, I mostly let them be," Will replied. "Dad pointed out that heartbreak and painful experiences are a part of life, and I couldn't dictate their choices. Also, Kate was never really home. She lived at home, but by fifteen, her life was a mix of tennis camps, the junior tour and the national tennis academy."

Caitlyn was surprised when Kate joined them for dinner, thinking she would be busy with her tournament preparations. Kate didn't say anything but gave her a tight lingering hug before taking the seat on the other side of Will.

Caitlyn noted the wine on the table but looked to Sarah for confirmation before pouring herself a glass. No one brought up the elephant in the room; instead, they focused on supporting Kate through the tournament.

Mike surprised Caitlyn by handing her an all-access pass, while Kate announced that she would sit in the family box during her matches.

"One of my sponsors is having a mixer tomorrow night," Kate smiled. "I told them to put you on the guest list, or I'm not coming."

"That's so kind, but I don't want to intrude. Anyway, I don't have a dress for that kind of event," Caitlyn said, looking away.

"Nonsense, we can get you a dress," Sarah interrupted. "I love shopping, and more importantly, I love spending Mike's money, especially in New York, where everything is so expensive. We'll make a day of it, maybe get our hair done if we have time."

Caitlyn smiled but wasn't sure. She was still coming to grips with her decision. The idea of attending an event for professional tennis players wasn't something she'd thought about, but Mike's amused grin reassured her. Mike gave her a small wink before turning to his son.

"Well, old chap, since the girls are going shopping, I think we should spend the afternoon finding somewhere that serves a decent pint and burger before we suffer through another evening of champagne and finger food."

"Cracking plan, good sir," Will said, smiling at Caitlyn.

"Michael and William Smith, have fun, but do not even think about getting drunk and not turning up," Sarah said firmly.

"I won't, my love. I'm more than aware of my responsibilities," Mike said, kissing his wife.

"Good, Kate, Lettie. Do you want to join us?" Sarah asked.

"Sorry, have practice and a pre-tournament interview," Kate replied.

"I'm going to join the boys," Lettie said. "Caitlyn needs to learn what you mean by shopping on her own."

Sarah pulled Caitlyn aside before she went to bed.

"We're not going to ignore what happened today, but I will give you the time to process it before we talk about it."

"Thanks, Sarah," Caitlyn said, accepting the hug. "I'll be fine. This is what I want, and that makes processing easier."

"Good, let's meet in the lobby around ten."

Over the course of the shopping trip, Caitlyn was surprised that they didn't shop for designer labels; rather, they worked their way through boutiques where the clothes were understated, but the quality was undeniable. Caitlyn appreciated that Sarah made it just about enjoying the experience of being together. She tried to complain as Sarah bought her more than one dress, but Sarah shook her head, "Nonsense. These dresses are perfect for you; it would be a shame to miss the chance to buy them. There will be other events."

Caitlyn tried one more time before she relented and let Sarah spoil her. At the end of the afternoon, walking out of the hair salon laden with bags, Caitlyn paused and turned to Sarah.

"Thank you so much. Today was just what I needed," Caitlyn said.

"It was my pleasure, Dear. I told you I love shopping,"

"It's more than just the shopping and spoiling me. It's the way you've always tried to include me and make me feel welcome, so thank you... Mom," Caitlyn said, trying out the honorific for the first time.

"You're very welcome, Caitlyn, but if you're going to use that title, use it properly; it's Mum. I'm British." Sarah hugged Caitlyn and stood back, maintaining her grip on Caitlyn's shoulders. "Now, this is very important. Wear the green dress - everyone wears black at these things, and we want you to stand out. Don't let Will see it until we get to the party. I will send him and Mike early, and we'll follow. You are a beautiful, confident woman, and I want you to show that without being an accessory on his arm. Your self-worth has to come from you, and with what happened, I can't let you lose yourself in your relationship."

"Thanks, Mum," Caitlyn smiled. "It's kind of hard not to lose myself in Will. I've just burned every bridge I have for him."

"Caitlyn, you did no such thing; you chose happiness for yourself. Do not cheapen your actions."

"I'll try," Caitlyn replied. "So, do you still surprise Mike with new dresses?"

"Yes. And I'll do it for as long as I can," Sarah smiled. "I'll never get tired of the way he looks at me when I get all dressed up. I can't get away with dresses like the ones we got you anymore, but I still know how to get my man's motor running. That reminds me, we should probably get some lingerie to go with our new purchases."

When Caitlyn returned to the hotel room, the first thing she noticed was how handsome Will looked in his suit. The most formal she had ever seen him was in his safari uniform at the lodge. But the tailored jacket suited him perfectly, while his stubble reminded her that there was still an adventurer beneath the clothes. The first thing he noticed was the bellhop behind with all her new purchases.

"I see you and Mum had fun," Will smiled.

"Yeah, Mum was great," Caitlyn replied.

"So she's Mum now?" Will smirked.

"I had a job opening, and she was the standout candidate. Though there might be some accusations she bought the job," Caitlyn laughed.

"She does that. I'm meeting Dad downstairs; I just wanted to see you before we left."

"How did you know you were supposed to leave early?"

"I've had 25 years to learn Mum's habits," Will joked. "There's never been an event where she hasn't made Dad and me go ahead of her. We've already arranged for your car to pick you up in about an hour and a half."

With a quick kiss goodbye, Will was gone.

Even though she already knew what she was going to wear, she used all the time to get ready. She wasn't nervous about the event. She'd been to enough fancy events with her parents to know how the game was played. To always have a drink but never actually get drunk. But tonight, she wasn't an accessory, while her father gladhanded. Sarah and Kate were giving her the opportunity to present herself to the world as her own person.

