Page 58 of Full Throttle

“Yes, I specifically had Halton state I would be with my fiancée. Roxanne can’t refuse.”

“Then I’m there.”

He leaned close and kissed me. “Thanks. Let’s go home.”

I gathered my purse and jacket, and we headed to the car. On the drive back to Lomand, his phone rang, and he answered on the Bluetooth.

“Dom speaking.”

“Dom, it’s Randy. The inspection was great. So, your offer stands. Congratulations, the house is yours.”

Dom met my shocked gaze fast then returned his attention to the road. “Even with the quick closing?”

“That was perfect for them.”

“Thanks, Randy. I’ll be in touch later.”

“Sounds good.”

Dom hung up and reached for my hand. “The house is ours, Cherry.”

“I can’t believe we got it.”

“It’s a great family house. Not a lot of young families moving in to the Lomand area right now. It’s been up for a while, and Randy was sure we would be successful. The inspection showed nothing, so it’s ours.” He grinned. “My kid and a house in one day. Halton is right—you’re my lucky charm.”

“I think you’re mine.”

He winked. “You know it.”

DOM

Today was Hannah’s birthday, and Chase had arranged a surprise party for her. I was grateful for the activity to take my mind off next Saturday. Meeting my son. I worked at the garage in the morning, while Cherry ran some errands. Chase was keeping Hannah busy all day, bringing her to the bar later, where we would all be waiting. She was going to be surprised. Everyone would be even more surprised when Chase proposed. Cherry was excited for Hannah and thrilled she’d found someone to share her life with.

We kept our engagement low-key, but our friends knew. They were thrilled, and Hannah was so excited about the fact that her mom would be living a few minutes away from her. I had shared my news about Josh, and they were all supportive and understanding, knowing how nervous I was about seeing him and his reaction to me. Cherry had printed off a copy of the picture she’d taken, and it was clipped above the desk in the office. Seeing it filled me with emotions, both sad and happy. He looked like a great kid, and I hated that I had missed so many years with him, but I was pleased to see he looked fine.

“How does it feel, knowing a week from today, you’ll be looking at him in the flesh?” Charly asked, sliding onto the stool beside me.

I met her curious gaze with a smile. “Scares the shit out of me that he’ll find me lacking,” I replied honestly. “Or that I won’t have the patience to deal with him. I remember thirteen. I was a little bastard with an attitude.”

Charly laughed, tilting her head back, her bright-red hair falling over her shoulders. “I think we all were. I thought I knew everything when I was a teenager.” She rubbed my shoulder. “But you’ll be fine, Dom. You’ll have Cherry with you. It might be tough at first, but you’ll figure it out.” She smiled. “He’s going to be nervous too.”

I rubbed my face. “I know. I have no idea what lies she’s been telling him all these years. He might hate me because she’s taught him to.”

Cherry walked in, hearing my last words. “Then we’ll unteach him. You’ll find common interests. He loves cars, he told me. Bring him here and let him see what you do. I bet that breaks the ice.”

Charly nodded, looking enthused. “Great idea. He can see you in action. Watch the guys working. He’ll have tons of questions, and you can talk to him about something he loves. That can be your bridge.”

I rubbed my chin. “Good idea.”

Charly and Cherry exchanged a knowing look, making me laugh. “You ladies are awesome.”

Charly stood and sniffed. “Of course we are. I keep telling you that.”

She hugged Cherry. “I’m so excited about tonight. Hannah is gonna be so surprised.”

Cherry smiled. “I know. It’s so hard not to call her and wish her a happy birthday, but I’m afraid I’ll slip and say something. Chase has worked so hard to keep this a secret. Last night, I mentioned I was busy all day and would call her tonight. She probably thinks I’ve forgotten.”

“She’ll forgive you,” I assured her.