“That’s good. Hopefully, they can figure this out together as peacefully as possible.”
“Aye.”
We walk aimlessly down the path without saying a word for a few moments, just absorbing the scenery. Layla is still tucked under my arm and it just feelsright.For the entirety of my relationship with Ashley, I thought she wasthe one, but it pales in comparison to the way I’m pulled to Layla. Obviously I think she’s gorgeous, but it’s so much more than being physically attracted to her. I want to know her secrets and deepest desires. I want to win all of her smiles and laughs. I want to put her on a pedestal so everyone can see how incredible she is.
“So are you ever going to give me an answer?” I ask teasingly.
She angles her head to look up at me questioningly. “To what?”
“Taking me home with you for the holidays.”
“Oh.” Her face falls and she bites her bottom lip.
Shit. Maybe now that we’re…well, I don’t know exactly what we are, but we’re something…maybe meeting the family is too much too soon?
“Layla, it’s okay. I understand if it’s too uncomfortable for you,” I say, trying to save the mood.
“No,” she says. “It’s not that. Well, okay maybe it is, but I won’t be uncomfortable because ofyou.I wasn’t kidding when I said my family can be a lot. I don’t want them to overwhelm you, because they absolutely will ask you when we’re getting married and having children.”
The idea doesn’t terrify me like she thinks it does. I’ve always wanted to get married and have a family. Not right this second, but someday.
“I’ll just tell them we eloped because I knocked you up. It’ll be grand.”
Layla gasps so loudly that I’m afraid she’s hurt herself. I whip my head in her direction to find her staring daggers at me, so I just grin back at her. Then she begins to let loose a string of Spanish that sounds like it’s supposed to be intimidating, but the way her cheeks flush in anger just makes me want her all the more.
“Are you laughing at me?” she demands, eyes narrowing.
I school my features, biting back the laugh she’s accusing me of. “Nah, definitely not laughing at you. I would never.”
She rolls her eyes and darts out from under my arm, walking ahead a few steps. That won’t do.
“Now hold on, lass,” I say, catching up to her and wrapping my arms around her from behind, pulling her against my chest. She relaxes into my embrace, but I still plan on groveling. “I was just slagging you. Remember what I told you the night we met? About it being the Irish way and a form of affection between couples?”
“I know,” she mutters, leaning her head back against my shoulder.
“But…” I hedge.
Turning in my arms, she places her palms flat on my chest then peers up at me. “You think they’d be shocked by that answer, but honestly, they’d be thrilled. Don’t get me wrong, they’d be pissed about not being able to throw a lavish, Mexican wedding, but ultimately, they’d be ecstatic. And I hate that.”
It’s my turn to frown now. She doesn’t want to get married and have a family?
“Explain this to me,” I say.
“Mierda,” she breathes. “All I’ve ever heard my entire life is that there’s no greater achievement than getting married and having a brood of children. Yes, I do want to experience those things someday, but it feels like a cage, you know? Like no matter what I do, no matter what degree or job I have, no matter what passions I have, nothing will ever be as great as being a wife and mother, so why even bother? I’m young, Teagan. I want to live my life for me before I start living for others. I have two little sisters that I helped care for as babies, so I know how hard having kids can be. I’m not ready for that.”
I blow out a breath as I process the truth she shared with me. It seems like it’s been festering for a while, but she hasn’t been able to let it out. And it’s fucking heartbreaking. She should be able to pursue whatever she wants in life, without others telling her what’s best for her. I get just as worked up over women’s rights as I do corporate greed. There’s no sense in any of it.
“Hey,” I murmur, bringing my hands up to cup her face. “I don’t fully understand what you’re experiencing, but I do know what it’s like to want a different life than what your family wants. My Da is constantly harping on me about not taking over the family farm. Don’t get me wrong, if an emergency happened and I had to, I would, but that’s not where I want my future. I want to make a difference in the lives of people, rather than sheep.”
Layla snorts indelicately, but a smile starts to spread across her face.
“Atta girl,” I say, kissing her forehead. “But seriously, it’s not fair for your family to put those expectations on you. Their dreams aren’t yours. And if you want, I’d be happy to stand by your side and tell them just how amazing and capable you are all on your own. Which you are.”
“Thank you,” she tells me, stretching onto her toes to place a chaste kiss on my lips. “Anything for you, Lovely.”
Chapter Fourteen
Layla