She stood in front of the mirror in her new lingerie, trying to see the beautiful, confident woman that Sarah and Will saw. She could see her conventional beauty, the beauty she'd known all her life and had used as part of her personality. But she didn't think that was what they saw. Caitlyn remembered her fight with her parents; she was more than her traditional looks; she was powerful. She knew what she wanted, and she had fought for it. Satisfied with this knowledge, she finished dressing up. Putting on her heels as she received the alert that Sarah was waiting for her in the lobby.

Arriving at the party, Caitlyn expected to hang back as Kate walked the red carpet, but Kate didn't allow her the chance, linking arms with her while Sarah and Lettie followed. Caitlyn remembered to smile as Kate periodically stopped for photo requests. As they entered the building, Sarah gave her one more piece of advice.

"Mike will have told him not to come to you. This is your moment. Meet his eyes and walk to him with purpose. You are not being claimed. You are taking your place at his side. Ignore everyone else. Mike will lead the introductions, but I doubt you need any training in the art of mingling."

Following Sarah's advice, Caitlyn paused at the door, scanning the room until she found him. She took in the surprise in his eyes as he looked over her dress. Caitlyn saw his smile before he met her gaze. Focusing on him, she made her way over.

"You look beautiful," Will whispered as she accepted his hand.

"You clean up pretty good for a safari guide," Caitlyn whispered back.

Without another word, Caitlyn took a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. She nodded politely as Mike introduced her as Will's partner. Caitlyn liked his choice of words. Partner felt more powerful and permanent than his girlfriend. She and Will still hadn't given each other titles; after their admission of love, it didn't matter to her. But knowing that others saw her as more than a girlfriend was empowering.

As the party progressed, Caitlyn realised that Will wasn't the only member of his family capable of putting on a mask. All of them could change their personality; Mike wasn't the father figure she'd come to know; he was Kate's manager. Sarah wasn't the influential matriarch; she was the supportive wife and mother. Lettie wasn't the fun-loving sister; she was the aspiring human rights lawyer. Will had his safari guide mask on. He was polite and charming, never offering more than he needed to as they worked the room.

Caitlyn was taking a break at the bar, reflecting on whether this was all a game to them, when she was interrupted. It was Mark Dempsey, the American number one and tournament favourite.

"You might just be the best-looking woman here," He said casually as he signalled for a drink.

"Thank you," Caitlyn blushed. "I'm a big fan of yours."

"Thank you. I notice you're here with Kate Smith's family. She has great talent, great looks, and an interesting story. She'll be the full package when she works out how to combine those."

"What do you mean?" Caitlyn asked.

"She's still learning how to work her public image. No matter how talented you are, you're only relevant as long as you're constantly visible. She hasn't worked that out yet."

"I would've thought that actually being good at tennis was the most important thing," Caitlyn said, suddenly uncomfortable.

"No one wants a champion they can't sell," Mark dismissed. "If you want to see real star power, you should hang out with me, and I can show you a world you could never imagine."

Before Caitlyn could reply, they were interrupted.

"Mark, do you mind if I borrow my sister-in-law?" Kate said loudly.

Without waiting for a reply, Kate took Caitlyn's hand and led her to the bathroom.

"So you met God's gift?" Kate said, rolling her eyes before continuing. "Look, I'm not going to tell you what to do, aside from the fact that if you hurt my brother, there is nowhere on earth you can hide. Given what you've gone through, I hope you understand this. None of this is real. People pay for access to these events, and our sponsors expect us here as a return on their investment. I wouldn't be here if they didn't pay me to use their products. All I need to succeed is a decent racquet, a court and a ball. But tennis is seen as a sport for the elite. We get to travel the world, and people see glamour in that. They don't see the hours of training, the ice baths, the constant pressure to be the person people see on camera. So some people make it a game, something to abuse. Mark is here for the same reasons I am, and while he's here, he uses his image to prey on starstruck fans he'll forget in a week. His wife tolerates it because she likes the lifestyle he provides more than the indignity of being cheated on. If you want the life of a ball bunny, tell me now, and I will point you in the right direction, but it will mean saying goodbye to Will and the rest of us. No more Botswana, no more Oxford, none of the real things about us."

"Kate, I didn't start it. I love Will, and I will never risk that," Caitlyn implored. "He approached me. I actually found him uncomfortable."

"Good, but watch when we get back to the party. Superstar Mark will have already moved on to the next target."

Walking back into the party, she spotted Will and approached him. On the way, she caught Mark's eyes, and making sure he was watching, she kissed Will passionately until applause broke out.

"I love you," Caitlyn whispered. "I have no regrets because every choice led me to you. I'm going fuck you senseless when we get back to the hotel," Caitlyn whispered. "Your only escape route is to fuck me instead. I'm going to the bar with your mum and sister. I'm sure you'll make a good choice."

"Two minutes with Dempsey, and you're hot to trot," Will hissed. "If you think that is a seduction, I'll leave now."

Instead of replying, will grabbed Will's hand and dragged him onto a private balcony.

"Really. Not even two days after I abandoned my family for you, that's your first thought. If you have that little faith in me, I'll leave now," Caitlyn snarled. "I have enough Botswana money left for my own hotel room. When we get back inside, I'll give you two minutes to fix this. Tell your mum, Kate and Lettie what you just said to me and when you lose, take it like a man. Accept you fucked up, and we'll move on."

"Cait," Will said softly. "Sorry, that still doesn't work. Lyn. Your Lyn now. I'm sorry. It's not about winning or losing. It's just I've been here before. I've seen Dempsey's games. Kate is the tennis pro, not me. I'm not part of this world. I'm just a simple safari guide. Tonight is your first experience. Ever since Kate turned pro, I've watched him pick up women just because he could at these events. It doesn't matter to him if they're taken; in fact, I think he prefers it when they're taken."

"Well, it matters to me. I happen to be in love with the simple safari guide. There was just enough honesty there that I let you skip the ass-kicking Mum and Kate would give you. But I get to keep it in my back pocket for three months. We can remove a day of your sentence for every orgasm you give me."

