I wanted tonight to be special but knew I wouldn't have time to cook a meal, so I asked Grandma to make a Bishop specialty.
“Alright, I'll make ya a deal. Since I worked so hard to make one of your favorites, you’ll make sure I'm the first to know who she is when you decide to announce it. Got it?” Her stern tone nearly has me cracking up.
“You got yourself a deal.” I smirk, knowing news spreads fast around here.
After she neatly packs our dinner and dessert in a wicker picnic basket for me, I kiss her cheek again and thank her. Then I head to Ivy's.
My heart races when I turn onto her road. Even though we've been official for a few weeks, my nerves still get the best of me. The closer we grow, the harder I fall. This is a night I want us to remember forever.
I park across the street from her house and shoot her a text.
Kane: I'm here.
Ivy: Almost ready. You can come to the door.
Looking over, I notice her mom's car is parked in the driveway.
Taking a deep breath, I grab the flowers from the passenger side, then get out of the truck. I walk down the sidewalk, and before I can even knock, the door swings open, and her mother stares me down.
Nervously, I clear my throat. “Hello, Ms. Callaway. It's nice to see you.”
“Hi, Kane. Haven't seen you in a while.”
“I know. How’re you doin'?”
“Stayin' busy at work. I assume you're here for Ivy?”
I swallow hard as she eyes the bouquet in my hand. “Yes, ma'am.”
She nods, then motions for me to come inside. “She's still getting ready. Can I offer you any water or lemonade?”
“No, thank you.”
The awkward silence lingers, and I'm not sure how much Ivy's told her mom, if anything.
“Where are you takin' her tonight?” she asks.
“We’ll be on the ranch, but I haven't told her yet. I wanted it to be a surprise,” I admit.
She nods in approval. “You know she's only nineteen. No alcohol.”
“Of course, ma'am. I brought sparkling cider.”
“Mom, stop barraging him,” Ivy mutters from the top of the stairs. I look up and find her in a knee-length summer dress with brown and pink cowboy boots. Her naturally curly hair has been straightened and now reaches to her erect nipples. Everything about her is so goddamn sexy.
“She wasn't,” I confirm.
Ivy’s lips widen as she walks down the steps.
“You look lovely.”
“Thanks. You look quite handsome yourself.” Her approving stare makes me hot.
“These are for you.”
“Wow, they’re beautiful, Kane,” she says as I hand them to her.
She inhales the flowery scent. “I love how you always get me red roses. They smell so sweet.”
“Just like you.” I rake my eyes down her body, but quickly remember her mom is watching. Flashing her a quick wink, I add, “Ready?”
“Yep, I just need to grab my overnight bag. Be right back.”
She shimmies off, leaving me alone with her mother again.
“I'm happy to see Ivy get out of the house and experience life outside of her books and work, but not at the expense of getting her heart broken,” Ms. Callaway warns. “I have faith that I can trust you.”
“You have my word,” I reassure her confidently. “She means a lot to me.”
She nods. “Good. I know you were in love with Hadleigh through high school and that you were always a good friend. But Ivy's my baby, and we're all very protective of her.”
“I understand. I am too,” I admit.
“Okay, ready!” Ivy beams. “I'll be home sometime tomorrow, Ma.”
I watch as they exchange hugs, then I wave goodbye and escort Ivy out the door with her bag in my other hand.
“Sorry about that. I should've warned you,” Ivy says softly as I lead her to my truck while she carries the flowers.
“Yeah, umm, I wasn't expecting that, to be honest.”
Before I can open the passenger door, she spins around. “You're not mad, are you?”
“Of course not.” I cup her face with my free hand, stealing a kiss.
“She asked if I was seeing someone, and I couldn't lie. I think she heard you sneaking out one time, and with me not coming home, she put two and two together.”
“Does she approve?”
“For the most part, yes, but she's skeptical of all men. Hasn't remarried since my dad left. But she'll warm up to you. Mom knows you’re not a bad guy.”
“I hope so.” I press my lips to hers once more. “I can't wait to show you what I’ve planned for you.”
She smiles wide. “I can't wait!”
Once she's buckled in, I place her duffel and roses in the back, then drive us to the ranch. “Radio's all yours. Lady’s choice,” I tell her once we’re out of town.
“Actually, I had a different idea...” Her seductive voice lingers, and when I catch her unbuckling, I arch a brow.