My spine stiffens. The fucking nerve of this woman. I swear if I wasn’t so shocked, I’d surely have a better response. “I’m not here to win her over. I don’t care whether she likes me much or not. I’ve known Magnolia for a very long time, and our families have a history, all of which I want nothing to do with. I’m with Jase, and we’re only looking out for each other and our baby.”
Her smile widens, as if she’s been waiting for that opening. “Funny you say this, because you and I both know Jase doesn’t exactly have the best track record with women. He gets… restless.” She steps closer, her floral perfume nauseatingly. “And I’ve known him a long time. Longer than you. Don’t think I won’t try to remind him of that.”
Her blatant words land like a punch, but I don’t flinch. I lift my chin, meeting her gaze head-on. “You can try, Indigo. But Jase made his choice, and it’s so pathetically desperate of you not to take the hint.”
For a heartbeat, her smile falters again, but when she steps back, her voice is honey-sweet. “We’ll see. Good luck at your dinner tonight. You’re going to need it.”
My fury nearly blinds me as I make my way over to Billie, whose mouth was gaping as she watched my interaction with Indigo. Magnolia, the town, now Indigo fucking Harper—the entire world is waiting for me to fail at this.
I press a hand to my belly and whisper to myself. “Not this fucking time. I’ll show them and Jase why I’m the woman he belongs with.”
Billie’s mouth is still open when I reach the table. “Coffee, stat,” I say, not needing to explain what she just witnessed. I’m sure she could tell that it wasn’t a pleasant conversation.
“I’d give you something stronger if I had it,” she says, handing me an iced latte.
“Any chance you’re free for dinner tonight?” I ask, needing as much backup as possible.
The SOS message Bailey sent me said she and Brynn have also been invited, and to say this dinner is going to be awkward would be the understatement of the century. This will be the first time the girls have seen their mama since the Harvest Festival, and yep, when everything blew up. I know the girls are on my side, but Magnolia is their mama, and I wouldn’t want them to further damage their relationship with her because of me.
“No need to say anything else. I’ll be there.” Billie is an incredible friend, and I feel horrible for neglecting our friendship because of everything. I feel like I know nothing about what’s been going on with her lately, and I’ll have to make up for that.
I give her a tight hug that nearly brings tears to my eyes. “Thanks, Bills, I’m going to need you in my corner tonight.”
“You won’t, Moe, because you have Jase.”
Yeah, I do, and it’s about damn time I accept it, and show them I do.
Chapter Thirty-One
Monroe
I’ve never set a table so carefully in my life. Polished cutlery is arranged in order, as stated in the article on etiquette I Googled. Crystal wine glasses so clear you can see your reflection, and the napkins precisely folded into origami swans. I thought ironing them was taking it a bit too far.
The delicious bolognese I prepared is simmering on the stove, the aroma of oregano, basil and garlic permeating the air, and yet I’m still pacing in the kitchen nervously like tonight is going to be a disaster.
After leaving the farmers market and coming home to get started on dinner, I realized there was no need to be bothered by anything Magnolia King thought of me. All I had to do was prove her wrong. Prove I was an excellent choice for Jase. I could cook, clean and care for a home like any other Southern Belle, well-educated in etiquette, she’d have preferred for her perfect son.
Jase comes up behind me as I stare at the empty salad bowl in front of me, brushing a hand down my arm. “You’re overthinking again.”
I turn abruptly, my chest crashing into his but I’m too nervous to be turned on by how sexy the smile he wears is. “Your mama’s coming to dinner,” I mutter annoyed. “I don’t think there’s such a thing.”
Jase lets out a raspy chuckle. “Don’t worry,” he whispers into my ear, brushing his hand through my hair. Cupping my cheek, he kisses me softly. “You’ll handle her just fine. You always do.” His eyes rake over my body, fixating on the way the apron I’m wearing over my beige sweater dress, lifts over my belly. “You look stunning, Moonshine.”
The compliment he gives me eases some of my nerves and awakens my desire for him. I take a moment to let my eyes wander over him in the light blue dress shirt and dark jeans he’s wearing.
“You don’t look so bad yourself,” I mutter, reaching in to kiss him. Our lips meet in a feverish kiss, one that awakens us both, hands roaming searching for warm skin to touch beneath clothes. I wrap my arms around his neck to deepen the kiss just as his hands grip my thighs and slide under my dress.
Though we’re startled when someone clears their throat.
Magnolia King is staring at us unamused, her hands propped on her hips in annoyance. Brynn, Bailey and Nash are standing behind her, unable to hide their own amusement at catching us in the middle of our heated kiss. Well, except for Nash, who’s glaring at Jase like kissing me was uncalled for.
I push Jase off me, running my hands over my dress nearly riding up over my ass to adjust it. “Mrs. King,” I mutter nervously, my cheeks burning in embarrassment.
“The door was open, so we figured we’d let ourselves in. Now I’m second-guessing having a meal here. Not sure what unsanitary things have occurred in this kitchen.”
Jase lets out a muffled laugh at his mother’s insinuation and how she’s not far off at all.
Magnolia turns and heads for the dining room while Bailey and Brynn head straight for me, grinning like I’ve just made their day. “You look beautiful,” Bailey whispers in my ear as she leans in for a hug.
