Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 89978 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 450(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89978 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 450(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
YOU KNOW HE'S THE ONE WHEN HE LOVES YOUR GREATEST WEAKNESS LIKE IT’S YOUR GREATEST STRENGTH.
Scottie
It’s Koen’s first time in Philly, and he’s meeting my family. It’s my first time leaving Price in complete control of the store, and I don’t know who’s more nervous.
“They’re going to love you.” I turn toward him just as we reach the front door to their brownstone townhome in Society Hill.
He glances up. “Are all three levels theirs?”
“Yes.”
“And you live in a trailer.” He grins, shaking his head.
Before I reach for the door handle, he nuzzles my neck. “If your dad says no, I just want you to know I’ll always remember you.”
I giggle, squirming because his scruffy face tickles me. “Maybe don’t lead with how you want me to can tomatoes and pop out babies. Let him figure that out in real time.”
“Noted.”
I open the door.
“Sweetheart!” My mother saunters toward us in her wide-leg jeans and long-sleeved, ruffle-front blouse. Her chin-length silver hair is tucked behind one ear.
“Hey, Mom. So good to see you.” I enjoy her warm embrace.
Koen’s right. Good mothers should be treasured. Mine wasn’t home with me, but I always felt her love, and she’s always been nurturing. That’s what makes her such an amazing doctor, too.
“Mom, this is Koen. Koen, this is my mom, Caitlyn.”
“Dr. Rucker, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Koen offers his hand.
She gives me an approving nod before returning her attention to him. “I’m only Dr. Rucker if you need a medical consult.” She winks at Koen and bypasses his proffered hand in favor of a hug. “But if you’re in love with my daughter, you should call me Caitlyn.”
Koen doesn’t give me a second glance when she releases him. With a confident smile, he nods. “Caitlyn, I love your daughter very much.”
My mom’s usually controlled with her emotions, but Koen has her fighting a few tears.
I hug his chest and kiss his jaw.
“Thought I heard the door open.” Dad makes his way down the hardwood stairs that have an old runner rug down the middle of them. They added it after my sister took a tumble and had to get ten stitches in her head.
“Hey, Dad.” I give him a quick hug. “This is Koen.”
He offers Koen his hand. “Denny Rucker. Nice to meet you, young man.” Dad tucks his hands into the pockets of his cargo shorts, which he’s paired with a “Tree Hugger” green T-shirt. His signature white socks are pulled halfway up his knobby shins.
And much like Koen’s usual attire, Dad’s sporting a baseball hat. A red Phillies hat.
“Likewise, sir.” Koen’s comfortable. Too comfortable. It’s not natural.
“Southern boy.” Dad winks at me. “Well done, Scottie. But you should call me Denny. Come on in. Can I get you something to drink? Beer? Whisky? Wine?”
“I’m five years sober. Water works great. Thanks.”
My heart squeezes until my whole chest aches. I’m in love with a man who is confident and honest. Owning his imperfections only makes him more perfect in my eyes.
Mom loops her arm around mine as we follow Dad and Koen to the kitchen. “He’s cute, Scottie,” she whispers with the giddiness of a girlfriend instead of my mom.
My grin swells. “Yes, he is.”
Koen tosses me a curious glance over his shoulder, those blue eyes alight with curiosity.
“Mom and I were just discussing how homely-looking you are, babe.”
“Oh, Scottie Ann Rucker. That is not true.” Mom releases me and pats Koen on the back. “She’s always been an ornery little thing. You’ve got your hands full with this one.”
Deep satisfaction settles in his unwavering grin as I nod for him to sit in the horseshoe-shaped nook. Mom has three charcuterie trays on the table, enough for an army.
“So, what brings you two to Philly?” Mom asks. “I was surprised when Scottie announced your visit. We usually go to Austin.” She eyes Koen, and he returns a smile.
For some reason, I don’t trust that smile. What is going on?
Koen fills his plate with food. “I was hoping to speak to you, Denny, in private. But upon further consideration, I think tradition on this matter is a bit outdated. So I might as well take this moment to ask both of you.” He eyes them with a stupid amount of confidence, and I realize it’s happening.
Right here. Right now.
“Save the speech, son. You have our blessing. We’ve been waiting for this day.” Dad doesn’t skip a beat. “Take our daughter.”
“Dad!” I cover my face while everyone laughs.
“Listen, my darling daughter,” Dad grins at me when I drop my hands, “you have always walked your own path. I don’t know why this young man thinks our opinions matter. And they shouldn’t. One day, we won’t be here, and I want to believe that you and Steph will be just fine without us and our opinions.”