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Makes it better, huh? “In what way?”
“In the serious you’re going to fall in love with me kind of way.”
He might have said it in a teasing voice, but there was truth hiding there. Ryan never kept his feelings or intentions a secret, least of all from me. He was so committed, so certain, so willing to give this relationship his all, that he erased nearly all my lingering doubts. But some walls refused to crumble to dust overnight.
“So, Saturday afternoon then?” I asked, giving him a formal invitation into my life and Matson’s.
Ryan cleared his throat. “I was thinking Saturday morning.”
Disappointment coursed through me, although I wasn’t exactly sure why. “The morning instead? Okay,” I said, taking whatever I could get. As much as I adored our phone calls and video chats, I missed seeing Ryan in person, and I was excited about him and Matson spending time together, even if I was a little nervous too.
“Not instead. As well. Morning and afternoon, until I have to leave for work. If that’s okay with you, and Matson doesn’t want to kick me in the shins by then.” Ryan laughed, and I smiled as my disappointment was replaced with elation and a willing heart.
“Yes,” I said quickly, and we laughed together, giddy with anticipation.
• • •
Saturday took an eternity to arrive. My mom failed at calming me down, reminding me how good-looking Ryan was, and how sweet and rare guys like him were.
“You’re not helping,” I whined over the phone.
“I know. Sorry. Have fun, mija. You deserve this. Matson does too. Call me after he leaves and tell me everything,” she said, her tone excited before she cleared her throat. “If you want, I mean. You don’t have to.”
“I will, Mom,” I promised. Of course she’d be the first person I’d want to call and share my day with.
The doorbell rang, and I hung up quickly as Matson bounded down the hall.
“I’ll get it!” he shouted, and before I could stop him, he had the door open and was looking up at the man who made my heart skip a beat just from his presence.
Ryan looked gorgeous, dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, the fabric stretched across his chest and shoulders. The backward baseball cap on his head was perfect. No one else on earth had ever looked as good to me as he did right now.
“Hey, buddy. Remember me?” Ryan crouched down to his eye level, and Matson put his fist out. Ryan bumped his knuckles, and my heart warmed at their exchange.
“I remember. Want to see my toys?” Matson said before pulling Ryan by the hand through the door.
Ryan’s blue eyes met mine from across the room. “Can I say hi to your mom first?” he asked politely before waiting for Matson’s response.
“She’s in the kitchen. I’ll show you where it is.”
I ducked back behind the wall and pretended to wash a dish as Matson led Ryan into the kitchen.
“Mama, Ryan’s here.”
I turned around and smiled, but hesitated. Should I give Ryan a hug?
It was such a simple gesture, but Matson had never seen me be affectionate with anyone other than him or my dad. Before I could react, though, Ryan made the choice for me, pulling me into his arms and hugging me tight. When he let go, Matson stood there staring at us.
Ryan released me and looked at my son. “Hope that was okay with you, buddy. I guess I should have asked.”
Matson shrugged. “Nah, I think she liked it. It’s fine with me.”
I covered my mouth with my hand, pursing my lips to stop the laughter from bubbling out, but Matson didn’t notice.
“Can I show you my room now?”
“Sure.” Ryan gave me a wink and let Matson lead him away. That man was going to be the death of me.
When they disappeared, I finished getting ready, packing a few snacks and drinks in case we were gone longer than expected. The mom in me never left the house unprepared.
