“Sharon,” Richard warns, but his mouth twitches with a suppressed smile. “I didn’t have hockey money.”
He looks at me with something that resembles an approval, and I take it.
“You’re here through October?” she asks me.
“Yep,” I say. “I have to be back in the city on November first.”
Julie’s hand finds mine, squeezing gently.
“Well,” Sharon says, brightening, “I hope not forever.”
“It won’t be,” I say, meaning it. “My mom and stepfather are staying in Cozy Creek through the holidays. I always spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with my mom, no matter where she is in the world.”
Julie’s mouth falls open, and then she quickly closes it. I lift a brow at her.
“Oh, wonderful! We should have a family dinner sometime,” Sharon says.
“Mom, slow down,” Julie pleads. “You’re already planning holiday dinners, and you just met him.”
“When you know, you know,” Sharon says, looking at her husband. “I knew your father was it for me after our second date.”
“First date,” Richard corrects. “You just didn’t admit it until the second.”
They share a look that speaks of decades of love, and it makes me grin.
Richard pulls Sharon with him. “We should let you two get on with your day. Sorry for barging in.”
“Though not really sorry,” Sharon adds with a wink. “I had to meet the man who has my daughter glowing like this.”
“I’m glad you did,” I say.
After they leave, Julie drops her head on the counter. “I can’t believe she brought up Buddy Madison.”
“Your first love?” I pull her in front of me.
“High school boyfriend. Ancient history.” She looks up at me. “And they definitely knew we were having shower sex.”
“Your parents are great, Jules.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. They love you. They want you to be happy.” I brush hair from her face. “Your mom’s right though.”
“About what?”
“You are sparkling.”
She hides her face in my chest. “Stop.”
“Never.”
My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I pull it out.
Patterson
Coffee shop is AMAZING. Your girl’s friend with the crystals is hot. Also, I may have told everyone we’re brothers. Roll with it.
I show Julie the text. She laughs.
