Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 57908 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 193(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57908 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 193(@300wpm)
Charly laughed, tilting her head back, her bright-red hair falling over her shoulders. “I think we all were. I thought I knew everything when I was a teenager.” She rubbed my shoulder. “But you’ll be fine, Dom. You’ll have Cherry with you. It might be tough at first, but you’ll figure it out.” She smiled. “He’s going to be nervous too.”
I rubbed my face. “I know. I have no idea what lies she’s been telling him all these years. He might hate me because she’s taught him to.”
Cherry walked in, hearing my last words. “Then we’ll unteach him. You’ll find common interests. He loves cars, he told me. Bring him here and let him see what you do. I bet that breaks the ice.”
Charly nodded, looking enthused. “Great idea. He can see you in action. Watch the guys working. He’ll have tons of questions, and you can talk to him about something he loves. That can be your bridge.”
I rubbed my chin. “Good idea.”
Charly and Cherry exchanged a knowing look, making me laugh. “You ladies are awesome.”
Charly stood and sniffed. “Of course we are. I keep telling you that.”
She hugged Cherry. “I’m so excited about tonight. Hannah is gonna be so surprised.”
Cherry smiled. “I know. It’s so hard not to call her and wish her a happy birthday, but I’m afraid I’ll slip and say something. Chase has worked so hard to keep this a secret. Last night, I mentioned I was busy all day and would call her tonight. She probably thinks I’ve forgotten.”
“She’ll forgive you,” I assured her.
Charly chuckled. “Yes, she will. What time are you heading to the bar to decorate it?”
“About three.”
“Great. Maxx will stay with the kids, and I’ll meet you there. Stefano’s sister is coming to babysit all the kids tonight so we can all be there.”
I laughed. “That’s a handful.”
“I know. But she insisted. Gabby says she’s bringing her eldest daughter, who loves kids, so they’ll be fine. I told them I’d have my cell on in case. And Mama Rosa would leave the party and help if needed,” Charly added.
“Good plan.”
“I’m not missing my boy getting engaged,” she added. “And Brett is flying home to be there. It’s going to be an epic party.”
I had to agree. Only a few of us knew about Brett flying in. Even fewer knew the reason he was coming. Chase was playing his cards close to his chest about the engagement. Charly was his closest ally, and she was in on the secret. To say she was thrilled with the way his life was going was an understatement. She loved Chase as if he were her own. She was his friend, pseudo-mother, and most trusted adviser wrapped up in a blunt, ferocious, tiny, redheaded package.
Charly left with a wave, and I looped my arm around Cherry. “Got everything you needed?”
“Yes. All the decorations and balloons, the cake, everything on Chase’s list.”
“He’s going all out.”
She smiled softly. “He loves her a lot.”
I pulled her close. “I love you.”
She kissed me. “I know.”
“When you gonna marry me?”
Cherry rolled her eyes. “You only asked me a couple of weeks ago. How about we move, you get to know your son, then we’ll talk about a date?”
“You want a big wedding?”
“No, that’s for Hannah. I’d be happy with just us, a few friends, and a nice dinner.”
“What about a honeymoon?”
She pursed her lips. “I’d rather spend the time at the house.”
“A night in a fancy hotel first?” I asked. “Somewhere with a big tub where I can ravish you?”
Cherry laughed. “I could be persuaded.”
I winked at her. “Prepare yourself then, woman.”
She wrapped her arms around my neck. “Okay, then.”
We danced together, Cherry beaming in delight. The party had gone well, Hannah surprised and overwhelmed. Chase’s proposal had been heartfelt and romantic, and everyone had applauded loudly. He had been shocked and thrilled when Brett and Kelly had shown up. The evening had been a success.
“Mother and daughter engaged a few weeks apart,” I murmured. “Not a usual occurrence.”
Cherry laughed, her fingers tightening on my waist. “I suppose not.”
“And engaged to friends.”
She looked around the room, smiling at all the familiar faces. “I feel as if I got a new family,” she admitted. “They’re an amazing group.”
I had to agree. “Charly encourages that atmosphere. I think it’s astonishing.” I bent and kissed her mouth. “If someone had told me a year ago I’d be holding the love of my life, getting married, and being given a new family, as well the chance to rebuild my relationship with Josh, I would never have believed them.”
Cherry’s lovely eyes were warm and filled with emotion. “The same goes for me. Hannah is well and happy. Working in a safe place. She’s in love and getting married. I have a new job, a new place to live, and I get to do it with the sexiest man in the room.” She paused. “One I love with all my heart and who I can’t wait to share a life with.”