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12
Elizabeth hopped out of bed and quickly grabbed a towel for the outside shower. She’d just spoken with Will, who’d informed her he was already on his way over, so she’d asked him to stop at Starbucks to give herself some time to get ready. She was about to dash outside when her phone rang again, and she glanced at the screen.
Ugh. It was a little early in the morning for a chat with her mother—and sheknewit was her mother, because her father would never call this early on a Sunday.
“Hi, Mom,” she answered brightly.
“Good morning, Lizzy. Your father and I haven't heard from you in a while. I thought I would call to make sure you’re still alive.”
Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “Sorry, I’ve been busy at work.”
Her mother tsk’d. “Your sister tells me it's more than work that's keeping you busy. What's this I hear about a boyfriend?”
“Oh. Um, he’s just a guy I’ve been seeing.”
“Your sister told me he and Charles are good friends. And he’s wealthy?”
“I don’t know. I haven't asked to see his bank statements yet.”
“Don’t be fresh! A little financial security goes a long way.”
“I know, Mom. You don't have to—”
“You have no idea what it's like to go without, to have very little money, very little food, cutting corners all the time. You girls never wanted for anything, your father and I always made sure—”
“I know it was tough for you when you were growing up, and you're right, we never wanted for anything. That being said, I can take care of myself. He's sweet, he treats me well, we have fun, and I like him. That's what matters to me.”
Her mother's voice lowered. “And Jane says he's quite handsome as well.”
“He’s very handsome, and he's on his way over, so I can't stay on the phone.”
“Well when do we get to meet him? That's why I was calling. Jane says you've been together amonth, and not a peep from you! You need to bring him around. He should meet your father.”
I’m going to kill my sister. “A month isn’t very long. And I’m sure you’ll both like him.”
“Promise me you'll come for a visit soon.”
“He's going away on business this week, so maybe sometime around my birthday, okay?”
“What about today? You just said he was on his way over, and we'll be here all day.”
“We already have plans. But you'll meet him, okay? I've got to run. Bye, Mom.”
She hung up and ran out the back door. Not five minutes later, when she was almost done with her shower, she heard footsteps climbing the stairs.
“Will?”
“It's me.”
“Are you on the deck?”
“Yes. Just…admiring the view.”
Her mouth dropped open. “Don't you dare peek!”
She heard his laughter and quickly finished her shower, wrapped herself in the towel, and went up the stairs. He was stretched out in a lounge chair, grinning from ear to ear, looking relaxed and oh,sogorgeous. He slowly looked her up and down, and she felt as though he’d mentally removed her towel.
“Want your coffee?” he asked, and held the cup out to her.
