Page 49 of Strawberry Cake
“I hate you.”
“I thought you might say that, so I’m willing to pay.”
“Fine but only because I think it’s fucking adorable that you’re taking her to meet your family.”
“She still has to see if she can take time off, so if she can’t, she said she’ll watch him.”
Marco teased him a little more, but Decan took it as a yes, letting out a sigh of relief and continuing to start his workday.
Hope
A few weeks later, Laura stood by Hope’s side as she packed for her romantic getaway. Clothes littered the bed, going through a gruelling selection process with approval from Laura.
“I like those rompers, but maybe I should take you dress shopping,” Laura said, holding up one of the outfits.
“Idoneed a new swimsuit.”
“A bikini?” Laura asked, a hopeful lilt to her voice.
Hope stopped that idea in its tracks. “You know I hate wearing a two-piece.”
“Fine, a sexy one-piece it is. Will you be staying right on the beach?”
“Yes. Well, Decan said it’s an all-inclusive resort with a short walk to a private beach.”
“How would that work with his wheelchair?”
She shrugged her shoulders. “I guess we’ll find out.”
“Are you nervous to meet his family?”
“Peeing my pants kind of nervous.” She collapsed onto the bed and looked up at her best friend. “What if we don’t get along? They seem so… posh when he talks about them.”
“Well… They’d be foolish not to love you. You’re a catch.”
“I thought you said you’ve never had a crush on me,” Hope laughed.
Laura rolled her eyes and pelted Hope with the rumpled piece of fabric in her hands. “Take the damn compliment.”
“Fine. Thank you.”
“Just be yourself. The minute they see you and Decan together, they’ll know you’re meant to be.”
The night before the trip, Hope had trouble sleeping. They had an early-morning flight so by the time she climbed out of the Uber in the drop-off lane, she was nothing more than a ball of nerves.
Inside the terminal, Hope made her way toward Decan on shaky legs. He wasn’t alone and judging by the head count, she seemed to be the last one to arrive—what a great first impression.
“Hi,” she greeted sheepishly.
Decan held out his hand and ran his thumb soothingly over her knuckles as he introduced everyone: his mom, Cally, and his Dad, Daniel. Then his siblings, Samual and Lilly. Lastly, Lilly’s husband, Aron.
“It’s nice to meet you all.”
“Can we hug you?” Samual asked. “Mom said it might be too personal—ow!”
Cally had just slapped him on the shoulder. She had the same beautiful curls as all her children, neatly tied up with a defined bow. “I didn’t it want to be awkward that is all.” She stage-whispered to Samual. “And now you’ve made it awkward.”
Hope smiled, opening her arms. “I don’t mind hugs.”