All or nothing (Love in chaos #1) - Missy Johnson Page 0,50
you. It’s Mom…” She takes a deep breath. “Make the arrangements and just tell me when and where to show up. Okay?”
I nod, still sure that something's wrong, but then she steps closer to me, her lips brushing over mine. And just like that, I’m lost in her. She's probably still thinking about whatever her mother said. If she still says she wants to marry me, I have no reason to doubt her. I should trust her.
I kiss her again, wishing we had more time, but the boat is about to dock. She pulls back and pats my chest, her cheeks flushed. I wrap my arm around her, not wanting to be away from her for a second.
“I should get my things,” she says.
“They can wait a minute.”
I kiss her on the top of her head and breathe in her scent. She leans against me with a small sigh, and together, we rest against the railing and watch the coast approach as the boat comes into harbor.
“I really should go and get my things,” she finally says.
“I’ll help you,” I offer.
She shakes her head. “Mom will be there. It’s best if I just meet you later.”
“Okay, but first, there’s something I need from you…”
I pull her close to me and kiss her softly on the lips. She reciprocates, but then pulls back, the smile on her lips not meeting her eyes.
“Something wrong?” I ask.
“Just someone might see us,” she murmurs.
Like her mother.
“I’ll see you later, okay?”
She walks off, leaving me full of questions about how well she’s thought this through. Marrying me is going to tear apart her family, because they hate me for what they think I did to her. Can I let her go through that for the sake of saving myself the little bit of embarrassment fighting Jake in court will bring me? What kind of guy would I be if the answer to that question was anything other than no?
I arrive back at Mom’s house and help unload her things. I’m exhausted, but the day isn’t over yet. I’m getting married later and I’m shocked at how nervous and excited I feel about it.
“Where are the twins?” I ask, looking around.
“Probably at the football game.”
Shit. I’d forgotten about that. The game I promised I’d take Billy to.
“He’ll understand,” Mom reaches out and touches my arm.
“I know, but I feel bad for letting him down.”
“Make it up to him next time,” she says. “Are you staying for coffee?”
“No, I better go,” I say, aware it’s getting late.
I have a lot to organize in a short space of time. I managed to book a table for Liv and me at an exclusive restaurant, because the chef there owed me a favor. Planning a special night for the two of us was the best way I could think to show her that she means something to me.
Also, to tell her we weren’t getting married.
I’d given it a lot of thought. And this is what I want to do. If I want us to have a chance at a future together, this was the only way to ensure her family would allow it. I knew Liv well enough to know she needed their acceptance. We all have to make compromises, and this was one sacrifice I was willing to make.
“Nonsense, stay a while,” Mom declares. “We haven't had time to really catch up in a while. You were practically off with Liv the entire cruise.”
“One coffee,” I agree to with a groan. “But then I really have to run.”
I follow her to the kitchen and lean against the counter as she brews coffee, humming to herself. The cruise seems to have gone a long way to relax her, which I’m glad for, even though the trip was an entire rollercoaster for me.
“So, Brian, huh?”
She rolls her eyes, but her cheeks have more color in them than I’ve seen in a long time.
“He’s nice,” she agrees. “We’ll take it slow and see how things go.” She looks at me and raises her eyebrows. “You and Liv seemed to be getting close.”
“Yeah.” I swallow. “I think I am falling for her.”
She blinks at me. I can only shrug helplessly. Part of me is waiting for a lecture about how she’s far too young for me, but Mom simply nods. She puts her mug down and cups my face, making sure I am looking at her.