And all because of a gutsy, curly-haired, strawberry blonde who somehow loves me, too.
I squeeze Hannah’s hand, more grateful to have her in my life than I ever believed possible. I think I just fell even more in love with her.
My mother lifts her chin, then tilts her head. I’ve seen this enough times at home and in the courtroom when I used to attend her trials—she’s made a deduction and is about to run with it.
“Hannah’s a remarkable woman.” Her tone is thoughtful, not a cross-examination. And I think I glimpsed tears in her eyes.
The blush rising up Hannah’s cheeks is adorable as she wraps her other hand around my bicep. I love the feel of her clinging to me like this.
Suddenly, that bottle of champagne seems inadequate. I need to find a way to convey the magnitude of my appreciation for all she’s done for me, but also the intensity of my love for her and belief in her. Maybe a bouquet of puppies and kittens—the metaphorical variety for sanity’s sake, of course.
I hold my hand out. “Listen, I want to apologize for bringing up the trust fund during your party. That was bad timing on my part, and I’m sorry for dampening your celebration.”
“All forgiven.” My mother kisses the side of my face. Meaning, her lips actually touch my skin. She steps back, then stops to wipe my cheek with her thumb. “Lipstick. Sorry. I’m usually careful about that. I wish I could tolerate those lip stains, but they cause a rash around my mouth.”
Is that why she always gives air kisses? I think I’m starting to understand—and appreciate—my parents on a whole new level.
My mother loops her arm through Hannah’s. “Mind if I steal her for a bit? There’s a live band on the patio. Why don’t you two chat?”
I think my mother just hijacked my girlfriend to cross-examine her, but I’m not worried. Hannah can hold her own.
Girlfriend…
Totally blows my mind how easily we’ve slipped into being a couple. Bandit even seems happier. I’m treading new ground here, but I’m hopeful about what the future holds for all three of us. Between training and physical therapy sessions for Bandit, plus her booming business, we haven’t had time to talk about ‘us’ and what our expectations are.
My father’s expression relaxes as he studies me. “Are you and Hannah official, Nick?”
I want to say yes because, in my mind, it’s a done deal. Hannah’s perfect for me—the only one for me. That’s part of what I wanted to tell her on the beach. Unlike my failed attempt to express my love for her before anyone else knew—another reason to prank Graham—I want her to hear it from me first.
“Waiting on the final verdict.”
My father leans closer and lowers his voice. “When a woman braves confronting a man’s parents to point out how extraordinary their son is, that has to mean she’s crazy about you.”
My chest tightens with emotion. I don’t know which part of my father’s words affects me more—him saying he thinks I’m extraordinary or that Hannah is nuts about me. I could seriously get used to this.
My father continues, “Son, may I offer some counsel?”
I suddenly feel like one of his clients, but that’s just how he operates. Still, I’m all ears. “Of course.”
He smiles his appreciation. “When you find a woman who challenges you to be the best version of yourself, you move heaven and earth to be with her.”
Message received. “Thanks, Dad.”
“You bet.” He pats me on the back.
There’s so much I want to tell Hannah. I’m like a volcano about to erupt. It’s scary and wonderful all at once. I think I’m still trying to make sense of it all.
All I know is I need a moment alone with the woman I’m totally crazy about.
CHAPTER 35
Hannah
When CC said she wanted to show me the band, I figured that was code for her wanting to talk to me in private. Which is fine, even though the woman has me quaking in my high heels.
Nick’s mother called me a week ago and asked if I thought throwing Nick a surprise party was a good idea.
Askedme.