"You know you can't punish me with things I do willingly," Will smiled.

"I'm only forgiving you because you've ruined me for other men," Caitlyn teased. "You're just big enough that I can't go smaller and too perfect to go bigger. I only want you."

"I thought bigger was better."

"Men are stupid," Caitlyn laughed. "Women don't need more than a finger to get us off. Most vibrators are barely 4 inches. Size and girth are fun, but only size queens and masochists want monster cocks. Yes, you're the biggest I've ever had, and I love it because YOU own that feeling of stretching me out. You work for me because you're just big enough to push my limits without pain. Maybe I could take a little bigger, but they wouldn't be you. Then there's also the fact that any bigger, I wouldn't be able to give you a proper blow job, and that would hurt me almost as much as you. So yeah, I can't go smaller or bigger because my man is perfect."

"That might be the sexiest thing I've ever heard," Will said before pausing. "So you actually like giving head, it's not just something we do as part of sex.

"I crave it, my love. Not so much the act but the contrast between my surrender to you and my control of your pleasure. Handjobs don't count because you can do that. It's why I won't let you fuck my face. I mean, you could, and I'd probably get into it, but it's different. I like the fact I'm giving you pleasure in a way that has no real benefit for me."

"Well, that's where we're different; I love eating you out because I love making you squirm and beg for more."

"Yeah, we need to talk about that. Sometimes, you need to eat me because your goal is my pleasure."

"I would, but every time I try, you beg for more," Will smirked.

"That is a pretty neat trick you have. Go ask Mum and Dad if we can leave yet. I'd like to test some of this before bedtime," Caitlyn smiled.

"So it's Mum and Dad now. Twelve hours ago, they were Mike and Sarah," Will teased.

"Well, Sarah became Mum, and it would be rude not to call her husband Dad."

"Are you trying to steal my parents?"

"I can't steal what's willingly given."

"Can you at least call her Mom? Mum is weird in your accent," Will teased.

"I tried. She shut that down faster than I shut down your ideas of me wanting to fuck another man," Caitlyn smirked before turning serious. "Will, don't ever doubt me again. Right now, you, your parents and your sisters are my only family, but it only has meaning because of you. If you don't trust me, I'd rather be alone in the world."

Back at the hotel, Caitlyn immediately took control. Even though she knew it was probably temporary, she wanted to enjoy Will's regret over his assumptions and the temporary reversal in dominance it gave her.

It didn't last long. He managed through her striptease and demands for her pleasure until he decided to remind her of the realities of their sexual relationship. Caitlyn could have complained. She could have stopped him. She had complete confidence in that power, but she didn't want to. She loved the fact she had pushed him beyond restraint.

"I like the stockings," Will said, running his hands up her legs as they recovered, causing Caitlyn to laugh. "What so funny?"

"Well, I don't want to traumatise you, but your Mum picked them," Caitlyn giggled. "I wanted pantyhose, but she said if you were anything like your father, they'd be a waste of money, and you'd ruin them once you saw my lingerie."

"Why would that traumatise me?" Will asked plainly.

"Most people aren't comfortable hearing about their parents' sex life," Caitlyn said, facing him.

"I'm not saying I want to imagine it, but I understand how I was made," Will replied. "Mum has always been very honest about the realities of sex and what it means. In fact, once we were old enough, she openly admitted that she planned some of our sleepovers or weekends away with Grandma or Nana so that she could have Dad to herself."

"I can't imagine what the 'talk' in your house was like," Caitlyn giggled. "Mine was nothing but an uncomfortable conversation with Momma about the basics and a vague understanding that while my parents assumed I would abstain until marriage, it was unlikely."

"Mine wasn't bad. Most of my friends just got a talking to from their Dad, but both Mum and Dad did mine," Will replied. "Dad focused on the realities of sex, while Mum impressed upon me the responsibilities of being a man and not taking advantage. From what Kate and Lettie have told me, it was similar for them. Mum and Dad told them sex and sexuality was nothing to be ashamed of. Mum focused on accepting it, and Dad warned them about the pressures they would face."

"I wish I had that," Caitlyn said quietly. "Honestly, I'm not sure I gave into the idea of sex for pleasure until our first time. Don't get me wrong, I'd had sex, orgasms and pleasurable experiences. But that first night in the bush, I wasn't thinking about consequences or my reputation. My only thought was about how much I wanted you and how much I wanted to let go in the moment."

Caitlyn had a thought and sat up, "Will, this is serious. I knew what I liked about sex. As you know, I like giving head, but it was a game. Wait three dates, and give them a little without giving away the farm. But I liked it, and I like sex. So it became a new game. I balanced my desire for sex with my reputation. The longer they waited, the more I gave. It worked for me, and I liked imagining what would happen when they finally broke through. Our first night was the first time I just gave in to desire. I watched you, how you made our camp safe, how you made dinner, and how personal it all felt, and I knew if you asked, I would surrender myself. But I knew you wouldn't, and I wanted it, so I decided to make the first move. You could have asked me for anything that night, and it was yours. While I waited, I let my imagination run free. The reality was much better."

"Why are you telling me this?" Will asked quietly.

"Because you're supposed to love me. You grew up in a family where sex was a reality and celebrated," Caitlyn replied. "I grew up in one where it was a crime while my parents cheated on each other."

"I can't imagine," Will said quietly.

"Mum would kill your dad if he cheated," Caitlyn laughed.

"Don't underestimate Dad," Will said seriously. "He goes along with Mum to make her happy, but when he steps in, it's law. Even Mum accepts it. I've rarely seen them go against each other. I've heard them fight, but ultimately, they always find a common ground. But if Dad sticks to his guns, Mum always backs down."

"But... Sarah always seems to be the one in control," Caitlyn argued.

