Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 62772 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 314(@200wpm)___ 251(@250wpm)___ 209(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62772 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 314(@200wpm)___ 251(@250wpm)___ 209(@300wpm)
My dad sat back, tilting his head. “That sounds a lot like what happened here. That’s horrible.”
“Thankfully, he’s in a better spot now than he was back then. Back then, he withdrew from the spotlight, stopped writing, and basically stayed on his property for more than ten years. Because of the medical bills and incentive he had to give back since he wasn’t writing anymore, he ended up having to pay back a lot of money.”
“My agent is a saint. She kept some money back when I lost it. If it wasn’t for her, I would have lost everything.”
“Do you think you’ll ever write again?” my mother asked. “I’m trying to ask as a friend and not a fan. I’m not sure it’s working.”
Landon chuckled. “I appreciate that. And yes, I’m almost finished with a book that’s been on my mind for a while. Tara has been a tremendous help. If it wasn’t for her, I might never have found my will to write again. She saved me.”
I blushed, wanting nothing more than to meet his lips with mine. My parents in the room were cramping my style. Mainly because I knew I wouldn’t want to stop at just a kiss.
“I think we might have saved each other. You pushed me to follow my dreams, and I inspired you. We’re good together.”
“So, to answer your question from earlier? Yes. I plan to stay here as long as I can. As long as Tara wants to. I asked her to marry me earlier, and she said yes.”
My mother clapped her hands together, covering her face with them. “Are you serious?”
“Well. That’s great.” My dad and Landon stood, shaking each other’s hands.
“I know what we shared might not answer all of your questions, but I needed you to know the basics. To know I’m not what the media says. I’m hoping, with Tara’s article, that the feeling toward me shifts. The article should come out a couple of weeks before my new book.”
I glanced over at my mom, who hadn’t said anything since her initial reaction. There were tears streaming down her face. She met my eyes and beamed. Ever the sarcastic one, I didn’t miss a beat.
“I’m hoping the tears are for me and that you’re happy I met someone amazing and not because you’ll have a famous son-in-law.”
“With the way you write? I’ll have two famous people in my life, and I’ll love you both the same. Well…” She looked at me and patted my hand. “I’ll love you a little more.”
We all laughed then. It was a good thing I wasn’t jealous. “That’s convincing, Mom. Thanks. I’m glad I’ve got dad in my corner.”
He looked up and tipped his glass to me, then went back to Landon. They were both hopeless. An hour later, the food was on the table, and I was sharing what I hoped to be the first of many family dinners. I knew from our little Q and A with Landon earlier that family was extremely important to him. That was good because my family meant everything to me. The dinner was amazing. He really was a skilled cook. I had a feeling I might get a little spoiled. I was okay with that. The conversation flowed, and I enjoyed watching the three of them get to know each other. My heart was full.
A couple of hours later, the driver was back to take them home. I promised to get home to see them as soon as possible. At least I had some of my own clothes now. I needed to tell Landon at the first chance I got that our first official purchase as a couple would be a washer and dryer. Having my parents do our laundry seemed wrong, especially since I’d started doing my own when I was in middle school. Going back now would be weird. After they left, I helped with the dishes and cleaned the table. I was tired. It had been another long day.
Cleaning finished, Landon offered me his hand. “Thank you for helping me give them the backstory. It’s important that the people closest to me know the truth and feel comfortable asking me anything. I don’t have a family. You know that. I’m hoping you’re cool with me borrowing yours?”
“More than cool. And I can’t wait to officially be yours.”
He smiled, squeezing my hand before kissing it gently. “I’ve got a little more energy left if you want me to turn on the music. We need to practice our dancing for the wedding.”
Giggling like a schoolgirl at the mention of the wedding, Mom and I had discussed different plans throughout dinner. Not really the romantic sort, I’d never focused on the dream wedding like so many of my friends had. My mother, of course, had a million ideas. Her excitement lit a fire, getting me excited about the event and not just the man.