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“Umm….” I cringe and step backward. “We just started dating–”
“Stop with all that.” She waves her hand dismissively. “Knox’s never brought home Madyson, and they dated for six months. He’s brought you here the first week. He’s not changing his mind. He never even brought a girl home in high school. His personal life was separate to keep mom and dad from thinking it was anything more than sex. He’s into you.”
Wow. My mouth dries. To say I’m shocked that I’m getting special treatment is an understatement.
“Tell us everything about you.” His mom stirs a wooden spoon in a pot on the stove.
“I work for Isabella, but you know that. I graduated from college with a degree in business. When I was twelve, my parents died in a car accident, and that’s about it.”
“Dear.” His mom’s eyes soften. “I’m so sorry to hear that. It must have been horrible to lose them at that age.”
“Yes, it was. I had to move in with my grandparents. They were kind but older. They were out of touch with the times. When I moved, I lost all my old friends, too. It was difficult to make new friends because no one knew what to say when I told them my parents had died. I ended up turning to books and studying.” Holy info dump. I cringe. I’m pretty sure they didn’t want the diary version. CliffsNotes. Remember the CliffsNotes.
“That sucks.” She rubs my shoulder. “I can imagine it was awkward for them and for you.”
“It was. My grandparents didn’t know what to say to me, either. They were grieving themselves. It didn’t get easier in college. I set the curve in all my classes which made the other students hate me.”
“Please. They were jealous.” She turns back to the stove and shuts off the burner.
“Absolutely.” Mia crosses her arms over her chest. “They didn’t want to stop partying and do what they were supposed to do.”
The longer we talk, the less tension is in my body. As I share more about my past–the boy in the cafeteria, the mean girls, and my trip to the stylist–they stop their meal prepping and lean against the countertop.
“That sounds like so much fun.” Mia braces her hands on her hips. “I could use some new clothes.”
“Would you like to go with me?”
“Absolutely.” She smiles as her eyes light up.
“Girls, you aren’t going without me.” His mom pops an oven mitt on her hand. “I love to go shopping. This will be awesome. A mom and daughter’s day like Mia and I used to have when she was a teen.”
I wasn’t expecting to feel welcome and comfortable. I thought they’d feel obligated to say hi to me and would say a few words to each other, and Knox and I would leave. This is surreal. This is what a family is supposed to feel like.
By the time we set the dining room table, it’s been an hour. The Hot German Potato Salad is chilly, and I feel cleansed like I’ve been in a therapy session. When they walk back to the kitchen with their heads together, deep in conversation, it doesn’t phase me. They might be talking about me, but it is only with kindness.
Knox ambles toward me, and my heart stutters. How did I get so lucky? It’s crazy. I’ve been on my own for so long, and now I have several new girlfriends, a wonderful boss, and a boyfriend who’s willing to share his family with me. “So, how was it?”
“It was great.” I rest my hands on his chest. “Thank you.”
He arches an eyebrow. “For?”
“Inviting me here. Your mom and sister are wonderful. I like them, and they like me.”
“See.” He winks and pulls me closer to his body until we fit together perfectly. His arms encircle me. “I told you.”
“Yes, you did.” I stand on my tiptoes and kiss his lips. This is where I belong. And all the struggles I’ve had getting here make the reward that much sweeter.
He rests his forehead against mine. “Are you there yet?”
“Yep, I’m there.” It’s become our go-to saying–even though we haven’t said the words yet.
“Good.” He cups my cheek. “I know it’s too soon, but when you know, you know. You’re the other half of me. This is not something I do. I don’t bring a woman home to my family. I don’t tell someone ‘I love you.’ You’re it for me. The moment I saw you, I felt a connection. An invisible force that pulled me toward you.” He pauses and takes a deep breath. “Saylor, I love you.”
“Everything you said is the same for me. I love you, too. You hit me like a lightning bolt out of nowhere, and it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
“Good.” He elevates my feet off the floor and claims my mouth with enough passion his mom clears her throat and scurries back to the kitchen.
“We’ll eat when it’s cold,” she calls out.
Yeah, I couldn’t agree more.