"Mum is better at emotions and people," Will admitted. "Dad knows it, so he lets her lead. But they're a team. Dad grounded me once for breaking curfew. I thought he was being unfair, so I appealed to Mum. She doubled it for asking her to undermine her husband."

"I never had that," Caitlyn said softly. "You want to know one of my family secrets?"

Caitlyn continued before Will could answer.

"In public, my parents are those anti-abortion and anti-birth control people. Privately, Momma helped me get an IUD before College. Apparently, the scandal of Armstrong getting pregnant outweighed religion."

"Caitlyn, I'm so sorry," Will whispered. "I can't imagine what that was like."

"It doesn't matter, that's my past. I'm focussing on my future," Caitlyn smiled. "My future is I'm due for a replacement next year, and you're going to have to help me get a new one in England or Botswana. My only knowledge of healthcare is here in the States, and it wouldn't surprise me if Daddy has already removed me from his insurance policy. I'm not ready to have your babies, and we're never using condoms. I'm not turning my favourite part of you into a latex dildo."

Caitlyn loved the experience of being at the US Open, supporting Kate with Will and his family. Kate's stark warning about the realities of being a professional had opened her eyes a little. But it didn't take away from her excitement of being in the underbelly of the tournament. The access to the exclusive lounges and the general thrill of being more than a spectator.

"So, is this your parent's life?" Caitlyn asked after Kate won her first-round match. "Following Kate around the world, getting to experience all this?"

"No," Will said seriously. "They do all the Grand Slams and the other big tournaments. Even though Dad is her manager, he does most of it from home. Mum's always been clear that he has obligations to our entire family, and focusing on Kate would be unfair."

"So she wasn't the golden child?" Caitlyn asked, still amazed at his family dynamics.

"Oh, she was," Will laughed. "She's the definition of a Daddy's girl, and we all know it, but not like you think. Dad's always been good at finding time for all of us. Kate just has a special relationship with him."

"More special than the one you have with him?" Caitlyn asked, confused. "I mean, watching you two together, you're basically the same person."

"Maybe that makes it easier for Dad not to worry about me?" Will countered. "Kate still has insecurities from her adoption. Her connection with Dad helps with that."

"How does that work?" Caitlyn asked, now curious.

"Well, I won't go into Kate's insecurities. That's her story to tell. But we all have our little things with Mum and Dad. I might seem like I'm similar to Dad, but I like to think I've got Mum's emotional intelligence."

"So you all have your own little connections," Caitlyn smiled. "I wonder what mine will be?"

"You already have Mum's love of dress shopping and spending Dad's money," Will smirked.

"Hey, I didn't ask for any of this," Caitlyn defended. "I would be happy to disappear into the Delta with you and find out what happens next."

"We can still do that," Will smiled. "Now, let's go do something that isn't tennis related. We're in New York. Let's find the dirtiest hot dog stand we can. They're usually the best."

The search for a hot dog ended in a small dive bar. Will and Caitlyn were just chatting when Madonna's 'Like A Prayer' came on over the jukebox.

"Oh, my god, I love this song," Caitlyn said.

"That explains so much about you," Will said, holding back a laugh.

"What do you mean?"

"What do you think the song is about?" Will asked.

"Well, based on the old video, it's about a mixed-race relationship, and the man she falls in love with feels like home," Caitlyn replied. "Kind of like us, now I think about it."

"Caitlyn, it's a tribute to her love of giving blowjobs," Will laughed again. "Think about the lyrics, 'When you call my name, it's like a little prayer. I'm down on my knees, I want to take you there. In the midnight hour, I can feel your power."

"And what does that explain about me?" Caitlyn replied, smiling.

"Well, you haven't exactly been shy about your oral fixation, so it makes sense you'd love this song."

"Only for you, and if you're lucky, I'll give you a demonstration later," Caitlyn replied. "But you owe me. You've ruined my go-to karaoke song."

Caitlyn quickly realised that even though he unconditionally supported his sister, Will minimised his connection with her world. On Caitlyn's off days, while his father was meeting her agent and sponsors while Kate practised, Will insisted they go on adventures.

Exploring New York with him forced Caitlyn to see how true Will was to his values. He ignored tourist experiences and took her to bodegas and food trucks. He wanted to find the best pizza in Brooklyn that wasn't in a guide. He judged the quality of Chinatown restaurants based on how few members of staff spoke decent English.

But when the realities of Kate's life came to the fore, he was a willing participant, even if he was only playing a role. The only high society event where Will was truly himself was when they went to dinner with the Botswana Ambassador to the UN. Caitlyn was initially confused by his informality until she realised that Mike and the Ambassador were old-school friends. Ostensibly, this was a dinner to celebrate Kate's connection to Botswana even if she officially represented Great Britain, but once the photographers left and the meal began, it was just another family dinner, listening to Mike and the Ambassador share stories.

As the first week ended and Kate made the fourth round, Kate announced she wanted a 'sister day' with Caitlyn after Lettie flew back to England.

"You got time with Lettie in Oxford. Now it's my turn, while I've got an extra day off," Kate smiled.

"Okay, what's the plan?" Caitlyn asked.

"Well, I do have to practice, so why don't you hang out in the players' lounge, and when I'm done, we'll see what trouble we can get up to?"

"Kate Smith, you're in tournament mode, nothing that will attract the press please," Mike said firmly.

"Yes, Daddy," Kate said, waving her father off and smirking at Caitlyn.

Unfortunately, the date never happened.

Caitlyn was happily enjoying the benefits of the players' lounge when Mark Dempsey took a seat at her table.

"So, have you thought more about my offer?" He asked, signalling a server.

"What offer?" Caitlyn said firmly. "I forgot everything you said when I kissed my partner. I went so weak at the knees we had to leave early."

"My offer to show you a world you could never dream of," Mark said, ignoring her.

