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Their heads tilt upwards as we walk in. They stare at us without speaking.

“Good morning,” I say, breaking the silence.

My father looks at his wristwatch. “Barely,” he mutters.

My mother looks back down at her book.

“Listen,” Brooks says, moving forward with confidence. “I want us to be on good terms. I intend to spend a lot of time with your daughter, which means you’re going to have to tolerate me. Eventually. So, let’s get everything out in the open.” He sits down in the armchair nearest to my father, resting his forearms on his knees. “Why do you think Todd is better for your daughter than me?”

My eyes widen; I wasn’t expecting him to go there. My mother gasps, and my father slides his glasses down his nose.

“This conversation is entirely inappropriate,” my mother says indignantly.

“Here are the reasons I’m better for Molly.” Brooks holds up a hand and ticks off his list with his fingers. “(1) I respect her, (2) We already know we work well together, (3) I love antiquing, (4) She’s always cold and I’m always hot … match made in heaven, (5) —”

My father holds up a hand to silence him. “Okay, we get the picture.”

My mother stands to her feet, her angry eyes not leaving Brooks’s face. “Listen here, young man. You’re not a parent, therefore you don’t understand what it’s like to hope and dream for your child’s future.” She pauses, her eyes softening slightly. “You have to realize me and my best friend had babies within days of each other. One a boy … one a girl.” She smiles in my direction. “Of course, we always wanted them to end up together and strengthen our bond even more.”

Brooks looks at my mother with a hint of sympathy, but the tense set of his shoulders tells me he’s still irritated. “You’re right. I don’t understand what it’s like to have a child. But when I do have children, someday, I like to think I’d want them to be happy … and to be with someone who takes care of them. Someone who loves them unconditionally.”

I study Brooks, his words sending a shiver through me. We’ve solidified the fact that he’s had feelings for me, but love? Does he love me?

My mother sits back down, crossing her legs at her ankles and studying her hands. “I really think Todd just needs more time to mature.”

My newfound gumption for standing up for myself lights a fire inside my soul. I step forward and look directly at my mother. “I refuse to be a pawn in your plans any longer, Mother. Todd doesn’t even begin to deserve my affection. And if you can’t see that … that’s on you. Not me.”

My mother brings her bejeweled fingers to her chest with a shocked inhale of breath. I’ve always tolerated her criticism and penchant for having the last word. But not today, and not when it comes to who I’m with.

My father blinks slowly a few times, possibly still grasping the way I just spoke to my mother. Finally, he turns his attention to his wife. “I’m sorry, darling, but I have to agree with Molly here. Todd is a lost cause.”

My mother sends him a harsh look. “He’s only twenty-six!” She defends.

He heaves an exasperated sigh. “When I was that age, I had already taken over my father’s insurance company. And look at Brooks and Molly.” He gestures between us with one hand. “Both the same age as Todd and running a successful company together.”

I smile at my father, appreciating his support. He gives me a proud, fatherly smile back, and nods his head slightly, as if praising me for speaking my mind for once.

Brooks’s hand slides into mine and he gives my hand a gentle squeeze.

“Brooks, I don’t know you well enough to give you my blessing, or whatever it is you're looking for. But please just keep that pipsqueak, Todd, away from my daughter.” My father ignores my mother’s gasp of horror and goes back to working on his computer.

“It would be my pleasure, sir,” Brooks says with a sly grin and a nod of his head.

My mother begins lecturing my father and we make a quick escape from the room.

“Want to grab some lunch?” Brooks asks, pulling me toward the front door.

“Sounds perfect.”

Chapter 30

Brooks

That afternoon, I’m on my flight with Molly by my side. She moved hers up, deciding she’d had enough of her mother’s dramatics for one week. Once we’re in the air, Molly turns toward me, a look of determination on her face. “I think we should keep our relationship on the down low until your dating ban is over.”

My eyebrows raise. “I’m pretty sure my dating ban is over.” I raise our joined hands to prove my point.

“I know that, and you know that. But if your brother finds out …”