Preston, hoping and praying he can fix our little mistake. Once they’re no longer in view, I turn to find our parents sitting at the patio table, watching me. My parents look pissed while his parents look embarrassed. Well, his mom does anyway. His dad just looks proud.
My mom reaches across the table and taps it, meaning have a seat.
I let out a long breath and go to sit down with them, prepared to get my ass handed to me.
“Piper, do you have something to tell your father and me?” Mom asks.
I feel my face heat up. I hate it when they ask a question they already know the answer to. “Calvin and I have been seeing each other for the last month or so.”
Mom nods. “Mm-hmm, and why didn’t you feel the need to tell us?”
I shrug. “We felt a new relationship had enough pressure without bringing in the family. We didn’t want to break up and cause problems or awkwardness. We wanted to ensure this was going to last.”
“And is it?” Calvin’s mom asks.
I offer up a smile and shrug. “It seems to be. I mean, we haven’t talked about the future too much, but I love him and don’t see myself living without him.”
“Well, I think it’s great that you two are together and you’re finally stopped messing around with those losers,” my dad says. “Though you could’ve been a little quieter while the two of you were going at it like rabbits in my pool house!”
I can’t help the giggle that escapes my lips, which only causes Dad to frown at me disapprovingly.
“Sorry,” I say, clearing my throat.
“Given the way Preston ran out of here, I’m guessing he didn’t know about the two of you either?” my mom asks.
I shake my head. “No, and I’m worried. I think he was already feeling that Calvin was trying to steal me from him. Knowing we’re actually together may really push him over the edge. No matter what happens with Calvin and me, Preston is always going to be my best friend.”
“Well, of course he is, honey,” Mom says, placing her hand on mine and gently rubbing.
“I think Preston will come around,” Mrs. Young says, offering up a smile. “It may take him some time to wrap his head around it, but in the long run, he’ll be happy for his brother and his best friend.”
“I hope so,” I say just as the gate opens and the two of them come strolling in.
Everyone looks over at them and they freeze. Calvin finally shakes off the stares and walks over to me. He stands behind my chair and places his hands on my shoulders. “Mr. and Mrs. M, this isn’t the way we wanted you to find out, but my brother has a habit of ruining things.”
“Hey!” Preston says from a distance.
No one pays him any mind.
“The important thing is that Piper and I are together and we’re happy. I will never hurt her, Mrs. M, and I’ll always take care of her and protect her, Mr. M. Despite how we’ve acted today, I hope you can find it in your hearts to give us your blessing.”
“Would it change anything if we didn’t?” Dad asks, teasing him. But Calvin doesn’t know that.
“I’d like to say yes, sir, but that would be a lie. I love your daughter and there’s no way I could let her go. So I really hope you approve.”
Dad stands up and nods toward Mr. Young. “Come with us, son.”
Calvin gives me a wide-eyed look then follows along behind them. Preston tries to follow, but Mr. Young says, “No, not you. Come back when you can grow up and find the woman you want to be with.”
I can’t concentrate on that right now, though, because Calvin just told my parents he loves me. He hasn’t even told me that yet! I stand up and turn in their direction.
“Calvin!” I shout, and he turns around.
I go running up to him, throwing myself in his arms. “I love you too,” I whisper, leaning in to press a kiss to his lips.
He kisses me back, and I can feel the smile tugging at his lips.
“All right, you two, break it up,” Dad says, pulling on Calvin’s arm and forcing him to release me.
“Come on, honey. It’s time to get things going for the party. Come help us in the kitchen,” Mom tells me as she and Mrs. Young stand up.
“Well, can I come with you guys then?” Preston asks, making