Shattered (Anderson Special Ops #4) - Melody Anne Page 0,104

her mother and father standing there, looking perfectly put together. They were stunning people.

“Mom, Dad, what are you doing here?” Amira asked with a shocked smile as she moved up and kissed each of their cheeks. “Had I known you were in town, I’d have picked you up.”

“Your Smoke wanted to surprise you,” her father said. “Though, I think he’s the one who got surprised today.”

“Yes, that’s certainly true,” Smoke said. It was good to officially meet her parents. Smoke could see there wasn’t nearly the warmth between daughter and parents as what he had with his mother, but there was definitely love and respect.

“It’s good to officially meet you, Tyrell. We couldn’t be happier you’re with our daughter,” her father said.

“Thank you, I appreciate that,” Smoke said. “Can I take you to the bar and buy you a drink?”

“That would good. It will give Amira and her mother a few moments to catch up,” her father said.

“Amira, Mrs. Ito, can we bring you anything?” Smoke asked, gaining brownie points from Amira as well as her mom and dad.

“White wine please,” both women requested.

Smoke found his hands sweating as he walked next to Mr. Ito as they approached the bar. Smoke was a man who liked to rip off the bandages when things might be awkward or difficult to say. They got into line at the bar and Smoke turned to Amira’s father.

“Mr. Ito, I wanted you to be here so I can ask your permission for your daughter’s hand in marriage,” Smoke said. He had to force himself not to fidget.

Mr. Ito looked at him with clear respect shining in his eyes before he clapped Smoke on the shoulder and laughed. “Tyrell, I’m more than happy to give you my blessing to marry my daughter,” he told him. “Either you’ve created the most elaborate scheme ever to make yourself look perfect, and are a phenomenal actor with creating those tears, or you’re a legitimately good man. In Japan there are fewer things that are honored more than self-sacrifice. Before meeting you, I saw what a fine man you are by the honor you carry, and the self-sacrifice you walk with.” Smoke felt his nerves ease. Then Mr. Ito laughed, giving Smoke a friendly pat on the back of his shoulder before continuing. “All of that being said, you have to get past my wife. She’s going to ask you at least five thousand questions, so . . . good luck.”

Smoke couldn’t tell if the man was serious or not. He seemed to enjoy saying what he’d said. Those nerves that had been easing, ramped back up to about a hundred and ninety percent. The two men kept on chatting as they made their way to the bar.

The night was just beginning but Smoke felt as if he’d already run a double marathon. He hoped he’d survive until the end. If he were being honest with himself, he’d admit Amira’s mother scared him a little. She was a poised, elegant woman who Smoke feared wasn’t going to be impressed all that much.

Smoke shook off that thought. He loved Amira, and he’d do whatever it took to win over both of her parents. He’d be with Amira for the rest of his life — because there was no longer any other option than that. He loved her, and he knew it was a once in a lifetime kind of love. He wasn’t letting that go for all of the gold in the world — he certainly wasn’t going to let fear stop him from getting what he wanted. Amira and he would go all of the way. There was no more doubt about it.

Chapter Nineteen

Amira was overcome as the helicopter landed on Catalina Island. She stepped from the small space and took in the warm, fresh island air, a grin overtaking her mouth. This was her safe haven; the place she’d always felt she could be herself. This island had brought her so many beautiful memories, and she hadn’t realized how much she’d missed it until the moment she’d figured out they were going to be landing there in about twenty minutes.

She turned and looked at Smoke, who gazed at her with the same happy expression she was sure was on her face. He loved her. She was sure that was true. A man who wasn’t in love didn’t do something like this. He already had her body. This was about having her soul as well. Only a man in love