“Happy Birthday, Mom. You look gorgeous.” I glanced at my dad. “You both look great!”
He had dressed in a suit and looked studly for his age.
“You know your mom. She likes us both to doll up,” Dad said.
“Mom, I don’t have your present with me right now, but I’m spoiling you on Saturday.” I winked at Dad. I’d informed him of my plans, and he was keeping my secret.
Mom immediately turned to him. “You two have been plotting together? That’s why you didn’t want me to make plans with Alisa.”
“Exactly,” Dad exclaimed. “Our girl told me she plans to spoil you but wanted to keep it a surprise.”
Mom beamed at me. “I won’t say no to spending the whole day with my girl.”
As we sat down, the waiter came to tell us the daily specials. Mom and Dad were bickering over whether to split a main course. The portions here were huge, but Mom decided she wanted to treat herself to a whole dinner even if she couldn’t breathe afterward. Dad kissed her cheek after they decided.
My parents’ relationship was really my life goal. They’d always been super in love and were never shy about showing their affection toward each other in front of me, or anyone else for that matter. I’d dreamed of having a marriage like theirs forever, but that probably wouldn’t happen now. It didn’t matter, though. I had my family, and I had a great job. What more could I want?
As the waiter came with our drinks, my iPhone vibrated, and I immediately checked my emails. Hell yes, Beckett’s assistant hadfinallycaved and scheduled an appointment. I was in!
“What are you so happy about, hon?” Dad asked me.
“I just got an appointment with a potential client. Honestly, I was starting to doubt it would ever happen.”
Mom beamed at me. “Who is it?”
I shook my head. “Nah, let’s not talk about any of that tonight. It’s all about you. And on Saturday too. What do you think we’ll be doing?”
“Hmmm, let’s see… Spending a day at the spa?” Mom knew me all too well.
“Damn, I’m predictable.”
“No, but you know just what I like,” she replied with a huge smile.
Oh yeah. She’d be super happy on Saturday.
Even though half my mind was on my pitch for Beckett LeBlanc, I didn’t bring him up. I loved my work, but I loved my parents more. And tonight was all about them.
CHAPTER 3
BECKETT
I learnedthree things from my first night at home with my daughter.
First: Newborns hate sleep with a passion.
Second: The more tired they get, the less inclined they are to sleep.
Third: They don’t give a shit that it’s nighttime.
I didn’t even manage to get ten minutes of uninterrupted sleep last night, but now that the sun was up, Charlotte was fast asleep.
I glanced at the time. It was eight o’clock in the morning. Good, that meant I could take a nap before going into the office.
My phone beeped before I could even finish the thought. I had a message from Chad.
Chad: We’re here but didn’t want to ring the bell just in case Charlotte was sleeping.
Celine offered to watch Charlotte today, but I’d completely forgotten Chad was dropping by too.
