“I think so too.”
“When are you going to pop the question?”
I wanted to do it before we went home for Christmas, but Ihaven’t figured out if I’ll do it at her house or mine.
“Probably depends if her dad kills you at her house.”
Yeah, there’s that part.
“Well, if I survive next week, I guess we’ll find out then.”
“I’m really happy for you guys.”
“Have you told your parents that you’re living with yourboss yet?” I ask after handing over my credit card.
“No, we aren’t like you guys. We are having a lot of fun,living together is great, but I don’t know that I want to marry him. And afterhis nasty divorce three years ago, I’m not sure he wants it either. For now,this works for us.” She smiles widely. “Plus, if I did, then the attentionwouldn’t be on you for the Arrowood Christmas Extravaganza.”
She is having way too much fun with this. Hadley has a bigcase that she’s currently working on. Her boss wants it signed before theholidays, so we may not get on the road until late Christmas Eve.
“You know that you guys have me fucking terrified.”
Melanie rests her hand on my shoulder. “Cayden, you shouldbe. I’m not trying to make it sound worse than it will be. I’m giving you myhonest opinion. TheArrrowoodbrothers are notnormal. They love their children and…they’re nuts. Good luck.”
I grab the bag from the cashier, feeling nauseous afterbasically paying for what feels like a down payment on a house. “Well, I loveher. She’s worth it.”
“Lead with that, my friend.”
Mel heads off to do whatever Mel does and I have a missedcall from my mother.
I dial it back, and start the walk back to my office where Ican keep the ring away from Hadley.
“Cayden! Hi, sweetheart.”
“Hi, Mom.”
“How is work?”
“Work is good, is that what you called for?”
She scoffs. “No, I called because it’s been almost two weekssince I’ve heard from you and I wanted to make sure no one murdered you.”
I laugh. “I’m alive.”
“Clearly. You know, Logan calls home at least once a week.”
“Logan is the better son, what can I say? Some of us have towork for a living.”
I can picture my mother’s face. “Whatever that means. Areyou still coming for Christmas?”
“Yes, but I will be there late Christmas night.”
“And you’re bringing your girlfriend still?” I can hear howhard she’s trying to keep this conversation light, but also it’s killing her notto know more about Hadley.
“Yes, I am bringing Hadley. We’re going to see her familyand then coming to you guys.”
“Great. Perfect. I’m so excited to meet her. Logan saidshe’s very beautiful and a lawyer too. He said you like her a lot.”
Seems my brother has said a lot. Asshole. “Yes, all of thosethings are true.”
