standing, and heading toward the garage when she walks in. Her face is lit with a smile, and I know, without a doubt, my mom took care of her for me. “I missed you,” I say when she reaches me, wrapping my arms around her.
“I missed you too, but I had a good time with your mom. She’s so sweet, and exactly what I imagine a mother should be.”
There is a ping of sadness that hits me when I think about her childhood and everything she had to endure, and everything that she missed out on. “We have a lot to make up for,” I tell her.
“No, that’s not why I said that.”
“I know, but I want to give you the world. When we have kids, you’re going to be an amazing mother.”
“When?”
“We talked about filling all these bedrooms, remember?”
“Yeah.” A slight blush coats her cheeks. “I remember.”
“So, did you find a dress?” I have to make myself pull away from her and ask the question. All I want to do is drag her to our room and start working on those kids we were just talking about.
“I did. But your mom took it with her.”
“Why?”
“She thinks it’s going to be fun to have a big reveal, and me get ready at their place. She said that you should have to come and knock on the door for me,” she says over a giggle. I love hearing her happy. “We were talking about how fast we fell, and she said that’s how it happens sometimes, but because we missed the ‘dating’ portion for the most part, and because I never went to my high school prom, this is the perfect opportunity for me to experience getting all fancied up. Her words not mine. And have a young man just as fancy knock on the door to pick me up.”
I love my mother. The excitement in her eyes, tells me she’s on board for this, and I’m thrilled to be able to give this to her. “Done. Although, it’s not going to keep me from asking questions. Like what color is it? Or, does it show off these legs?” I ask, letting my eyes rake over her.
“Nope. Owen Riggins, you’re just going to have to wait.”
“This isn’t our wedding day.” The words slip before I can think better of it. She cocks her head to the side, studying me, and my palms begin to sweat, worried that my slip of the tongue gave me away.
“No, it’s not.”
“It will be though. One day soon, I’ll make you my wife.” What the hell? Might as well plant the seed and let it take root. That way, when I do get down on one knee, she’s not completely taken by surprise.
“I want that, Owen. More than anything.”
My posture relaxes as I pull her into my chest. “Me too, baby. Me too.”
Chapter 20
Layla
I haven’t seen Owen since I left the house earlier this morning. Lena arranged for my hair and makeup to be done at her salon. It’s been years since I’ve gone to something other than one of those hair-cut-only places that have specials for ten dollars. The end result of today’s visit has me not recognizing myself.
“Gorgeous,” Stanley says when we enter the house. “My boy’s not going to know what hit him.” He smiles warmly.
“Which one?” Lena laughs. “You know, if the youngers are here when this goes down, they’re going to give him a hard time.” Lena shakes her head, talking about her sons’ antics.
“Yep,” Stanley agrees. “Owen’s going to have to put his foot down.”
Lena points at me. “Not thinking that’s going to be an issue, dear.”
“Maybe I should just go back home. I mean to Owen’s and get ready.” I feel my face heat. I still feel self-conscious over the fact that I just met him, moved across the country with him, and moved in with him in a matter of weeks.
“That’s not happening. We have a plan, and you’re going to stick to it, missy.” Lena points her finger at me. “Besides, I want to see my son’s expression when he sees you all fancied up.”
“You’ll learn to read between the lines, Layla girl, that means she wants to take a thousand pictures just like she did when the boys were in high school.”
“That’s my right,” Lena fires back. “Now, how about a late lunch before we put you into that dress?”
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea. It’s tight.”
“And you’re a tiny thing. Trust me. You’ll be