“It appears to me you have a tough decision to make. You can marry Dylan—don’t look at me like that. He told me about that night and your vow.”
“It’s not a vow.”
“Call it what you want. I think we need to review the disadvantages of marrying that excellent young man.”
“You're hardly unbiased,” Rae said flatly.
“And neither are you, hon. You’re even more invested in Dylan than I am, and that’s saying a lot. Although my investment in him is very different from yours since I could be his mother.” Amelia grinned, and it seemed to lighten the mood a little.
“And already married to Micah.”
“That too.”
Rae sighed. “All right. I’ll play along, but let’s be realistic.”
“Being realistic includes his good qualitiesandhis bad qualities.”
“Okay.”
“I’ll start with a good one,” Amelia said. “He loves your kids.”
“They’re not his children, and he could change his mind because they’re not.”
“Love doesn’t turn off like a faucet, hon.” Amelia shook her head. “Jayden isn’t his child either, but he loves him and is as good a father to him as any man could be to a child of his loins.”
There was nothing Rae could say to counter it.
“Don't you have anything to say?” Amelia pushed. “Doesn’t he have other negative traits?”
“Of course he does. So do I. Evenyouhave negative traits.”
“What?Me?” Amelia gave a mock gasp and then winked. “I’m so old I thought I only had eccentricities anymore.”
“Oh, right. You’d be translated into Heaven except for your humility,” Rae said.
“Tell me what you’re really afraid of.” Amelia’s voice had turned soft.
“My children would be better off with no father than to have one who abuses and neglects them.”
“And, of course, that sounds like something Dylan would do.”
“What happens if wewereto marry and have more children?” Rae leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. “What if he prefers his own biological children to mine?”
“Do you think he’d show preference for them over Jayden?”
Rae slowly straightened. Dylan loved his nephew and was fiercely protective of him. The little boy would never be neglected in his uncle’s care.
“Hon, that man has the biggest heart I’ve ever seen, which is saying a lot considering I’m married to Micah. Dylan already loves Preston and Beth. If you two have more children, he’s not going to love less. His ability to love will grow even bigger.”
“Oh, Amelia,” Rae said, her eyes burning as her mind and heart did battle. “I want thissobadly I’m afraid I won’t make the right decision.”
“You’re as defensive of your children as a mother should be.” Amelia put her arm around Rae and gave her a hug. “Let’s say Dylan were to turn out to be a split personality kind of guy—” Amelia looked at her with a mock concerned expression. “You haven’t seen any symptoms, have you?”
Rae shook her head with a frown.
“Of course not. Because you won’t. Let’s say he were to change his nature.You’dstill be there. You’re a feisty, independent woman, Rae, and I have no doubt you’d kick his rear end right out the door. The best thing the two of you can do is talk about everything. That boy loves you, and he’s been patient for a long time.”
“This isn’t recent?” Rae frowned, her doubts returning.