"Oh, that offer," Caitlyn said dramatically. "No, thank you. I'd rather focus on my real relationship. Something that will last beyond 30 seconds of you heaving on top of me while I pretend you're the best thing that ever happened to me. Maybe that's why your wife ignores you're cheating. She probably uses the time you're gone to find actual satisfaction. She probably dreads the day you stop being marketable and have to retire."

"How dare you..." Mark started, but Caitlyn didn't let him finish.

"No, how dare you?" Caitlyn snapped. I thought I made it clear at our last meeting: I'm not interested. I have a partner I love and will never sacrifice. Go find yourself another groupie. Oh, wait. You tennis players call them ball bunnies."

Caitlyn smiled as Mark abruptly stood up, whispering "Bitch" under his breath.

It was only when he was gone that she noticed that some people had their phones out recording the moment. Looking around the room, she spotted Kate standing in stunned silence.

"You have no idea how much I love you for saying that," Kate whispered. "But I'm sorry we have to cancel our date. We need to tell Daddy what just happened and get ahead of it before it hits the news cycle."

As they rode the courtesy car to the hotel Caitlyn was conflicted. She was proud of her actions in standing up for herself and her relationship. She was also concerned about the potential effect on Kate's career and standing.

After texting her parents, Kate smiled at Caitlyn and took her hand

"You did the right thing; don't forget that. And if anyone can fix this, it's Daddy."

Kate's words did a little bit to allay Caitlyn's fears. She remained silent at the reception as Kate asked about her parents before they were shown to a small meeting room. Her silence continued as Kate explained the situation. She noted the reactions in the room: Sarah's small smile of approval, Mike's lack of reaction, and most importantly, Will's simmering anger as he tightly gripped the table.

Eventually, Mike spoke.

"I need some time to sort through this. I'll meet you at the bar," he said carefully before looking at Sarah. "Babe, get me a double.

Outside the meeting room, Sarah immediately hugged Caitlyn.

"I'm proud of you, sweetheart. That wanker needed a reality check

Caitlyn, however, was focused on Will. Before they entered the bar, she stopped him.

"I didn't ask for it, I swear," she implored.

"I know," Will said quietly. "It's just a reminder of why I hate this world," he finished kissing her forehead.

In the bar, everyone remained silent until Mike returned.

"We've got a copy of the video," Mike said slowly. "Thankfully, it shows Dempsey sitting with Caitlyn without permission. I can't stop the press, but I've let them know that if they don't use all of it, we will. I've also spoken to his publicist and made it clear that I will find every woman he's ever taken advantage of and paint him as a predator if he tries to paint Caitlyn as a tease or someone who invited him."

"Thank you," Caitlyn whispered.

"I'm not done," Mike said firmly. "As someone who cares about you, you did the right thing. As someone responsible for managing my daughter's career, I need you to leave. Your presence in the family box keeps the story alive and takes away from her achievements. It sounds harsh, but it's the reality."

"Dad, if she goes, so do I," Will interrupted firmly.

"Good. If you didn't say that, I'd ask for a paternity test. Find somewhere fun to lay low for a few days, and I'll pay," Mike smiled. Unlike your sisters or mother, I trust you not to abuse my generosity."

"Let's go to Nashville," Caitlyn said suddenly. "It's so touristy most people won't even connect me to the girl in the news. And I want to see Will in a Honky Tonk."

"Good, find a flight and hotel, and I'll look after the rest," Mike replied.

As they packed their things, Caitlyn pulled Will aside.

"Babe, I'm sorry. I know you're going to tell me not to be, but let me finish. I'm not sorry for what I did. I'm sorry that it happened. I could have told Mark to leave as soon as he sat down. I know you don't like this world. I was so excited about my day with Kate and enjoying her world that I didn't think until he spoke. And maybe, just maybe, there's still a tiny bit of sorority Barbie in me, enjoying the attention of the superstar."

"Listen here, Caitlyn Armstrong," Will said quietly. "If you ever apologise for rejecting another man's advances or putting a scumbag like Dempsey in his place, I'll give you a spanking."

"You can't punish me with things I might actually want," Caitlyn smiled.

By the time Will and Caitlyn reached the airport, her interaction with Mark was just breaking the news. She was thankful that Sarah had given her one of Kate's caps and suggested she wear some big sunglasses as a disguise. She was also thankful for Will's access to the private lounges, where most people ignored them.

She was surprised when she discovered Mike had booked them first class.

"I thought your family didn't believe in first and business class."

"Flights under two hours where we can sit together don't count. Also, they were the only tickets available," Will laughed. "Seriously, we didn't really have time earlier. Are you okay with what happened and what Dad did?"

"Yeah," Caitlyn said confidently. "I'm still adjusting to all this, but I can accept that when we're in Kate's world, she has to be the priority. It's not like Oxford or Botswana when you just get to be yourselves. Everything that happens around her is scrutinised. Her sister-in-law making the headlines by insulting a global superstar probably doesn't help."

"Sister-in-law," Will smirked. "Did we have a ceremony I forgot about?"

"No, but it's what Kate calls me, so deal with it," Caitlyn joked.

Instead of replying, Will turned his head to catch the stewardess's attention to order a drink before he changed the subject.

"So, you really want to take me to Honky Tonk?"

"Yeah, I've seen you line dance in Botswana; I know the music is different, but the basic principles look the same," Caitlyn said. "I didn't get to show you my town. It's the sort of thing I grew up with, and Nashville probably has bigger and better ones than we do. Anyway, I think you'd look hot in cowboy boots."

"Caitlyn, I might agree to the line dancing. But no cowboy boots. You have a better chance of convincing me to support South Africa in rugby," Will replied seriously.

"I thought you would, given the Botswana connection," Caitlyn replied.

"Nope, England through and through, and while we're on the list of teams not to support, you can add Wales, Scotland, France, and Australia."

