Page 71 of Miss Fortune

“Yeah. Thank you for having us over for dinner, especially on a Sunday. My parents are so relaxed they might consider traveling again.”

Her mom and dad were chilling with their drinks in the backyard. I had made it clear they weren’t to lift a finger to help clean up but to act as our guests. Since I was so particular about my organization, I preferred to do it all after they left.

“Come on,” I said on a whim, taking her hand and pulling her into the walk-in pantry.

“What are you? Oh—”

The way her body melted into mine once I kissed down her neck was my own personal victory every time. I loved the way she fit against me. The way she sighed in contentment as though she craved this the way I did. “I needed a little Daisy time.”

“I’m a big fan of Daisy time. You might just earn your friendship bracelet yet, mister.”

My chest vibrated with laughter. “I keep hearing about this bracelet, but I’m sensing it’s all a ruse.”

“A girl has to have a carrot to keep you on your toes.”

I framed her face and took her lips for a sweet kiss. “By the way, your Scotcha-whatchamacallits were delicious.”

“Scotcharoos and thank you. My grandmother made them for every party we had growing up.”

“I’m a fan of everything Midwestern now. Including you.” It was tempting to have her spend the night, but since it was a Sunday, and most of it had already been taken up with the barbeque, I knew I’d be pushing my limits. “What will you do with your parents the rest of the time they’re here?”

“Magic Castle, dinner with Doris, and I’ll probably take them up to Malibu to meet Tory, Chance, and Penny.”

Although I’d enjoyed spending time with her family, it was a relief when she didn’t ask me to come along for any of these excursions. She might not realize it, but this afternoon was a huge step for me. I was behind when it came time for my Monday prep, but I’d make it up later tonight.

As if she read my mind about reaching my limit she said, “Come on, I’ll finish helping you clean up, and then we’ll get out of your hair.”

Chapter Thirty

Daisy

My parents hugged me one last time on Thursday night before getting into their rental to drive to the airport.

“You should plan to bring Caleb home for the holidays,” my dad suggested. He was more bummed than I was we hadn’t seen him again during the week.

“Yeah, we’ll have to see, Dad.” Bringing someone home for Christmas was a big deal. And sadly, I didn’t ever see it happening with Caleb.

“Even if he can’t come, we’d still love to see you at home this Christmas,” my mom declared, giving me a hug. “I can’t promise I won’t fuss over you, but I promise not to question your choices again.”

“Thanks. I’ll start looking at tickets soon.” I had no doubt she’d question my choices as she couldn’t help herself. But the fact she’d make the effort not to— it meant something. “Love you both. Text me when you get in, and say hello to Petey for me.” Pete was their lovable lap dog who’d lain by my side during the months I recovered after surgery.

“We will. Tell Caleb we enjoyed meeting him.” My dad’s words were laced with a kernel of disappointment. Perhaps he was coming to realize they’d already seen him for the last time.

“I will, Dad. Love you both.” I stood outside on my curb long after they’d left, feeling in a funk. Was it realizing the limitations I’d always have with Caleb? Was I homesick?

I wasn’t sure, but whatever it was sucked the joy out of the activities I usually found soothing, as I soon discovered upon returning to my apartment. Soap making didn’t appeal to me, neither did knitting or any other sort of craft.

I settled on a walk to try to clear my head. On my way, my phone rang, and I was surprised to see it was Caleb’s number.

“Hello.”

“Hi.”

“You okay?” The fact he was calling me on a weekday was out of the ordinary.

“Yeah. Um, remember how you mentioned you might be up for meeting my family?”

“Yes. Definitely.”