Laney
I AM Asurvivor of Kamdyn Ellis’s core killing workout. Barely.
My lower body hasn’t hurt this much since . . . I can’t remember when. My very large, very affectionate, fiancé showed me just how much he loved me last night. Over and over again. Not that I’m complaining. I just wish crossing my legs didn’t feel so uncomfortable, especially when I’m surrounded by mine and Kam’s entire family.
Currently, I’m sitting at a large, round table with my father, Celebrity Chef Riley, and Kam’s mother—who have been dating for the last few years—Kam’s father, Steve, his wife Marcy, and Kam’s younger brothers, Trevor and Luke.
It’s a celebration brunch. For our engagement and Kam’s win. It’s not often we have our entire family in one place, so it’s nice to take advantage of this time. Even if the entire restaurant is gawking at us. Kam is recognized wherever we go. It’s hard to miss a six-foot-two quarterback with model good looks and charismatic personality. Especially when his face is plastered all over the tri-state area. He’s as much of a hometown celebrity in New York as he was in Alabama. Even more so now that he’s a pro.
The only person missing is my mom, who should be here any minute. She flew in from Hong Kong last night, so I imagine the jet lag is slowing her down.
The low hum of chatter in the bright, airy restaurant and the joyful energy at the table creates the perfect blend of momentary perfection. Kam is laughing and joking with his brothers. My father is sharing his newest culinary venture, while I sip on the most heavenly, blood-orange mimosa.
“Doing okay, Lemon? You’re quiet,” Kam drawls as he slides his hand up the inside of my thigh under the table. The light contact makes me flinch. My muscles are seriously sore. We both acknowledge my response. A secretive little smile skirts across Kam’s lips.
“I’m fine.” I suppress a smirk. “I’m just taking it all in.”
“Having second thoughts about officially becoming an Ellis?”
“Of course not.” I tap his stone bicep. “Laney Ellis has a great ring.” I steal a sip of my cocktail.
“Yes, it does.” Kam steals a kiss on my cheek. The whole table becomes quiet. Kam and I quickly turn our attention to the audience in front of us. Everyone is smiling.
“What?” Kam barks out a laugh, and the silence dissipates.
“We’re just all so happy for you. For the two of you.” My father raises his champagne glass. I try not to blush, but I fail miserably.
The maître d’ appears in the middle of the attention onslaught, saving me from prolonged focus. The man, dressed in a tan suit, whispers something in Kam’s ear. He looks toward the entrance and then smiles.
“Laney, your mom is here.”
I whip my head in the same direction as Kam’s gaze and see her walking through the restaurant. Tall and statuesque, dressed in an all-white jumper.
“Thank you, we’re good.” I hear Kam relay to the maître d’ as I rise to my feet and stride excitedly in her direction. It’s been six months since I’ve seen her, and for some reason, out of the blue, all I want to do is hug her.
“Hi, baby.” She embraces me as I all but run into her arms.
“I’m glad you’re here.” I release her and look into the face that is so similar to mine. We have the same dark hair, blue eyes, and wide smile.
“There isn’t any place I’d rather be.” She holds onto my upper arms lightly. “I watched you on TV this morning. That was quite the proposal.”
“Kam loves a spectacle.” Our engagement was splashed all over the news more than the game. Only Kam could outshine a championship win.
“I sort of think he loves you, too.” She scrunches her nose.
“Yeah, maybe a little.” I laugh. “Let’s go sit. We were waiting for you to order.”
“Great, I’m starving and in desperate need of caffeine.”
“You’ve come to the right place.” I lead her by the hand to the table.
Kam stands and greets my mom with a bear hug and a kiss. Even though they’ve only met a handful of times, it’s clear he’s fond of her. Kam is hard not to like, and the same goes for my mom. She may be a pit bull when it comes to business, but she’s a puppy dog when it comes to me. She says her pleasant hellos to everyone else at the table then takes a seat in the empty chair next to me.
“Okay, let’s see it.” She holds out her manicured hand. Everything about my mother’s appearance screams refined and professional and put together.
I place my palm in hers, and she inspects the massive square diamond on my finger, blinding everyone in the room.
“Gorgeous.”
