Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
“Take all the minutes you need.” He leans in and touches his lips to mine. “It’s just dinner, babe. Don’t be nervous.”
“I’m not nervous.”
“You keep biting your lip.” He tugs the lip in question out of my teeth with his thumb. “Is it the whole meet the parents thing that makes you nervous?”
“Probably,” I admit. “Most likely. But I know how to work a room, so I’ll be fine.”
Drew just chuckles and kisses my forehead. “They mean a lot to me. And, I’m not afraid to admit, you and Caleb do, too. I’d like for all of you to meet. But if you’re not ready, I understand.”
Well, when he puts it like that, how am I supposed to say no? My heart just melted all over the floor.
“I’d love to have dinner with your family. Let me just change.”
“It’s casual. No need for that crazy-expensive handbag.”
And just like that, the mood is light, and I laugh as I walk toward the game room. “There’s always a need for that handbag.”
I didn’t choose the Birkin. I thought about it, just to make Drew laugh, but I decided to carry my favorite Dior.
Caleb is beside himself with excitement at the prospect of meeting Drew’s parents. He’s been asking questions nonstop since we left the house.
And Drew simply answers every single one of them with the patience of a saint.
“Did you grow up in this house?” Caleb asks as Drew pulls into the driveway.
“I did,” he says and cuts the engine.
“Do they still have the same furniture and everything?” Caleb wants to know, and I turn around to look at him quizzically.
“What? Why do you want to know about the furniture?”
“I want to know everything,” he says.
“No, the furniture is pretty new,” Drew replies with a laugh. “Come on, you can see for yourself.”
Before we make it to the front door, it opens, and a beautiful woman with auburn hair grins at us.
“You’re here! Come in, everyone. You must be Caleb.”
“That’s me,” my son says with a nod. “And you’re Brynna?”
“Yes, I am. It’s nice to meet you. You’re so handsome. Come on in. I need a taste tester in the kitchen. Hello, London. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
I’m suddenly swept up in a hug that surprises me.
“It’s nice to meet you, as well, Mrs. Montgomery.”
“Brynna, please. We’re pretty casual around here. Come on. My husband is in the kitchen. I made him stay and keep an eye on things.”
Drew takes my hand as we follow his mom through the house. It’s a lovely home, comfortable and lived in. There are photos of Drew and his sisters at varying ages on the walls and in frames on shelves.
“Do you like cherry cheesecake?” Brynna asks my son.
“Of course, I do,” he replies, making her laugh.
“Well, that’s good, because I made some for dessert. Don’t tell the others, but I’ll give you the biggest piece.”
Caleb’s face lights up in delight, and for just a moment, I feel a lump of emotion form in my throat.
This is what it’s like to be in a loving home.
“Hey, Pops,” Drew says to his dad, who turns around from the stove and smiles at all of us. He’s a tall, broad man, and I immediately see where Drew gets his looks and body shape from. He looks like he’d be formidable if you ever pissed him off. “This is London and Caleb.”
“Nice to meet you,” he says, nodding at me and then turning his attention to my boy. “I hear you stole my name.”
Caleb’s grin widens. “It wasn’t my fault. She did it.” He points to me, and we all laugh.
“Guilty. It’s a good name. What can I say?”
“I could use some help with the grill,” Drew’s dad says, eyeing my son. “Would you like to be my assistant?”
“Sure.” Without hesitation, Caleb joins the man and follows him out onto the deck.
“Okay, he’s adorable,” Brynna says. “And I’m not just saying that.”
“Thanks. He’s a handful sometimes, but he’s a good kid. Thank you for the invitation to dinner. You have a lovely home.”
“I’m glad you could come, and thank you.” She glances around the house and at the kitchen. “It’s been good to us. Drew, you could show her your old bedroom.”
“I don’t think she needs to see that.”
“Wait, is it intact? Like, with all of your stuff from when you were a kid? Because if so, I want to see it right now.”
“No.” Drew laughs. “No, that would make Mom a psycho. It’s just a guest room now.”
“I did save the stuff he didn’t take with him,” Brynna adds. “Because I’m sentimental like that. I never thought I would be, but he’s my baby.”
“I understand. I’ve held on to all of Caleb’s baby things, even though I know that I probably won’t have any more children. In fact, Drew told me that your daughters are both pregnant. If they need or want any of what I have, it’s all theirs.”