“Her father and I worry about her. She hasn’t…” Ilsa doesn’t finish her sentence again. “Please don’t take advantage of her.”
“I would never. I give you my word. I care about her. A lot. I’d like her in my life if she’s interested. I would never do anything to hurt her.”
Josie bursts into the room. I sit up straighter to look at her. She’s wearing black leggings and a pink cotton dress that has Dalmatians on it. Her feet are bare. Her hair is no longer in messy buns. It’s in pigtails. She brushed out her hair so it’s hanging thick past her shoulders.
She’s the most adorable I’ve ever seen her.
She’s breathing heavily. “Mom, please tell me you didn’t grill my… Chase.”
Her mother sits up straighter. “Of course I did. It’s my job. You’ll be pleased to know he revealed nothing.”
Josie’s shoulders lower.
I hold out a hand toward her, encouraging her to come to me.
She shuffles toward me, which warms my heart. Her trust. In front of her mom.
I take her hand and help her sit next to me, keeping her hand in mine. I hold it against my thigh.
Ilsa’s eyes widen again as she stares at our connection.
“He knows I’m Little, Mom.”
“Okay.” She turns her gaze toward me again.
“I promise to be careful with your daughter’s heart,” I tell her.
Josie turns toward me, tipping her head back.
Ilsa stands, clutching her purse at her side. “Okay. I’ll go. I was just worried about you.”
“I’m so sorry I forgot to text you last night, Mom. I was frazzled.”
“It’s okay, honey. Maybe the two of you could come to dinner next weekend? I’m sure your father will want to meet Chase.”
Josie’s breath hitches as if she hates this idea, but when I glance at her, I don’t think it’s her parents she’s worried about. It’s me. She doesn’t think I would want to go.
I release Josie’s hand and rise. “That sounds great. Let Josie know what night, and we’ll be there.” I walk her to the door and hold it open for her.
“Thank you.” She smiles at me. I think I chipped away at her concerns. I totally understand. She has every right to be protective of her daughter. I will work my ass off to prove myself worthy. I have no problem with that. I’m glad Josie has good parents who are supportive, know she’s Little, and don’t judge her. It’s a blessing.
After I shut the door, I return to Josie, sit next to her again, and take her hand.
“You didn’t have to do that,” she says.
“Do what?”
“Agree to have dinner with my parents. They’re overprotective.”
“They worry about you. They love you. I’m so glad you have them. I want to get to know them.”
“You’re serious.”
“Very.”
She licks her lips.
I lift my free hand, making sure she’s watching me as I cup her face. “You look so pretty this morning.”
