I don’t, but I’m beginning to understand.
‘I set up a google alert for Nate. When there’s anything new published about him, I get a notification.’ She searches the pockets of her crimson coat hanging off the back of one of the kitchen stools for a second, before producing her phone with an, ‘Aha!’
Nate shakes his head again, but I can tell he loves it.
So this is what it’s like to have parents who adore you. ‘Adopt me, please!’ It’s out of my mouth before I’ve even thought about it.
Penny returns to the table with her phone. A tinkling laugh leaves her lips. ‘Oh, honey, we won’t need to! He’s going to marry you! You know that, right?’
My cheeks flush with colour, and Nate clears his throat noisily before taking another huge mouthful of wine.
‘Sure, we haven’t seen him this way since…’ Frank starts, but Penny cuts him off with a swift dig to the ribs.
‘Since forever,’ Penny finishes for her husband before squinting at her phone.
‘What are they saying about me now, Ma?’ Nate drawls lazily, like he’s bored of these never-ending notifications.
‘Oooh.’ Penny pouts dramatically. ‘It’s an official statement from your agent, Jayden Cooper. How is he, by the way? I’ve always had a soft spot for him.’
‘A wet spot, you mean.’ It’s Frank’s turn to nudge his wife in the ribs and the two of them share a look. ‘He’s your mother’s free pass,’ Frank explains, like it’s the most normal thing in the world.
‘Thank fuck he’s happily married.’ Nate exhales heavily. ‘Because I could not hack a lifetime of “your mama jokes” from my best friend.’
Frank snorts and nods at Penny’s phone. ‘Well, what does it say about our boy?’ There’s no mistaking the pride in his voice, either.
‘It says Nate Jackson has split with his long-term girlfriend, Celeste Occhialini.The split was amicable, and he will no longer be attending the annual Hollywood Christmas Awards Ceremony, instead opting to spend Christmas with his family.’
Penny’s on her feet like lightning. ‘Is it true?’ Hope hangs on her every word. ‘Are you coming home for Christmas, Nate?’
Nate’s oceanic eyes land on mine. ‘What do you say, baby? Will we go home for Christmas?’
My heart balloons, along with my ovaries. This man. He’s my world.
‘Please say you will, Holly! We’d love to have you, wouldn’t we, Frank?’ Penny nudges Frank again.
‘Absolutely. Sure, she’s family now too.’ Frank’s words cause my eyes to well again.
An influx of warm and fuzzy emotion renders me speechless, but I manage to offer a quick nod.
‘Wahooo!’ Penny fist punches the air.
Nate leans into my ear. ‘Christmas with the Fockers has nothing on this. You’re going to love every second.’
And I know he’s right.
Later that night, we lie on the couch, Nate’s huge frame wrapped around mine in the spoon position. Tootsie lies at our feet, curled up in her tartan bed, snoring softly.
His hand rests possessively across my stomach. ‘You know my parents love you, right?’
My insides inflate at the compliment as he tugs me round to face him and we’re locked in a look so intense it smoulders. ‘You know I do too, right?’ His breath seeps inside my lips while his words sear my heart.
Emotion swells so tight in my chest. It’s everything I ever dreamed of and more. I don’t hesitate. The words fly from my mouth of their own accord. ‘I love you too, Nate. The difference is, I have done for years.’
Earnest eyes bore into mine like he’s searching my soul. ‘You really think you can handle the pressure of being with me?’
‘Whatever it takes to be with you, I’ll handle it.’
‘Ditto.’