"Is there anyone I can support?" Caitlyn smiled.

"Yeah, England, I thought I made that clear."

"And what if I choose to support France."

"Think of it this way. You're a Georgia girl. How would you feel if I decided to support Florida or Alabama? You support France. I support one of those," Will smiled.

England it is," Caitlyn laughed, leaning into him.

Nashville reminded Caitlyn that Will had a different idea of tourism. She just wanted to enjoy Broadway and eat barbecue. While he did indulge her requests, he wanted to see more. They visited the Grand Ole Opry and both Hall of Fames.

Caitlyn's real eye-opener was the African American Music Museum. It was the first time she'd seen him entranced in a museum, and she was confused.

"I thought you hated museums and static history," Caitlyn said after they found a bar.

"What did you see in the museum?"

"I saw what you saw, the history of African American music," Caitlyn said plainly.

"I saw the influence of black people on global culture and how the blues influenced bands like the Rolling Stones and The Beatles. How Rock and Roll only exist because white artists couldn't admit to being influenced by black music."

"Why do you always make it about the bigger picture?" Caitlyn asked. "I've never known you to just look at what's in front of you and take it at face value."

"It's who I am," Will replied. "There's always a bigger picture, and I'm not saying I know everything. I just try and look at it before I see what's in front of me."

"I guess that's what made me fall for you," Caitlyn smiled. "Your ability to see beyond."

"So it wasn't the fact I'm a superstar in bed?" Will smirked.

"It helped, but no, I fell in love with your pursuit of real experiences," Caitlyn smiled. "Now, how are you going to feed me before we watch your sister's match?"

"I found this neighbourhood bar called Butchertown Hall. It's like a German beer hall meets Texas barbecue, and it's close to a sports bar," Will smiled.

"I not a big beer drinker," Caitlyn complained. "I only did it in Botswana because it was free for staff."

"They do Margaritas on tap."

"Then what are we waiting for."

Caitlyn was having so much fun that she had forgotten that some people might not approve of her relationship. They were still in the sports bar when a man intruded on them.

"What's a good girl like you doing with this Limey prick when you could have your choice of men?"

Caitlyn initially looked at Will, expecting him to defend himself, but she was surprised when he shook his head.

"I don't know, maybe it's because he's not an asshole," she replied defiantly.

"Look at him. He's a Beta, letting you defend him. If you were my girl and someone said what I did, they'd already be on the floor," The man continued.

Caitlyn was aware that Will was uncomfortable and did not want to engage. She wanted to defend him; in her experience, inaction wouldn't help.

"Beta? My man stares down lions for a living. He knows how to lead people through some of the wildest places on earth. I bet you've never even heard of the Okavango Delta. What do you do? Work in an office and drive an oversized truck so everyone knows what a big man you are?"

"Hey, I don't let anyone talk to me like that!" The man said, stepping towards Caitlyn.

"Touch her, and I'll break the offending body part," Will intervened without raising his voice.

"You want to take this outside?"

"No, all that happens there is I get kicked out of this bar, and I'm having fun. Let's do this another way. Pick a drinking challenge, anything. Just no bullshit like beer pong, and I'll match you. I'll even pay."

"I get to pick," The man asked seriously.

"Anything you want," Will replied. "It just has to be a real drinking contest."

"Okay, four shots of tequila, one-on-one, " the man said, waving over a server.

"Let's make it six. No salt and no lemon or lime," Will said firmly.

Caitlyn noticed Will whispering something to the server after the order was made. He had some kind of plan, but she couldn't see it.

She was still confused a few minutes later when the server didn't just return with the shots. She'd brought a crowd of spectators, the bouncers and a whiskey tumbler.

"So, just so we're clear, we match drinks?" Will asked.

"Yeah," The man said dismissively.

Without another word, Will poured all his shots into the whisky tumbler and downed it.

"Match that," he said quietly.

As Caitlyn watched the intruder hesitate, attempt to match Will's challenge and his eventual failure, she understood. Will had asked for the crowd to embarrass their intruder when he couldn't match him. The bouncers were there, so he couldn't react violently. While the crowd cheered, their intruder silently walked away, escorted by the bouncers.

After the cheering finished, one of the other patrons hung around.

"Thanks for that, he's an asshole, but he normally never crosses any lines. I'm Evan."

"Nice to meet you," Will said politely. "Glad to be of service."

"So, where did you learn to do that?" Evan asked.

"Two things. One while you Americans play drinking games like beer pong. Us Brits only have one drinking game - drinking," Will smiled. "Two, it's basic science. The liver can only process so much alcohol at a time, so it's going to take a while to process the tequila, so I won't just magically get drunk. It's why you can fail a sobriety test while feeling sober. I may hate myself in an hour or two, but I've got a pretty awesome partner in Caitlyn to look after me. My Dad had to do something like this many years ago when someone challenged him to a drinking contest. He said it's the quickest way to end one, with being overly stupid."

"Okay, why don't you two come join us at the bar and you can introduce us to another British drinking tradition before the tequila hits? My treat," Evan smiled.

"Okay, we'll do a boat race if you can find eight people," Will replied. "It's like a relay race, two teams, everyone downs a beer, but you have to wait until the person in front of you finishes before you can start."

"That sounds fun, come on. By the way, this is my bar; your tab is on me for showing that asshole his place."

"Find yourself in Oxford, and I'll return the favour, Mate."

Caitlyn just followed Will and his new friend to the bar. This was why she loved him. He never tried to be anything he wasn't. People felt that and wanted to be around him, whether they were wealthy tourists in Botswana or the owner of a neighbourhood dive.

Much to Caitlyn's surprise, when they did hit Broadway Will loved it. He engaged in every bar, picking out favourites by their third day - he refused to go into Kid Rock's, but she couldn't blame him for that.

"I thought this would be too manufactured for you," Caitlyn admitted as they walked through a gift shop.

