Page 76 of Fierce-Michael

Kelly wanted children but never let herself get sucked into shopping for things now. Not for something that could be so far into the future.

Like a wedding gown she never got to wear but secretly looked at bridal magazines and styles that she’d shop for if she’d been engaged.

“I’m not much of a shopper, but I understand.”

“Let’s go meet your son,” she said. “We’ll both feel better once it’s out of the way. Oh, and I’ve got chocolates for your mother.”

He turned. “That was nice of you.”

“I picked them up yesterday on my lunch. I guess I want to make a nice impression. Beer for your father too.”

“What?” he asked. “You didn’t bringmebeer.”

She laughed. “That’s why my bag is so heavy. I have it hidden in there. I just grabbed a four-pack at the brewery of one of the newest releases. You’ve said before your dad likes IPAs?”

“He’ll drink just about anything from Fierce. Me too. It’s all a good choice and very thoughtful of you.”

“I’ve had ex’s parents not like me before,” she said quietly.

“Their loss,” he said. “You’re a great person.”

“I am one,” she said cheerfully.

There was no reason to force it even though there were times she didn’t feel like that great of a person.

Not everyone was going to like you or the decisions you make in life.

They spent the short drive to his parents talking about fun topics, both of them laughing and getting in a good mood. Maybe he needed it too.

They pulled into his parents’ driveway and got out. She went around to the back where her bag was and pulled out the gifts for everyone. She should have wrapped them now that she thought of it.

Oh well, the beer and chocolate were a last minute decision.

“Want me to carry anything?” he asked.

“You just want the beer. I’ve got it.”

She had the beer on the book, the chocolate on the beer. It was all good.

“If I knew you got it, I would have put it in the fridge so we could drink it today,” he said.

“It’s not for you,” she argued. “It’s for your father.”

“So there was a reason behind your madness?”

“You think it’s madness that I wanted to make a good impression on your family?” she asked. Did she go about this all wrong?

“Just a figure of speech,” he said.

He opened the door and she saw Ty come barreling toward his father, shouting his name. “Dad!”

“Hey,” Michael said, catching Ty before he ran into his legs. He looked tall for his age, but she shouldn’t be surprised with the size of Michael.

“You just saw me,” he said. “What’s the rush?”

“I wanted to meet Kelly but didn’t want you to get upset if I didn’t greet you first,” Ty said.

Awww, talk about super sweet.