My mother’s eyes narrowed. “And?”
“You’ll have to offer something better.”
The smack to the back of my head came immediately.
“Hey!” I rubbed the spot and glared.
“You’re lucky I love you,” she said flatly.
Sabrina snorted. “That was generous of her.”
I sighed dramatically.
“Fine. Fine.” I pulled the ice cream toward me and grabbed a spoon. “But just so we’re clear, this was not a strong enough bribe.”
“Talk,” my mother said.
I scooped up the first bite and took my time eating it, savoring the sweetness while they all watched me like hawks.
Then I leaned back. “Alright. I’ll talk.”
I started from the beginning, explaining how Callahan and I first got together. I told them about the circumstances that led to our arrangement and how things had unfolded from there. I explained the complications that came with his world—his ex trying to insert herself where she didn’t belong, and his mother attempting to stir trouble between us.
As I described everything that had happened, I could see the range of emotions moving across my sisters’ faces.Shock, amusement, disbelief. My mother, on the other hand, remained quiet and observant, absorbing every detail without interrupting.
“You said yes just like that?” Serena asked.
“Pretty much. He didn’t want to ask me at first, but I insisted.”
When I finally explained how I had handled the situation—how I had maneuvered both his ex and his mother exactly where I wanted them—her lips slowly curved upward.
“Well,” she sighed, leaning back in her chair, “I’m proud of you for standing up for yourself."
Elena chuckled. “I knew you’d be a fearless daughter-in-law. You’re always plotting.”
“I always am,” I replied coolly.
My mother studied me for a moment longer. Then her voice softened slightly. “Are you happy?”
“I think,” I said slowly, “I’m on my way to falling in love with him. But I need more time to be sure of my feelings.
My sisters immediately started smiling.
My mother nodded thoughtfully. “That’s fair.”
“I just want to be sure,” I admitted.
Callahan had been honest with me. Patient. Kind in ways he probably didn’t even realize. But love? That was something that took a lot of effort from both sides. It was something I didn’t want to get wrong.
Serena reached across the table and squeezed my hand. "Well, we like him.”
“Very much,” Sabrina agreed.
“And if his mother gives you trouble,” my mom said casually, “We’re willing to help you.”
I laughed. “I appreciate that.”
“I’m serious.”
