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Mr. Moreno stood up, as if he couldn’t sit anymore. “But you’re only eighteen, Savannah.”
“I know, daddy but I practically live at his place already, anyway.”
If looks were daggers, Byron would have two right between the eyes, the way her dad glared at him when his face jerked in his direction.
“Okay, let’s not get silly about this, honey,” Mrs. Moreno said, obviously catching the lethal glare her dad had shot him. “And they’re talking marriage, so it’s not like we have to worry about him not being serious about her.”
“Yes,” Byron spoke up again. “I’ve never felt this way for any other girl in my life.” He turned to Savannah who was looking up at him, her big, beautiful eyes flooding. “Never been so in love.” The crease between her eyes deepened and her lips quivered. Feeling like he might get emotional too if he didn’t glance away, he took a deep breath and turned back to her parents. “It’s why we’re here early. I was really hoping to get your blessing before we announced it to the rest of the family.”
The exchanged glance between her parents wasn’t missed. Her father’s expression was far more troubled than her mom’s. Mrs. Moreno turned back to them. “You’re not dropping out of school, are you?”
“Oh,hellno,” Mr. Moreno huffed.
“No, sir,” Byron spoke up quickly. “I wouldn’t want her interrupting her studies for me. She’d keep doing what she’s doing now, only she’d be living with me instead of the dorm.”
“Yeah, daddy you guys wouldn’t have to pay for that expensive dorm anymore.”
“You know that’s the least of my worries, Savannah.” He turned to Byron. “So, you’re saying you’ll be engaged and once she’s done with school—”
“No,” Savannah clarified immediately. “We don’t wantthatlong of an engagement. Just long enough to plan the wedding. And we won’t even think of starting a family until I’ve at least finished school.”
“Oh, thank God, you’re not eloping,” her mom said.
“No,” Savannah laughed as her prediction began to come true. After the shock of the news, they were already moving on to talk of their big fat Moreno wedding. “Are you kidding me? Grandma’s been drilling in the idea of all her grandkids having big weddings since I was five. I wouldn’t dream of breaking the Moreno tradition.”
Byron smiled, remembering last night’s conversation. Technically, her parents had eloped, but her dad didn’t realize what a big deal it would be to his parents. So, they’d been guilted into renewing their vows and having a big wedding months later. Now her grandmother was making sure all her grandkids knewjusthow big a deal this was.
“So, does this mean we have your blessing?” Byron braved the question.
Once again, he watched as her parents exchanged glances. After a tense filled silent long moment with all eyes on Mr. Moreno, he shrugged. “You couldn’t keep me from walking my baby girl down that aisle if you tried.”
“Oh, daddy!” Savannah rushed to him and wrapped her arms around him as the big guy embraced her tightly.
For someone who foryearsrefused to give into tears, Byron was instantly choked up as Mrs. Moreno hugged him. “Welcome to the family,” she said against his ear then chuckled. “I hope you’re ready for all the insanity.”
To Byron’s surprise,Tazstood behind his mom when she was done hugging Byron. He held up a hand and gave him an upwards handshake, clapping him on the shoulder. “I’m not supposed to like you,” he said with a smirk. “Just so you know, after yesterday the whole family’s grateful you’re there for her. You don’t even know the shit me and my brother deal with when something goes down with my sisters. My parents freak the fuck out. So, this is even better.”
Sienna didn’t even give Byron time to respond, before she practically pushed her brother away so she could hug Byron. “Oh, myGod!” She squeezed him. I can’t believe this!” It almost felt wrong to hug her, holding her felt exactly like holding Savannah. “I love how much you love my sister because no one loves her more than I do, but I can tell you’re getting close.” Once again, he was surprised to see her face crumble when he pulled away, and her lips quiver. “Please don’t ever hurt her.”
“I swear to God, I won’t,” he said immediately.
“I’d kill you,” she said with a still emotional smirk.
Byron had to chuckle. “I already know I’d have a snowballs chance in hell if I ever did, with this family.”
“You bet your ass,” she laughed.
After all the congratulations, and everyone getting passed the shock, they all rushed off to get ready for round two. Telling the rest of her brood once they all started arriving.
Savannah walked out into the patio, leaving Xochitl with her siblings inside as her parents went upstairs to shower. “What else did you say to my dad yesterday?”
“Same thing I’ve been saying to you for weeks.” He pulled her to him and hugged her tight. “The truth. That I’m in love with you. You’re everything to me now, and I’d do anything to keep you safe.”
She smiled even through her tears. “Either you’re an evil genius who figured out how to manipulate my dad, or you really love me.”
“I really love you, baby. You should know that by now.”
“I really love you, too!”
