“Maybe it’s time to try something a little different,” Millie said mischievously. “There’s something to be said for a little spontaneity sometimes.”
“I think that’s something I’m going to have to work on,” I said drily. “I suck at being spontaneous. I think I’m always worried about everything that could go wrong without the right planning in place.”
I could hear the smile in Millie’s voice as she answered, “A man doesn’t become as successful as Cole without being an excellent planner. Leave everything to him and just enjoy the romance.”
“Cole swears he’s not capable of romance,” I informed her.
“That’s utter nonsense,” Millie muttered. “Nothing is more romantic than a big surprise date.”
“My thoughts exactly,” I said with a laugh.
Cole wasn’t usually a smooth talker who spewed a bunch of over-the-top compliments, but that had never been my idea of romance.
“The most romantic thing in the world is a man who’s always trying to please you and is concerned about your happiness,” Millie said in a sincere tone.
“I’d like to please him, too,” I said. “But what can I give a billionaire?”
“I think you’re already giving Cole what he really needs,” Millie said contemplatively. “You care about him, Lauren. I’m sure he has no idea how much he needs that, but it’s much more important than anything you could ever give him. Have an amazing time and call me when you get back. I’ll be dying to know where my nephew took you.”
I stood and glanced at my clock.
Cole had taken me out to dinner in Billings last night, and we’d had a very early night so I could get ready early this morning.
It wouldn’t be long before I’d be seeing Cole’s handsome face at my door.
“Cole will be here to pick me up soon,” I said as I got to my feet and tossed a few last-minute things into my suitcase. “We’ll talk soon. Thank you, Millie.”
“For what?” she asked in a confused voice.
“For talking to me about Lorraine. For talking to me about your nephew. For everything you’ve done for me over the last twenty-something years. Your friendship has always meant so much to me, and I don’t think I tell you that often enough.”
“You don’t need to tell me that,” Millie said softly. “You bring so much joy into my life, and I’m grateful for that. I think at one time I really hoped that you’d end up with one of my sons, but I think this is exactly the way it was supposed to be. Cole needs you more than any other man on the planet. Safe trip, sweetie.”
Tears welled up in my eyes as we said our goodbyes.
Never, in all of the years we’d known each other, had Millie ever even hinted that she wished I’d become her daughter-in-law someday.
Not that there had ever been a chance of that happening.
Millie’s sons were like annoying older brothers to me most of the time, but the thought touched me just the same.
I closed my suitcase and dashed toward the shower.
Millie was right.
I was going to let this day unfold spontaneously.
Honestly, I didn’t care what Cole had planned.
The day would be special because I’d be spending it with the most amazing guy I’d ever known.
Cole
“You’re still not going to tell me where we’re going?” Lauren asked as we were getting ready to take off.
She’d been surprised this morning when we’d headed toward Tanner’s house instead of toward the freeway to get to Billings.
I’d explained that I’d gotten permission from Tanner to use the airstrip that my cousins shared for convenience.
