“You and me both. He’s an arrogant not-nice-word.” Paisley is pragmatic about her slanders, choosing to convey her meaning without using words that would have gotten her in trouble with Mom.
I already watch my language around Mason, but I’ll have to be even more careful when there is a little one toddling around.
When I park in my parents’ driveway, I grab my phone out of the holder. “I’m headed inside. Wish me luck.”
“You going to let them think you’re the father and that she cheated on John or tell them the truth?”
“I’ll play it by ear.”
“They’ll never believe you and Bluebonnet cheated.” Paisley blows out a breath. “Only because neither of you would do that to anyone, even a scumbag like John.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. Gotta go.” I end the call and shove the phone in my pocket as I walk onto the porch.
The door swings open, and Mom stands there, her arms open for a hug. “It’s always good to see you.” She rubs my shoulder as she steps to the side, letting me in. “Ava’s obviously been feeding you well.”
“Are you saying I’m getting fat?”
“Not at all. You look good.” She motions to the living room. “Dad is playing his game. I’ll grab dessert and drinks and meet you in there.”
“Hi.” Dad acknowledges me but stays focused on the Xbox, finishing up a round of his favorite tank game. “Mom said you were stopping by.” He moans as his tank blows up. “We were losing that round anyway. Newbs don’t know how to play.”
I flop onto the couch. “You can play another round.”
“Later maybe. Mom said you had news.”
Mom pokes her head out of the kitchen. “Do not tell him anything until I’m out there.”
Dad chuckles. “Don’t worry. He’ll repeat it for you.” His phone buzzes, and after reading the message on the screen, he laughs and calls out, “No thank you. I don’t want to sleep on the couch.” He sets his controller aside. “It’s probably best for me if you wait to say anything.”
“Sounds like it.” I’m used to their bantering, but it’s hard to focus on that right now.
“And your mom is joking. Only once has she ever made me sleep on the couch, which I completely deserved, but in the middle of the night, she woke me up and dragged me back to bed. That was the only time. Now, I avoid doing stupid stuff, and wecommunicate.”
“Communication is important in a relationship.” Mom sets a tray down. “Cokes and brownies. Help yourself.”
My brain kicks into overdrive as we each grab snacks. I’ve spent hours thinking of what to say, and now thoughts are bombarding each other, and my planned statement is a mix of words. So I keep it short and sweet.
After a bite of brownie and a sip of Coke, I say, “I’m getting married. I proposed to Bluebonnet, and she accepted.”
Blinking, Dad takes another bite of his brownie.
Mom cocks her head. “Paisley’s friend?”
“Yes.”
Dad is still staring like he’s processing my words.
“What happened to, um, that guy?” Mom taps the side of her head like she’s trying to shake loose a name.
“Her fiancé.” Dad has joined the conversation.
“She ended things with him. And I proposed after that.”
While I don’t need my parents’ permission, I am hoping for their blessing. And I expected some shock, but hearing them say they’re happy for us will make me feel better.
Dad’s eating his brownie again.
Mom pinches her lips. “Parker, I’m not going to ask if you’re sure about this because I know you, and I know how you feel about her.” She meets my gaze, and worry swirls in her light brown eyes. “Does she feel the same way?”
