She laughs and licks her lips. “No, now you have me pretending to be your fiancée, and I have a Bar exam to cram for.”
“Our parents will love it,” I joke because they may all kill me. I think over time, Brielle’s parents slowly disliked me more due to my career, and my own father still believes she’s the distraction I don’t need.
Brielle gives me a doubtful look. “I’m sure my father still has a shotgun somewhere.”
We sit in my car in silence, unsure if this is relief or if the pot has been stirred even more.
“Come on, we really can’t be late,” she insists.
I nod and get to work on pulling us out of the parking spot.
* * *
We arriveat Margo’s mansion, with her well-manicured plants and long driveway. She has help, but still, this feels a little too much considering she lives here alone.
Getting out of the car, I circle around the front to open the passenger’s side. I offer my hand to Brielle, and she shakes her head, amused. I’m going to be over the top.
She’s holding the flowers in one arm. “I swear to God, do not make me regret this.”
“Come on, it’s for a good cause.”
Margo is sad to be moving but feels that Florida and assisted living is the right choice, as she has a son down there, plus the warm weather all year round will be beneficial to her.
We walk to the front door, my hand finding a permanent spot on Brielle’s lower back. Someone who helps out around the house lets us in and sends us to the backyard.
Walking out and the fountain and plants are the backdrop for Margo, wearing her pearls, sitting at a table decked out in drinks and food.
She claps her hands together and stands. “Wonderful, you two are here.”
I smile as we greet her with hugs.
“Of course, someone is getting younger here.” Brielle offers Margo the flowers.
“Darling, age is just a number. Thank you, these are beautiful.” Margo holds her hand out to the table. “Please sit, I had my chef prepare a few things.”
I hold out Margo’s chair, and when she’s settled, I find my place sitting next to Brielle.
I’m quick to interlace our hands on the table. Brielle stiffens slightly, but I know she’s trying to hide her smile because pushing her buttons is something I can’t resist.
“I’m so happy to see you both before I move… and together. Miracles do happen,” Margo gushes.
I lean in to kiss Brielle’s cheek. “They do, don’t they?” I lay it on thick.
Brielle tightens her grip on my hand; it’s a tad on the tight side, but I’m just going to assume she’s been working out.
“Was his proposal something special?” Margo questions.
My fiancée looks at me. “Yes, Ford, do tell.”
“I would like to think so. Just us, I took Brielle to this lagoon that’s hidden off the lake, and we had a picnic. It’s a special place. When we were teenagers, we would go there, and it’s also the place that we –”
My girl cuts right in. “Ford, I think that’s enough details.” She smiles tightly.
“Sounds delightful and look at that ring.” Margo reaches onto the table, and Brielle is quick to offer her a view of the ring. “Tasteful. A lot better than the original choice.”
“Original choice?” Brielle asks, perplexed.
I have to divert us. “Wow, are those cucumber-and-cream-cheese sandwiches? You know the way to make me happy.”
