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“She said that Cassie is your…” His mom tipped her head to the side. “Special friend.” Damn if she didn’t hold her hands up and do the old quote mark gesture with her fingers as she said it.
He wasn’t sure whether to laugh or roll his eyes.
“Did she?” he said. And it was his mom’s turn to look impatient.
“So?” She leaned forward, her gaze intent. “Are you going to tell me what’s going on or are you going to leave me hanging forever?”
He smiled fondly at her. This woman had always been his rock. Even before he’d become a single dad and she’d stepped in to help him.
“So Cassie and I are a thing,” he told her, his voice low.
“Oh my God.” She grabbed him, hugging him tight, her head resting in the crook of his neck. “Oh, Pres, I’m so happy. So, so pleased for you. You deserve this. You all do.”
He hugged her back. Damn, he’d forgotten how emotional she could be. But he couldn’t help but smile. When she pulled away she stared up at him, her eyes full of tears.
“Why are you crying?” he asked her.
“Because I never thought I’d see the day,” she was trying hard not to sob. “I prayed for it. I longed for it. I just want you to be happy. And for the longest time it felt like all you were doing was surviving.”
He shrugged. There was a truth in her words. “We’re just dating, Mom. Not getting married.”
“Exclusively?” she asked.
This time he couldn’t help but laugh. “Do you see a long line of women standing at my door.”
Exasperated, she slapped his arm. “Stop that. I’m serious.”
“Yes, Mom. We’re exclusive.” The thought of anything else made his gut twist. “Now can I go out to help Dad? Or do you need me to do something in here?”
“You can go help him.” She hugged him again. “I’m so happy for you both. Cassie is just a lovely woman.”
“I know.”
“And she’s so good with Delilah.”
His throat felt tight. “I know that too.”
“Of course you do. You wouldn’t let just anybody into your daughter’s life.” His mom’s voice was soft. “I’m so proud of you, honey. Not just because you’re a great dad. I’m proud because I know how hard it’s been to let somebody in.” She wiped the tears from her face with a tissue.”
“Thank you.” He meant it. In so many ways. He leaned forward to kiss her.
She nodded. “Now go before I start crying again. Today is supposed to be a celebration. No more tears allowed.”
“I can go for that.” He winked at her. “I love you, Mom.”
“I love you, too,” she told him. “So, so much.”
Chapter
Twenty-One
As soon as Cassie parked behind all the cars lining Gray and Maddie Hartson’s driveway, she found herself accosted by Marley.
“Hey.” He was smirking at her.
“Pres told you?” she said, because his smile was only getting bigger. He had to know about her and Pres. Officially. Because unofficially, she had the sneaking suspicion he’d known about them all along.
“Nope.” Marley shook his head. “Delilah did. And I just came out to warn you that she’s been telling everybody that you’re her daddy’s special friend.” He started to laugh. “I’m sorry, it sounds weird coming out of a six-year-old’s mouth. So yeah, you’re kind of the talk of the party.”