"Why?" he asked. "It's not manufactured. Nashville is a music city, and we have 80 bars celebrating music and this city's connection to it. Yes, they emphasise the tourist experience, but it's still fundamentally a real experience. We're not watching famous bands. We're watching gig bands relying on tips, hoping they get a chance to find their place in Nashville's music scene; it's awesome. That said, I would like to escape the noise later."

"This is why you wouldn't let me haggle in Botswana," Caitlyn said. "It's the same thing; the bands aren't paid to be here. They're no different than street performers or traders, except they have to audition for their slot."

"Pretty much," Will admitted. "You wouldn't haggle with a band asking for a twenty dollar tip in return for a song request. Why haggle over five dollars for a carved elephant?"

Caitlyn smiled and kissed him before changing the subject. "If you want to get away from the noise, I could eat. We could get some hot chicken at Hattie B's," Caitlyn smiled.

"No," Will smiled. "Prince's, If we're getting Nashville hot chicken, I want the original."

"Why do I bother?" Caitlyn smiled.

As their night ended, Caitlyn and Will found themselves as the last customers at their hotel's rooftop bar. Listening to the thud of Broadway in the distance, Caitlyn turned to him.

"What next?" she asked. "I get the last two weeks have been intense, my parents, my actions at the US Open, but it's more than that. I love you, but our relationship has been protected by the bubble of Botswana, Oxford, and the last two weeks. Eventually, we'll have to work out who we are on our own."

"What happens next is you marry me," Will said easily.

"Will, I think you're forgetting the part where a proposal is a request," Caitlyn teased nervously.

"I'm not requesting it. I'm telling you what I want," Will smiled. "You want to talk about the future and my potential business, fine. I will share those with you willingly on the condition you marry me. You've seen all of me, Botswana, Oxford, Kate's world. Now it's up to you to tell me you want to share that for the rest of our lives."

"Will, we've been through so much; I picked you over my parents," Caitlyn said seriously. "Ask me to marry you, and I will say yes, demand it, and I have to think."

"No, I know what I want, my safari company and you. I know exactly what you did picking me over your parents. I would have committed to you regardless and suffered through every visit. The only thing that matters is you," Will said, softening his tone. "Forget the romance or image you had as a little girl. Marry me, so when I say I run a business with my wife, it's true. If you marry me, our life might be hard; it may require sacrifices, but it will be ours. No legacy to live up to, no expectations, just us and what we build together. Either you want that, or you don't. I'd rather know now."

"Yes," Caitlyn said quietly. "I'll marry you.

"What was that?"

"I will marry you," Caitlyn said louder. "But no prenups. We're a team, everything is equal, and we agree now: I'm your partner, not your cheerleader."

"Mum would disown me for suggesting a prenup. I don't even want to know what she would do if I treated you like a cheerleader instead of my partner. Anyway, prenups technically aren't enforceable in England, so just divorce me there if I fuck up that badly," Will laughed.

"Can we get married in Botswana?" Caitlyn asked. "I could care less about the details. I just want to get married where we met and where we're going to build a life."

"Couldn't," Will replied.

"What?"

"You couldn't care less about the details. You said you 'could care less', which technically suggests you care. It's a common mistake, and most people don't realise, but it's really annoying."

"Really?" Caitlyn said, rolling her eyes. "That's what you got from what I said?"

"Yes, I'm about to commit my life to you. I'd like to marry someone who can speak decent English, not just that hybrid American nonsense you speak. You're worse than the Australians. At least they use proper spelling."

"You're challenging my English?" Caitlyn laughed. "You who calls fries 'chips' and thinks a cookie is a biscuit? My English is just fine, thank you, and you will learn to deal with it."

"Okay," Will sighed, stepping closer and pulling her towards him. "Just so you know, serving a scone and calling it a biscuit is grounds for an annulment in England."

"As long as you start calling chips fries?" Caitlyn teased, kissing him.

"Never," Will replied, returning her kiss. "It would be like me asking you to call gas petrol."

"Can't I just get one," Caitlyn pouted.

"I'll compromise. You can keep gas and fries as long as I get to keep biscuits," Will laughed. "Just one agreement, no French or Italian. It's not a filet mignon, just a fillet. It's not a zucchini; it's a courgette."

"I'll work on it, future husband," Caitlyn smiled. "You need to get me a ring."

"What did you say the first night we spent together? Tomorrow. Tomorrow, future wife."

Epilogue

Caitlyn and Will decided to get married quickly. Sarah, playing the mother of both the bride and groom, helped Caitlyn plan an intimate yet informal wedding in Botswana. For Caitlyn, it was perfect. She asked Mike to give her away, but he refused.

"Caitlyn, I'll happily walk you down the aisle if that's what you want, but I'm not giving you away. It's your choice to marry Will. The whole idea is archaic and demeaning, and I don't want to be part of any wedding that includes it, whether it's you, Kate, or Lettie. This is your choice; I'm just escorting you to your final destination."

Caitlyn was touched. Her father-in-law had completely reframed a moment she had imagined since she was a little girl. She had always imagined the moment as a symbol of her dad entrusting his little girl to her husband. Mike didn't want that for her. He wanted to embrace the fact it was her decision to commit to marrying his son.

"Thanks, Dad," Caitlyn said emotionally. "Could you escort me while I marry your son?"

"It would be my greatest pleasure, Daughter-in-law," Mike smiled before kissing her forehead. "Now, I hope you don't mind, but I'm going to steal my son for a few hours. I need to get some wisdom in before he becomes your problem."

It was only meant to be a family affair, which meant over sixty people turned up, given the unorthodox family Caitlyn was joining. They were having a pre-wedding dinner when Angela, Grant, and most of the lodge staff arrived to surprise Caitlyn.

"What are you guys doing here?" Caitlyn asked as she spotted them.

