“What is that?” she asks in a hushed whisper.
I smile. “Jordan proposed, and I said yes.”
Her eyes widen. “Is that a real diamond?”
I frown. “Of course. Three carats.”
“Seriously?” She comes over and takes my hand, staring at it. “He bought you a diamond?”
“Mom, he loves me. I know you and Dad don’t particularly like him, but I love him and he loves me. He treats me well. He takes care of me. Can’t you just give him a chance? For me?”
She sighs, still holding onto my hand. “It’s beautiful. But your father won’t be happy that he didn’t ask him first.”
“It’s not the 1800s anymore,” I say gently. “He asked me. Because I’m the one who’s going to marry him. We’re hoping he can come over for dinner this weekend to celebrate.”
“You know how stubborn your father can be.”
“I’m not asking for permission,” I say quietly. “Jordan and I are engaged and we’re going to start house-hunting soon. I’d love your support but I don’t need it.”
“You were always independent,” she says after a moment. “Sometimes too independent. And now you’re going to leave us for some rich guy who’s going to break your heart.”
“Why, Mom? Why is he going to break my heart? I mean, maybe he will, but something like fifty percent of all marriages end in divorce. Aunt Carol’s husband was a nerdy finance guy, and he cheated on her. Your friend Brenda was married to this short, bald teacher for twenty years, and he left her for one of his students. It happens. Can’t you just be happy for me?”
She looks up and gently releases my hand. “I can try.”
I guess that’s all I can ask for.
Chapter 40
Jordan
I’m nervous as fuck when I pull up to Victoria’s house. Her father was less than pleased when he found out we’re engaged, and she’s already warned me that he’s in a mood today. There’s nothing I can do to change his mind about Victoria and me, but I’m going to do my best to show him I’m worthy.
Maybe that’s not exactly it.
It’s more about giving Victoria the peace she needs, so that we can be together but she can still have her family. I don’t quite understand it, because my parents love me unconditionally, but since I know she wants this, it’s my job to do everything in my power to give it to her.
The one thing I know now is that even though she would hate it, she’s willing to go no-contact with her parents if they force the issue. I love that she’s picking me, but I don’t want that for her. Or for our baby.
I’m so fucking excited that she’s pregnant. I’ve been trying to keep my feelings buried because I know she’s still scared but I can’t help but feel that this was inevitable. There was never going to be anyone else or any other outcome. Maybe we could have waited a year to start trying but it doesn’t matter. Four years ago, I was scared, but I still wanted us to have that baby.
Today, she and our baby are my entire world.
Somehow, I have to convince her father of that.
I picked up a bottle of wine since her mother is cooking and my fingers feel sweaty on the slippery glass. My stomach is a little off too, which almost never happens to me. But this is important. One of the most important moments of my life.
I can’t fuck this up.
Mr. Denali opens the door and there’s already a scowl on his face.
“Palmer.” He gives me a dismissive once over.
“Mr. Denali.” I hold out my hand and he scowls but then reluctantly shakes it.
“I brought wine,” I say needlessly, and then want to kick myself. I sound like an idiot.
“Hello, Jordan.” Mrs. Denali comes around the corner and smiles. “Is that for our dinner?”
