Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 98048 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 327(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98048 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 327(@300wpm)
“Damn, Mr. Love Fairy,” I murmur as we return to the kitchen. “That was some good thinking. They’re the perfect match.”
Evan nods vigorously. “Right?”
I’m grabbing the last of the condiments from the fridge when the doorbell rings.
“I’ll get it,” he says before darting off.
I set down the ketchup and mustard bottles, then wipe my hands and go to see who’s at the door.
Standing in the doorway is Shelley Hartley. I haven’t seen Evan’s mother in … I don’t know how many years. She looks good, though. Like she’s taking care of herself. Her hair is no longer dyed blonde, but her natural dark brown. Her skin looks healthy, and her jeans and tank top actually cover all the important bits.
Last time I asked Evan about her, he’d said he wasn’t quite ready to spring her on me. Until now, it seems.
“I baked a pie.” She holds up a tin wrapped in foil. Then her smile falters. “Okay, that’s a lie. I bought it at the grocery store and rewrapped it. But it’s a start, right?”
Evan is clearly trying not to laugh. “That’s great, Mom.” He gives her a kiss on the cheek and invites her in. “We appreciate it.”
Cooper’s standing in the living room as she enters. He offers to take the pie from her. While he doesn’t entirely manage a smile or a kiss for his mother, he gives her a nod. “Thank you,” he says brusquely. “That was thoughtful.”
By the relief on her face, it’s more than Shelley hoped for.
“Mom. You remember Genevieve.” Evan coaxes me forward.
“Of course I do. And oh my goodness, you’ve gotten so gorgeous.” She pulls me into a tight hug. “Evan told me about the engagement. I’m so happy for you two,” she gushes, holding me out with her hands on my arms. She glances at her son with an oddly smug smile. “See, baby? Didn’t I tell you? My love predictions always come true.” She turns back to me. “I always liked you two together. Even when you were little. I said, he’s going to marry that girl someday, if he knows what’s good for him.”
I get a tad choked up. “That’s really sweet.”
“Man, your kids,” she exclaims, eyes huge. “Such beautiful kids you two are gonna have. I can’t even.”
Shelley is already planning playdates with her grandkids before we’ve even set a date for the wedding. Not that we’re stalling, but with the grand opening at The Beacon coming up, scheduling is a nightmare.
Anyway, I think my dad is still in denial about the whole thing. A little upset that I asked Evan to marry me without talking to him first—and a lot scared that his only daughter isn’t five years old anymore. Bad enough he’s losing Craig to college next week. Billy and Jay insist he’ll work his way through the grief process in time for the wedding. Well, that’s if Evan survives the ritual hazing Shane and Kellan have promised to execute until he cracks or goes into hiding. But I have faith Evan can hold his own. One way or another, we’re mashing these families together, and consequences be damned. Kicking and screaming if need be.
After the greetings, we all go outside and start loading up our plates. It’s a super-casual affair. Harrison and Liz seem to have hit it off, so busy talking and smiling that they’re ignoring their food. Heidi and a few others gather at the railing to eat standing. Riley scarfs down hot dogs and coleslaw on the deck steps.
Meanwhile, the twins sit at the table, with me and Mac at their sides and their mom sitting across from them. Evan squeezes my hand under the table. He’d been anxious the past couple days. Tense. I hadn’t understood why, but now, seeing the contentment in his eyes, I realize this is a big moment for him. Having Shelley and her boys at the same table has been a long time coming. Despite the different roads we’ve taken to get here—and because of them—we’ve all found our second chances.
A cool breeze wafts over the deck and flutters our napkins. The season’s changing in the Bay, summer’s almost over. My arms break out in goosebumps, and a tiny shiver travels down my spine. It’s then I realize my shirt feels a bit drafty. I glance up to see Evan’s smug grin and remember I’m not wearing a bra. At my first dinner with his mother. And my nipples are hard.
Evan draws a tick mark in the air.
I walked right into this one. “So it’s going to be like that, huh?” I grumble under my breath.
He pulls my hand up to kiss my knuckles. “Always.”