that something is on her mind.
“Penny for your thoughts,” I say.
“Just a penny?” She chuckles. “Surely you can afford more than that.”
I smile. “Okay, a Benjamin for your thoughts.”
“I know you don’t have a good relationship with your father, but I was wondering… do you think your mom would have liked me?”
I squeeze her into my side. “I know she would have.”
“Really?” She shifts and looks up at me.
“Really. You remind me of her in a lot of ways. You’re intelligent and compassionate, unselfish, and you often look for the good in people rather than the bad.”
She smiles and places her palm on my cheek. “Garrin Stone, you always know exactly what to say.”
“Hmm, really?” I turn my head and kiss her palm. “What would you say if I told you I was ready for another round?” I waggle my eyebrows.
“I’d say you’re brilliant.” With a laugh she rolls on top of me and straddles my waist.
“I’m glad you think so.” I pull her down for a kiss and we spend the rest of the night celebrating the start of a new chapter.
35
Chapter Thirty-five
Isla
After a magical weekend away, we arrive back in Cherry Creek early on Sunday evening. The past couple of days have been such a whirlwind, and I still can’t believe I’m engaged to Garrin Stone. It feels almost surreal. Surreal but somehow right.
“Will you come in with me?” I ask Garrin when Langley pulls the Rolls-Royce into my driveway. “I want to tell my parents right away, and you should be there.”
“Of course, if that’s what you want.” He raises our clasped hands and places a kiss on my knuckles.
“Great.” I wait as Langley makes his way around the car to open the door and watch Garrin exit. He turns with his hand outstretched and helps me out next.
We hold hands as we step up the walkway, Langley following behind with my bags. I suddenly feel a little nauseous at the prospect of telling my parents I’m engaged, since I have no idea how they will react. They’ve never even met Garrin. My dad doesn’t like his dad. And Garrin never did ask permission from my father.
We all step into the foyer of the home, and Langley deposits my bag to the side.
“Thanks, Langley. I’ll be a bit. You can wait in the car.”
“Yes, sir.” He nods. “It was wonderful seeing you again, Miss Flores.”
“You too. Thanks for getting the bags,” I call out to his retreating back.
I inhale deeply and raise my chin.
“Nervous?” Garrin gives me a shit-eating grin. Probably because he already told me he has no interest in telling his father about our engagement. Said he will find out in due time through the grapevine and that would be good enough. I don’t really understand the relationship between Garrin and his father, but it’s clear that it’s complicated and strained, so I haven’t pushed him for any more details.
“A little. Let’s get this over with.” I drop his hand and lead him down the large central hall, peeking into the various rooms to find my mom.
We finally come upon her in the library. She’s seated at the piano, plunking out a tune. She’s not as gifted a player as Garrin is, but she’s proficient.
My cheeks heat at the memory of what Garrin did to me on top of that piano, and I know he’s thinking about it too because he looks over at me with a satisfied grin.
Rolling my eyes, I step into the room. My mom must sense us, because she turns and looks over her shoulder at us.
“Hi, Mom.” My attempt at giving her a casual smile fails. I can tell by the way she cocks her head at me. She’s always known when I was up to something.
“Hi, honey. How was your weekend?” she asks.
“Great. Mom, I wanted you to meet Garrin.” I motion in his direction.
She smiles and stands, walking over to us. “It’s wonderful to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you,” she says, stretching out her hand to shake Garrin’s.
“Great to meet you, Mrs. Flores.” He shakes her hand.
My mom drops his hand and then waves him off. “Please, call me Amelia.”
“Amelia, then.” He nods.
“How’s Dad?” I ask.
“He had an okay weekend. He’s just very tired.”
“Is he still awake?”
She frowns and places a hand on my shoulder. “Sorry, sweetie. He’s already gone to bed for the night.”
I sigh, disappointed that I can’t tell my parents together. Then again, knowing how proud a man my father is, he