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To hear Dad tell it, he’d crushed on her for a while, but she wouldn’t give him the time of day because he was a player.
Can you even imagine my dad being a womanizer?
It makes me laugh every time.
The man is such a smitten kitten when it comes to my mother.
My gaze reluctantly drifts to Ryder. As soon as our gazes collide, a shot of electricity zips through my veins and I force my attention away from him. Even though it’s tempting to pretend that what we have is more than just physical, I’ve never been one to lie to myself.
Ryder has zero interest in settling down or being exclusive.
And why should he, when girls throw themselves at him everywhere he goes?
In fact, Aunt Hailey has been eating him up with her eyes since he walked in the door, which is a little weird given the fact that she’s four years older than me.
Hailey and Stella are from my grandfather’s second marriage to Amber. So, there’s twenty years between my dad and his half-sister, Hailey. Then there’s twenty-five years between him and Stella. Stella and I are actually the same age, born just a month a part. We grew up together and have always been close.
My gaze unconsciously returns to Ryder as all of these thoughts somersault through my head. Allowing myself to catch feelings for him would be foolish.
“Yup, he told me all about it,” I say, picking up the thread of our previous conversation.
Mom’s gaze settles on Dad. The love shining brightly from her eyes brings a thick lump of emotion to my throat. Especially when he glances at her as if he’s able to feel her gaze.
The love they share is the real deal. Their marriage didn’t crumble when their children left for college. Honestly, I think they’re happy to finally have time all to themselves. Especially now that Mom is in remission.
When she was diagnosed, Dad took a leave from work and was steadfast by her side, taking her to chemo and staying with her. He took care of everything at home so she wouldn’t have to. He wanted her attention solely focused on beating the disease that had snuck into our lives to wreak havoc. When there were complications with the insurance, he dealt with it. He hired someone to come in and prepare meals that were rich in carotenoids.
He researched everything. Medications, experimental treatments, and therapies. When her hair started falling out from radiation, he shaved his in solidarity. And when her scans finally came back clean, Dad took us all to the Bahamas to celebrate.
“Juliette?”
I shake away those thoughts and refocus on Mom. “Yeah, sorry. I spaced out for a minute. What did you say?”
Mom tilts her head and searches my eyes. “Just wondering how your date went the other week. Didn’t you mention something about going out with a guy from one of your classes?”
“Oh. Yeah. Umm…we decided that we were better off as friends.”
Her expression softens. “That’s too bad.”
I shrug. “Even though we had a lot in common, there just wasn’t a spark between us.”
When she loops her arm through mine, I lean my head against her shoulder. I really don’t know what any of us would have done if we’d lost her. She’s the very heart and soul of our family.
“It just takes time to find your person, but you will. You’re an amazing woman with so much to offer.”
I snort. “I think you might be a tiny bit biased.”
With a slight twist of her head, she presses a kiss against the top of mine. “Not in the least.”
A few guests make their goodbyes as the crowd begins to thin.
“Do you mind if I take off?” I ask.
“Not at all.” She wiggles her brows. “Got some exciting plans tonight?”
There’s no way I’m telling her about Ryder.
“Nah. I was going to check in with Carina and see what she’s up to.” Then I tack on, “Or, you know, maybe study.”