"Will already has a Botswana family. Sarah thought you might want your own on your big day," Angela said, hugging her. "And I've spoken to Sarah; you're coming back with us, only this time, you and Will are guests, and you get the full treatment. The only payment we ask is your husband leads one last game drive before you become the competition."

After the wedding, Will and Caitlyn rented a house in Maun. For their honeymoon, they travelled all across southern Africa. For Will, it was research, looking at different safari experiences and options so they could get ideas for their own business. For Caitlyn, it was a chance to consummate their marriage in as many countries as possible.

Will finally decided that mobile safaris were the better option over leasing a concession. It was the most practical; Will could focus on the Okavango Delta and offer other experiences like the Central Kalahari and Salt Pans. With Mike's help, Caitlyn pointed out that his dream of accessible safaris wasn't practical. Just travelling to Africa was a significant expense for most people, and there would be expectations. Caitlyn, making it clear she wanted to become a mother once they were established, probably helped force Will's hand.

Will compromised. He found a balance between his view of an authentic experience and allowing a few luxuries. He also insisted that for the nine months of the year they worked, only six would be dedicated to wealthy tourists. The other three would balance offering heavily discounted rates to local citizens and taking school groups for educational weeks in the bush. He also offered a free service planning itineraries for the more daring tourists who wanted to drive themselves.

They found mentors in Maun within the community of safari operators, and for the first year, most of their business came from referrals. Initially, Caitlyn tried to go on every trip, but as their business grew and they started hiring more staff to keep up with the demand, she stepped back.

Someone had to stay in the office and manage the day-to-day details. They both knew it wasn't going to be Will. By the end of the second year, they were operating two or three tours at any given time, with three additional guides, camp cooks and porters on staff.

As they entered their third year, Caitlyn discovered she was pregnant and asked Will to take a step back. They were now very profitable, and they could afford another guide.

Will didn't argue; he agreed on the condition that he would still lead his school groups. Instead, he joined a guide school as an instructor, and eventually, he bought in as a partner. Where possible, Will and Caitlyn tried to hire the guides who graduated. However, as Will's reputation grew, many were recruited by some of the luxury lodges.

He still took charge of VIP tours when the clients specifically requested him. Caitlyn didn't mind that so much. They charged an exorbitant fee for his presence. She made a point to join the VIP groups when they included attractive women. She trusted her husband. She enjoyed watching him charm them through the day, knowing that when it was all over, she was the one who shared his tent. Caitlyn was convinced their second child was conceived on one of these trips.

The only exceptions were her sisters-in-law. She joined those because she loved watching her best friends tease and bully Will. Kate and Lettie had shown her what true sisterhood was. Soon after marrying Will, she cut ties with her former sorority. She no longer wanted to be included in Alumni updates or receive invitations to reunions. That was part of the life her parents expected her, not the life she chose.

When Mike and Sara visited, they always insisted on paying the full rate for Will and Caitlyn's time if they went camping during the usual tourist season.

"Sweetheart, you don't know how much it means to us to see Will in his element. We don't care that we're not getting the full guest experience. I don't know if Mike knows how to be in the bush and not help with the campfire and set up. It's time with you and our grandchildren. This is your peak season. We can't let you lose money for us. Remember, if you can't trust your family to support your business, you need a new family," Sarah told Caitlyn after she complained.

Their first child brought a reconciliation of sorts with her mother. Caitlyn learned that Sarah had secretly kept in touch, letting Eleanor know how Caitlyn was doing. Caitlyn was still firm on her boundaries and had no intention of rebuilding a relationship until her parents, particularly her father, apologised for his actions. But she did open a line of communication with her mother, sending her pictures of her grandchildren and allowing her mother to send them birthday and Christmas presents, provided her mother didn't go overboard.

On their 10th anniversary, Caitlyn found herself smiling through the window as Will and their two sons, now four and six, were preparing for a family camping night in the garden of their compound on the edge of town. Caitlyn was just preparing the last of the things they needed for the night before she joined them.

She already knew her plan for the night. They would sing songs around the campfire and roast marshmallows until the boys fell asleep. After tucking them into their sleeping bags, Caitlyn would steal Will for a few hours and start working on baby number three. She wanted a girl this time.

She was planning her seduction when she saw her boys excitedly pointing around a bush.

"What is it?" She said loudly, rushing to join them.

"Snake, your favourite, a puff adder," Will smiled at her.

"Boys, inside now!" She said sharply before turning to Will. "Let me guess, you need a snake hook and a catching bag?"

"Please," Will replied, crouching to get a better look under the bush. "Actually, bring two hooks and a box. It's a big one," Will finished smiling while keeping his eye on the snake.

For the most part, Caitlyn had adapted to living on the edge of the wild. While she didn't seek them out, she appreciated the likely presence of snakes. They kept the mice and rats away. Despite her first experience with them, she wasn't particularly afraid of puff adders anymore. After a decade of travelling the bush with Will, she'd learned that they weren't interested if you left them alone.

She only insisted that Will catch the venomous ones to protect their sons from their curiosity. Will often kept smaller pythons and house snakes in his shed for educational demonstrations. She had a healthy fear of mambas. They were the only snakes that put Will on edge. They'd only seen one, and it was the only time she'd seen him use snake tongs instead of a hook, and the adrenaline shakes lasted nearly 30 minutes. Still, in the moment, he'd shown no fear, just calm competence.

As Caitlyn stood a safe distance away with their boys, watching Will move the snake, she thought about the life they had built together. Like Will had promised, it hadn't always been easy or perfect, but it was built on a foundation of love and the freedom of knowing they had chosen this life. They had fun, they had adventures, and most importantly, they had created their own legacy.

***

I hope you all enjoyed Caitlyn's journey with Will. As always all feedback is really welcome, taking the time to rate and/or comment means the world to me. Happy reading TB.