“Did your mom say why your dad wanted us to come over for dinner?”
Declan adjusts his tie, making sure it’s perfectly in place.
“I don’t know. She didn’t say. Only that we had to join them for dinner and that they knew your schedule and knew you didn’t have a game.”
I clasp the pearl necklace and give myself another look in the mirror.
The black shift dress hits right below my knees, paired with sensible heels. My hair is curled. I don’t look anything like I usually do.
Messy bun with overalls and white tennis shoes. That’s where I’m most comfortable. Not going to a stuffy dinner with my parents.
“You know it’s going to be okay, right?”
Declan wraps his arms around me, resting his chin on my shoulder, staring at me in the mirror. It helps to calm my nerves.
“Why can’t my parents be more like your parents?”
He laughs, breath ghosting my cheek. “We all aren’t that lucky.”
“At least they like me.”
“Oh, they love you probably more than they love me.”
“At least someone’s parents love me.” I sigh.
“I’m sure they love you. Deep, deep,deepdown,” Declan says.
“Might as well get it over with.”
I press a kiss to his lips, and we head out of his—our—room and leave for dinner.
Declan offers to drive, but I decline. I need to focus on the drive through the city to keep my nerves at bay. I wish the thought of a meal with my parents didn’t stir up these feelings, but it does.
Declan’s hand stays firmly on my leg the entire way over. His thumb rubs soothing circles against my knee.
Pulling into the gated community, he gives me a squeeze. “We’ll be in, eat, and then leave. No lingering, okay?”
I smile at him as the iron gates swing open. “Still too long.”
The house looms ahead as I park the car in the circular drive. Flipping down the visor, I check one last time to make sure my makeup is pristine. I don’t need to give these two any ammunition to criticize me.
“You look great,” Declan says, smiling at me. “Just relax, Froggie. I’m with you.”
That sets me at ease. “Thanks.”
“You and I can make it through anything together.”
I blow out a breath. “All right, let’s get this over with.”
Getting out of the car, we link hands and walk up to the front door and I ring the bell. Their butler opens the door and welcomes us in.
“Good evening, Ms. Alice. Mr. Paddack.”
“Hello.” I give him a small nod.
“Your parents are in the study.”
“Thank you.” I swallow down the nerves that are threatening to take over. I walk the well-known path to wherethey’re waiting. Before pushing the door open, Declan gives me another reassuring look.
