"Oh, Alexander, why didn't you say so? Who is this young man? Is he coming tonight?"
"Sadly, no. He's attending a different function, but you'll meet him soon, I'm sure."
"Well then, tell me about the man who's stolen my son's heart. Do I know his family?"
I love my parents. They're mostly down-to-earth people, when they remember who they really are instead of the picture they portray to lifestyle magazines and business newspapers. But sometimes I wish they remembered it more often.
"His name is Ash, and he runs a farming business and has a stall at the farmer's market."
I let the information settle with my mother, and as expected, she doesn't look happy.
"Mom, that's just the information other people see. The Ash I know is more than those things. He's kind, hard-working, has a heart of gold, he's accepted me despite seeing we come from different worlds. You said it's hard to find someone who fits our world. I don't want that. I want to fit in Ash's world. I want to spend Sunday baking cupcakes with his kid sisters, I want to be in his cozy cottage because it has far more warmth and personality than my big penthouse. I want Ash."
My mother stands up and takes my hands into hers. I don't remember getting up for my little speech.
"Why do I get the feeling I'm the first person you've told this?" she says in the soft motherly voice I grew up with.
"Because I've been too scared of saying it to Ash himself. Dad met him a few weeks ago and he wasn't...very nice to Ash."
"You leave your dad to me. Just make sure I get to meet your young man this side of Christmas."
"Thank you, Mom. I love you," I say, feeling closer to her than I've ever been.
My dad comes in just as my mom is dabbing a tear away from her eye. He looks at her, concerned, but she waves him off.
"Time to get the show on the road. Are you ready, boss?" my dad says.
"As I can be."
We put our masks on and make our way inside the ballroom where half the guests are already gathered.
Mia showed me some mockup images of what the event planners had in mind, but they definitely didn’t do justice to the real thing.
The room has a high ceiling, and hanging from a central chandelier are swathes of golden fabric that make it look like we're in a large circus tent. There are lights and small Christmas presents hanging from the ceiling. Mia told me they have real presents inside.
The Christmas trees are at least twelve-foot-tall and adorned with intricate decorations, but also candy canes. This is a party people can enjoy and take a little piece home.
As I look around, I realize this is exactly the experience Blackwood Publishing works to give every one of our readers. You don't need to go further than where you are to step into a new world.
I make my way around the growing crowd, talking to employees, guests, and even some chosen members of the press.
My phone buzzes in my pocket and I take it out. I see I missed a few messages, so I find a quiet corner of the room and unlock the screen.
Mia:I'm going to kill my family. The "emergency" was that my sister's IVF twins were on their way out of mommy station and into the wide world. I was NOT prepared for the cuteness, all the tears and feelings. And now Nicki is panicked because she thinks I'm upset, when all I want is to have her babies right now.
Mia:I'm in the broom closet. Do you think anyone will notice if I take one of my nephews? I mean, why does my sister need two anyway?
I laugh at the messages,glad the emergency turned out to be a good thing, and that Nicki was able to get a flight with Mia.
Xander:Get out of the closet (no pun intended) and go tell your girl how you feel. Today, I'm also following my own advice. Congrats, Aunty Mia! X
Mia:Dammit, I'm missing all the fun, but these kids. Seriously. Cute Central!
I go backto the other messages and see one from Ash from a little while ago.
Ash:I'm so nervous. I wish you were here to hold my hand.
My heart goestight at the thought of Ash facing something unfamiliar on his own. I suspect there will be a bunch of farmers there, so in no time, he'll have plenty to talk about with the other contestants, but I'll be damned if I don't want to be there with him.
