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She beamed at me. “I think I will, Maddy. Now ignore these two.”

Richard winked. “Wait until the apple crumble comes out, Maddy. Then the real fighting starts.”

I giggled as I chewed a bite of the mushroom. Loaded with garlic, wine, and stuffed with seafood and rice, it was delectable. I eyed the last two, wondering if I could beat the men to them.

Matthew laughed. “I already know that look, Dad. Watch out. Your mushrooms are going to disappear.”

Richard smirked. “You’re on.”

Dinner was great. Fun. Richard asked a lot of questions and listened, really listened, as I answered. He was curious about my nursing program, my aunt, and the bakery. He never pried or got overly personal, but he appeared interested. Katy asked about my family, and I was honest with her about my parents. She looked askance and laid her hand over mine.

“I am so sorry to hear that, Maddy. I’m glad you have Sue.”

I nodded. “I am very lucky.”

“I had Penny,” she told me. “My parents died when I was in my teens, and she came into my life. She was my everything.” She glanced at Richard, who was watching her closely, his arm going around her protectively when she began to speak. “Richard met her and she adored him, and vice versa.”

“She taught me a lot,” Richard said, sounding thoughtful. “It sounds as though Sue has been very important to you.”

“Yes.”

He nodded, looking pleased. “Hopefully we will meet her one day.”

I glanced at Matthew, who smiled. “I’m sure you will, Dad.” He squeezed my hand. “I’m sure you will.”

Matthew

Maddy was quiet on the drive home, looking out the window with a smile on her face. At her apartment, I followed her up the stairs and into her place, shutting the door behind me. It was past eight, and I knew she had to be up early. Oddly, even though we had spent almost the entire day together, I wanted more time with her. But I couldn’t be selfish.

I cleared my throat. “Sorry about the ambush.”

She leaned on the back of a chair, shaking her head. “Don’t be. Your parents are wonderful. I enjoyed meeting them, and the dinner was spectacular.”

“Smithy’s is great. Casual, but the food is top-notch.”

“It was. And so fresh.”

“He cooks whatever he buys that day. The chowder is constant and a few other dishes too, but the specials are always incredible. We can go back another time.” I ran a hand along the back of my neck. “If you want.”

She tilted her head, studying me. “Have I given you any reason to think I wouldn’t want?”

“No. Today was—” I shrugged “—incredible. We were incredible.”

She held out her hand and I took it, letting her pull me close. I leaned on the chair, caging her in. “I wouldn’t change anything about today, even dinner with my parents.”

Her eyes gleamed with mischief. “What about the lack of a second condom?”

I leaned close and kissed her neck. “That was a tragedy.”

She turned, our mouths so close I could feel her breath on my face. “I have more in my bedside drawer.”

“Is that a fact?” I asked.

“I bought them last week. In case.”

“Is this the ‘in case’ you were thinking of?” I whispered, ghosting my lips along her neck.

“Hoping for,” she replied.