CHAPTERTWENTY-THREE
Hayden
So,we’re really doing this. I’m meeting the family. This isn’t something I’ve ever thought I would do with a man. Much less with Danny. When I first met him on the side of the road and he gave me his jacket, I never thought we’d be here.
Not with my dad and his rules.
Weird enough, after one conversation with him, he’s allowed the two of us to navigate our way through whatever we’re building. I, at the very least, expected him to try and be involved. But he hasn’t.
Much to my happiness.
I’m trying to convince myself there won’t be consequences, even though I know there have to be.
Looking out the front window of our house, I see Danny’s Jeep pull up to the curb. “Dad, I’m leaving. See you later.”
“See you, have fun at the Ramirez’s.”
“Will do.”
As I’m walking out the front door, my phone rings.
It’s Hailey.
“Hey!” I answer. “Happy Mother’s Day.”
Since she took the spot, I’ve always tried to spoil her on this day.
“The flowers you sent are so pretty and I can’t wait to try the bath bombs.”
“I’m so glad; it was a new website.” I wave at Danny as I walk to meet him. “I wasn’t sure how they’d turn out.”
“They’re prettier than they probably were on the website. I’ve seriously never seen any that look better than these. Even at weddings,” she laughs.
The excitement and happiness in her voice brings a smile to my face. “I’m so thrilled. You’ll have to send me pictures.”
“Are you heading over to Danny’s?” She knows about my plans.
“Yeah, he pulled up right as you called me.”
“Then I’ll let you go, I just wanted to say thank you. Love you, Hayden.”
“Love you too! I’ll call you later.”
Danny and I are standing in front of each other, smiling in the cheesiest way. “Hey.” I give him a wave, cocking my foot to the side.
He reaches out, grasping me around the waist. With strength he must use when he’s battling fires, he pulls me into him. “Hey.” His smile is contagious. “You ready?”
“As I’ll ever be. It’s been a long time since I celebrated a Mother’s Day with an actual family. Typically, I take my sister out to eat.”
He grabs my hand, leading me to his Jeep. “Because she filled that role for you?”
I nod. “She did, has for years. I sent her some flowers and a self-care basket today. I was on the phone with her when you pulled up.”
“I could’ve let you have some time with her if you needed,” he apologizes.
“No, she’s going out to lunch with some friends. When we can’t spend the day together, that’s what she prefers to do. She’s eagerly awaiting tonight when I can call her and let her know how it went today.”
“Oh, so she’s nosy?”