Page 128 of So Much More
“Are you serious?” he asks.
“More than I’ve ever been. Would you be mad? Or would Leslie?”
“I’d prefer you to lock Wendy down as soon as possible before she comes to her senses.”
“You’re hilarious. So you don’t care, but what about Leslie?”
“She’ll love it. She was plotting for you two to get married before we knew you were spending time together.”
“She truly won’t be mad?”
“I’m pretty sure she won’t be, but feel free to ask her. You’re really planning to do this soon?”
“I’m hoping we’ll be married before the end of the year.”
He lets out a long whistle. “Have you two talked about it, or are you planning to spring it on her?”
“We talked about it.” To an extent.
“Good. Then go for it. If you’re both sure, then get it done and start making little redheaded babies for Mom to dote on.”
“‘Dote on’? Who are you?”
He shrugs. “No idea where that came from. Any other significant life decisions you need my input on before we get down to business?”
“Nope.”
* * *
“So your dad didn’t disinherit you and Ash after all?” Wendy asks.
It’s the night before Dad’s funeral, and we’re on her couch for the first time in over a week. If I had to explain how at home I feel right here with her in my arms, I couldn’t do it.
“No, he couldn’t without Mom’s permission. And she admitted that her refusal to do so is why he was making the recent threats against her.”
“I love your mom.”
I lean my head against hers. “Me, too. She’s been through a lot more than I ever imagined. And I’m so glad she’s now free of him.”
“You’re free of him, too, and I’m glad of that. And I hope you always remember you’re not the man he said you were.”
“Babe?” I run my fingers through her hair.
“Yeah?”
“When do you think you’ll be ready to marry me?”
I expected her to freeze at the question, but she doesn’t.
“Soon,” she says.
My breath hitches in my throat. “How soon is soon?”
“As soon as you’re ready to ask me for real.”
My eyes widen. “Then—”
She claps her hand over my mouth. “I’m not done.”
