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‘Said she was in the neighborhood and thought she’d pop in,’ Mom says, reading my mind. ‘Isn’t that sweet?’
Ah, yeah. How super sweet that my ex stopped by to introduce her baby to my mother. I should have thrown myself into that fire last night.
‘She told me a little secret: I’m surprised you haven’t told me yet.’
‘Is it that I can’t stand her? ’Cause, in my defense, I thought you knew.’
Mom shoots me a glare. ‘No, it’s that you have this gorgeous fiancée, Jade!’ Mom turns to her, once again gushing. ‘How have I never heard of you? He didn’t even tell his sister; those two tell each other everything. Hols is who suggested I come over and get some answers.’
Freaking Hollyn.
‘Why would you hide her from us, Riv? She’s adorable. Though, you both look tired. Long night?’ she asks with a giggle.
Jade’s eyes go wide as she glances my way.
‘Let’s see that ring, sweetheart?’ Mom asks, grabbing Jade’s hand, lifting it to get a good look, then dropping it suddenly as she turns my way.
‘River. What have I told you your entire life?’
‘Always wear clean underwear because you never know what might happen.’ I blurt out one of the many things she’s told me my entire life.
Jade laughs, but Mom is not so amused.
‘Men do not propose without a ring. Boys who haven’t thought it through do.’
These words affect Jade visibly as she glances at her ringless finger. She frowns, then something changes, as though she’s had a revelation.
‘There is a ring,’ she says suddenly, grimacing my way behind my mom’s back. ‘It was just, uh, too big. It’s being sized. It’ll be ready by the end of the month.’
‘The end of the month?’ Mom squawks. ‘Noooo. That is far too long for a newly engaged woman not to be able to brag to her friends about the love of her life. What jeweler is it with? I’ll make some calls, and you’ll have it by the end of the day tomorrow.’
‘Um,’ Jade mumbles. ‘I can’t remember the name of the jeweler, hun. Do you?’
‘Bejeweled in Vancouver,’ I say, making up the name of a shop that only exists across state lines and in this conversation. That’ll buy me some time to straighten this out.
‘I’ll call them this afternoon,’ Mom says before turning to Jade. ‘How do you feel, honey? Are you sick too?’ Before she can answer, Mom’s got her lips pressed to her forehead, checking her temp the mom way and leaving deep pink lip prints that I realize I’m probably sporting too. I have to end this.
After a few moans, I’m off the couch.
‘Mom.’ I take her elbow, leading her towards the front door. ‘Jade and I hadn’t announced anything yet. You know I don’t want to jump into anything and have it go wrong again.’
‘I was afraid you would feel this way when I told you she stopped by. Don’t let Caitlin affect your relationship with Jade. If you need closure, find it. But you two are perfect together. I feel it in my bones.’ Mom wraps her arms around my waist, hugging me tightly, leaning her head on my chest.
‘Unless you want me to puke on you, I’d advise you back away slowly.’
‘Hugs are healing,’ she insists.
‘So is chicken noodle soup, and Jade’s been kind enough to order some for delivery this afternoon.’
‘She read my mind. Good girl,’ she compliments her. ‘Now Riv, mark your calendar because we’re having a family dinner tomorrow night with both my kids now engaged. Jade, if you’re available, you’re welcome to come. You’re family now.’
Her smile is as cute as it could get. ‘As much as I would love that, I work tomorrow night.’
‘That’s okay,’ Mom tells her. ‘There will be plenty of dinners, darling.’
‘Time to go,’ I hint blatantly.
Mom beams as she exits into the hallway. ‘I’m so glad this is happening for you. I like her, Riv. Bring her by the house.’
