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Marc pulled back the curtain on his parent’s front window, certain he had heard the sound of a car door slamming. For the tenth time he’d been wrong. He’d told Charlotte six-thirty for dinner and it wasn’t even six-fifteen yet. He was a jumble of nerves.

“If you pace any more, you’re going to make a mark in our hardwood floors.” Lucien Cabron looked at his son with a smirk on his face.

“Very funny,” Marc grumbled.

Leave it to his father to tease him about Charlotte. That had always been his father’s way. He led with jokes and teasing. Marc had grown up in a household full of love and laughter. And even now when things looked darkest, he could still count on his father for humor and lightness.

Had he made the right decision by inviting Charlotte over to dinner? His mother hadn’t been too impressed to hear about his budding relationship with Charlotte. She’d made quite a few faces and told him about several friends who had beautiful, single daughters right here in Savannah. His father, on the other hand, had been thrilled for him.

“It’s about time you met someone you care about,” Lucien had cried out, slapping him on the back. “You’re way too good looking to be single.”

Marc loved seeing his father so delighted. He had lost even more weight and his dining options were limited. His father had insisted on doing a dinner for Charlotte, even though he would only be able to eat a small portion of it himself. Lucien had always loved celebrating over the dinner table. This time would be no exception.

Not knowing what to do with his jangle of nerves, Marc made his way into the kitchen. He had smelled the savory scents of his mother’s cooking all the way down the hall. Just inhaling the aroma reminded him of a hundred different celebrations over the years hosted by his folks. Her blend of Cuban and French food always impressed his taste buds.

He made his way over toward the stove. His stomach grumbled in appreciation.

“Stay out of my kitchen unless you’re going to help,” his mother said, gently slapping his hand as he peeked under the lid of her pot sitting on the stove.

Marc chuckled. “You won’t let me help.” Marc knew the drill. Mama liked to make her recipes her own way without any interference from him or anyone e

lse.

His mother shook a spoon at him. “That’s because you’re too heavy handed with the spices. You know I like to cook things my own way.”

He reached out and placed a kiss on his mother’s cheek. Although she fussed and shooed him away, Marc knew his mother loved affection from her kids.

The sound of the doorbell caused him to freeze. For the life of him he didn’t know why he was so nervous. He supposed it was because he wanted his folks to love Charlotte and vice versa.

“Don’t stand here like a deer in the headlights. Go answer the door,” his mother urged, wiping her hands on her apron.

Marc strode to the door, straightening his shirt before he opened it up. Charlotte was standing there with a big bouquet of roses in her hands. She looked lovely in a pair of slacks and a silk top. She’d swept her hair up in a high ponytail, giving her a casual but elegant look.

“Hey there. Nice to see you. Thanks for coming, Charlotte,” Marc said, ushering her inside, then pressing a kiss on her cheek.

“Thanks for having me. These are for your mother,” she said, thrusting the flowers at him. “I hope she likes roses,” she whispered.

Marc bent down and spoke in a low voice. “I haven’t yet met a woman who doesn’t. She’ll love them…and you.”

Her tinkling laughter warmed his insides and made him less nervous. This was Charlotte after all. He couldn’t imagine her not making a fantastic impression.

Marc took the flowers from her and ushered her toward the living room. It was where his father typically planted himself—seated in his comfy armchair by the television. A walker and a wheelchair sat nearby, as well as an oxygen tank.

Taking Charlotte by the arm, Marc led her straight to his father. Lucien’s eyes twinkled when he spotted Charlotte. He looked at Marc and winked. “She’s just as gorgeous as you described.” He turned his attention to Charlotte. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Charlotte. Forgive me for not getting up. It’s way too difficult these days.”

Charlotte bent over and shook his hand. “It’s great to meet you as well. And please don’t worry about not standing up. Your chair looks way too comfy to vacate.”

Lucien laughed. Marc loved seeing his father happy and the way the corners of his mouth creased when he smiled. Granted, he looked ill. All of his hair was gone due to chemo treatments and his skin had a sallow appearance. The weight loss was the most shocking thing of all. Marc still couldn’t wrap his head around how a person could literally start to disappear due to an illness.

The sound of his mother’s footsteps clicking on the hardwood floor heralded his mother’s arrival. Charlotte turned toward her, greeting her with a beautiful smile. Marc immediately noticed his mother’s reserved demeanor. Rather than hug Charlotte as she did most guests who came into their home, Marisol reached out and offered her hand. Without skipping a beat, Charlotte shook it and said, “Your home is lovely, Mrs. Cabron.”

“Thank you, Charlotte,” she said with a gracious smile.

“Charlotte brought these for you,” Marc said, handing her the bouquet of flowers. His mother’s eyes gleamed and she let out a gasp of appreciation. She took the flowers from Marc and raised them to her nostrils.

“Oh, they’re stunning. Roses are my favorite. They were part of my bridal bouquet. Thank you, Charlotte. What a thoughtful gesture.”

“You’re welcome. Enjoy them,” Charlotte said.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
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