An antique bed with a canopy and matching quilt took up most of the room.
"It's a wedding present from Dad." Justin said.
She frowned. "Dad sent something clear out here?"
Justin grinned. "My Dad."
Megan clamped a hand over her mouth and stared at him, her face warm. "Oh my gosh." She finally said. "I have a father-in-law."
Justin laughed. "He's going to come by tomorrow so he can meet you."
He sobered. "Look, I know you worked hard to get everything together on such short notice, and I appreciate that. I want you to realize that everything is not your responsibility now. I'm here and we are going to share responsibilities." He gripped her shoulders. "I was wrong to spring this wedding on you the way I did. I should have asked you. I apologize for that."
She gazed up at him. "You were frightened."
He frowned. "Of what?"
"That you wouldn't fit in - that people would laugh at you."
He rubbed his jaw. "I don't fit in. Denton called it right. I'm a country hick."
She gasped. "You are not! Denton is a snob. You're not like him and I'm glad."
He smiled, drawing her into his arms. "Megan, I love you."
She returned his smile. "I love you too."
His kiss was slow, warming her to the heart. Finally he released her and kicked off his shoes, his mood suddenly playful. "Let's see if this bed is as comfortable as it looks."
That evening they built a fire in the fireplace and sat in front of it on the hardwood floor drinking coffee and exchanging stories from their youth. Their lives had been so different, and yet, their basic values were the same. They had been raised over 1500 miles apart and with different cultures, but they had each learned to fit into the other.
The depth of their love had little to do with how long they had known each other. Instead, it was about how much they respected each other. His apology had been born of respect. They were willing to change with each other, not for each other. She liked him the way he was.
****
Megan and Justin kept the little cabin, camping there several times a year - first by themselves and then with their children. They expanded on the cabin over the years to accommodate their five children.
After their first child was born, they moved into the country north of Los Angeles. They built an office and both worked from home, hiring a tutor for the children. They had their ups and downs, but they never regretted their sudden marriage. Grandpa and Grandma O'Hara loved Justin like a son, and Mr. O'Hara said he was glad she didn't marry Denton.