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I love my mother. The excitement in her eyes, tells me she’s on board for this, and I’m thrilled to be able to give this to her. “Done. Although, it’s not going to keep me from asking questions. Like what color is it? Or, does it show off these legs?” I ask, letting my eyes rake over her.
“Nope. Owen Riggins, you’re just going to have to wait.”
“This isn’t our wedding day.” The words slip before I can think better of it. She cocks her head to the side, studying me, and my palms begin to sweat, worried that my slip of the tongue gave me away.
“No, it’s not.”
“It will be though. One day soon, I’ll make you my wife.” What the hell? Might as well plant the seed and let it take root. That way, when I do get down on one knee, she’s not completely taken by surprise.
“I want that, Owen. More than anything.”
My posture relaxes as I pull her into my chest. “Me too, baby. Me too.”Chapter 20LaylaI haven’t seen Owen since I left the house earlier this morning. Lena arranged for my hair and makeup to be done at her salon. It’s been years since I’ve gone to something other than one of those hair-cut-only places that have specials for ten dollars. The end result of today’s visit has me not recognizing myself.
“Gorgeous,” Stanley says when we enter the house. “My boy’s not going to know what hit him.” He smiles warmly.
“Which one?” Lena laughs. “You know, if the youngers are here when this goes down, they’re going to give him a hard time.” Lena shakes her head, talking about her sons’ antics.
“Yep,” Stanley agrees. “Owen’s going to have to put his foot down.”
Lena points at me. “Not thinking that’s going to be an issue, dear.”
“Maybe I should just go back home. I mean to Owen’s and get ready.” I feel my face heat. I still feel self-conscious over the fact that I just met him, moved across the country with him, and moved in with him in a matter of weeks.
“That’s not happening. We have a plan, and you’re going to stick to it, missy.” Lena points her finger at me. “Besides, I want to see my son’s expression when he sees you all fancied up.”
“You’ll learn to read between the lines, Layla girl, that means she wants to take a thousand pictures just like she did when the boys were in high school.”
“That’s my right,” Lena fires back. “Now, how about a late lunch before we put you into that dress?”
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea. It’s tight.”
“And you’re a tiny thing. Trust me. You’ll be nervous enough tonight around all those stiffs. Eating now is important. We don’t need you passing out on us.”
“Don’t think my boy could handle that.” Stanley chuckles.
I follow them into the kitchen where I help Lena make us some chicken salad sandwiches with chips. “Thank you both for everything,” I say as we sit down to eat. “The boys are lucky to have had the two of you growing up.”
“You have us now too. I don’t know the extent of what your childhood was like, but I do know that you are a part of this family. We’re always here if you need us,” Lena says sweetly.
“Remember that, darlin’,” Stanley adds. “No matter what, we’re here for you. That’s what family does.”
Not all families, but I keep that to myself. They already know that this is new to me. “I’m nervous,” I admit. “About tonight. I’ve never been anywhere fancy. What if I use the wrong fork or say something wrong? I don’t want my lack of experience with these kinds of things to look bad on you or your company.”
“It’s the boys’ company now.” Stanley chuckles. “Besides, there is nothing you could say or do to damage anything.”
“Just be you, Layla. Let Owen guide you, and you’ll be fine. There will be some stuffy people who will tip their nose up at you. But remember, if we were there, they would be doing the same thing. It’s not you. It’s them. They think the zeros in their bank account give them the right to be rude. They live in a fantasy world. They are no better than the rest of us but pretend to be,” Lena explains.
I nod, letting their advice sink in. “I’m excited too,” I tell them. “This is new for me and something I always wanted to do, just never could.” I stop myself before going on to tell them our money woes and that I worked to keep food on the table, and drugs in my mother. Going to prom like a normal teenager wasn’t even on my radar.* * *Staring at my reflection in the full-length mirror, I feel and look like a princess. My dress is dark navy blue. The fabric crosses over one shoulder, leaving the other exposed. The length flows to the floor, with a slit up the side of my leg. I’m wearing strappy silver heels with a thick heel because I’m new at this. Lena assured me a thick heel would make it easier, and she was right. I’m a little wobbly but able to stand and walk without the fear of breaking my neck.
