He shrugs. “I guess. I know she was a popular influencer before she moved here.”
“This is where she lives! Here, in Erie Cove, and she wants to do an exposé on my bakery?”
“Seems like it.”
With my hands on his shoulders, I jump up and down with excitement. Stone takes hold of my arms as I feel a tap on my shoulder.
“Honey, you were wonderful!” Mom beams at me. And... back to reality.
“That’s what they call dancing these days?” Dad criticizes.
Stone wraps his arm around my waist and tucks me against his side. It feels good to be held by a man with mass. Someone that I don’t feel out of place with.
“I’m afraid so, sir.”
“Well, you two certainly did bring the house down.”
Stone shakes Dad’s hand.
“Thanks. I thought you changed your mind about coming.”
“We had a flat tire, and since we already checked out of the hotel, I wanted to take care of that first, so we can drive home tonight.”
“I’m glad you made it.” And surprisingly, I am.
“You look happy, honey.”
I look up at Stone, who’s looking back at me. The look in his gray eyes fills me with an emotion I’ve never experienced. It’s overwhelming, and I don’t know how to describe it.
“I am. Very happy.”
“I do wish we had more time to get to know you, son,” Dad extends his hand to Stone for a handshake, as Mom gives me a hug and a kiss goodbye. “Take good care of my little girl.”
“Will do, sir.”
Mom leans in and gives Stone a kiss on the cheek as Dad hugs and kisses me.
I watch my parents leave with my mouth open. They accepted Stone. Even though he’s not a doctor. Even though there was no talk of marriage. Even though they must know that if I am as serious about him as I pretended to be, I’ll never moveback home. They didn’t just accept Stone. Finally, they accepted me.
Chapter 19
Stone
Ireach for Cami’s hand as we walk back to her apartment. “I know your parents left, but is this still okay?”
