Page 104 of Objection to Love
“That’s what you said last week.” Em laughed.
“And it worked just fine then.”
“Come on. I want a sundae, and I’m not letting your fear of doctors or cougars stop me.”
“Brave woman,” he said with overdone solemnity.
“Stick close enough, and some of it might rub off on you.”
He almost didn’t notice what she was doing, trying to distract him from meeting the first man to romantically enter his mom’s life since Garrett’s dad. But he did notice. And he appreciated it.
They walked hand in hand up the front walk. “Did I tell you I signed the contract with American Builds? I’m officially their western regional manager.”
“You might have mentioned it once. Or seven times,” she teased.
“What can I say? I’m strangely excited to be settling down.” He released her hand and put his arm around her, pulling her close as they reached his mom’s front steps. She tipped her head up to him, and he gladly took the invitation, kissing her lightly on the lips, then on the forehead. “Hey,” he said, “settling. That’s the great basis for another pun.”
She rolled her eyes at him, which made him want to kiss her again. So he did.
“I’m pretty excited you’re settling down, too,” she murmured. A flurry of wind tossed itself around in his chest. Her words affected him even more than usual. Maybe because he’d begun thinking about a different sort of settling down. With her. One that involved a ring and a big white dress.
He might have already been in discussions with April about what kind of ring Em would like.
“But there is one problem,” he said. Neither of them moved toward the door now only a few steps away. She seemed to understand he needed just a minute longer.
“What’s that?”
“My housing contract is up in a couple of months.”
“Hmm.” She tapped her lips with a finger. “Guess you’ll need to find a new place.”
“Guess so.” He grinned.
The door opened, and they both jumped a little at the abrupt action. “You guys made it! Come in, come in!” His mom stepped aside, smiling at them both.
Inwardly cringing at the upcoming meeting, Garrett walked through the door. A slim, soft hand slipped into his as Em followed. He squeezed it.
They walked straight for the kitchen, and Garrett caught his first glimpse of the infamous John—who was, thankfully, graying and definitely not under the age of fifty.
“Garrett, Em, this is John. John, this is my son and his girlfriend, Em.” His mom made the introductions but was cut off at the end by Em’s quick intake of breath. He sent a questioning look her way.
She released his hand, stepping forward. Recognition lit in John’s eyes as well. “Garrett,” she said, looking back at him, “this is John Nolan. The surgeon who operated on April and her baby!”
“It’s wonderful to see you again, Ms. Miller,” John said, shaking her hand.
“No, no, call me Em.”
“And how is your sister? I have a follow-up with her this week, I believe.”
Em nodded. Garrett was still staring at them both. “She’s doing great, thank you. For everything.”
John looked over to Garrett then, smiling. “Small world, I suppose.” He had a kind appearance about him. Like a mixture of Santa Claus and a grandpa. But one who worked out, from the look of him. “Smaller even,” he added, “because I hear you two like rock climbing. I have a friend I go with at least once a month. Any chance I could convince you two to let an old man like myself tag along with you once in a while?”
Em laughed, and it shook Garrett from his stupor. “Only if you don’t mind a bloody nose.”
“Or a black eye.” Garrett grinned as he stepped back to Em’s side.
He shrugged. “All part of the fun, I suppose.”
