Page 189 of My Rules

People begin scrambling through their purses, and my heart swells.

“Classy,” he mutters dryly. “Hello, Belinda.” He kisses the young girl. “This is Rebecca.”

“Hello.” She smiles as she holds her shoe. “You don’t happen to have a Band-Aid, do you?”

Blake plays along and pretends to pat his pockets down. “I’m afraid not.”

She turns to her mother. “I told you I shouldn’t wear these stupid shoes.”

“Blake!” her mother screeches as she looks him up and down. “My darling, you look so handsome.”

“Hi, Aunt Thelma.” He kisses her cheek. “This is Rebecca, my girlfriend.”

Girlfriend.

“Ohhh.” Her eyes widen to the size of saucers. “You’re official now?” She pulls me into a bear hug. “Oh, welcome to the family, you sweet child. It will be your wedding next—don’t let him get away. Will you, dear?”

Blake pinches the bridge of his nose, and I bubble up a giggle at his mortification.

Blake Grayson, the suave and sophisticated playboy, has an embarrassing family, and quite honestly, it’s the best thing I’ve ever seen.

“What am I going to do about these stupid shoes?” the young girl interrupts. “Does anyone even care about the pain I’m in?”

“Not really, dear,” her mother replies as she keeps her eyes on me.

“Where’s Mom and Dad?” Blake asks as he looks around.

“Not sure,” she says as she looks around too. “Your sister Catherine has a problem with her SPANX.”

Blake frowns. “What kind of problem?”

“I don’t know,” she huffs. “Her dress is sticking to them and riding up or something. Your father went to find some hand cream from the corner shop.”

“Good grief.” Blake rolls his eyes. “What next?”

“Oh,” I interrupt. “Blake, you should call your dad to pick up some Band-Aids for Belinda while he’s there.”

“Good point.” He takes out his phone and dials the number.

“Oh ... you’re smart too.” Thelma smiles all-knowingly. “I can see why he’s so smitten.”

I force a smile. Remembering Band-Aids for a child who can hardly walk isn’t what I’d call smart ... but I’ll take it anyway.

Two hands snake around my waist from behind, and Blake laughs over my shoulder when he sees who they belong to. “Hi, Mom.”

I turn to see a woman. She’s short and curvy, with the most beautiful smile. Her hair is sandy brown, and she has Blake’s eyes. “Rebecca?” She smiles.

“Yes.”

She kisses my cheek, and she has the most gentle energy. I instantly feel at ease. “This is my mom, Rosemary.” Blake hugs her.

“Hello.” I smile. “I can see the family resemblance.”

“You are divine.” She holds my two arms. “I’m half in love with you already.”

“Calm down, Mom.” Blake widens his eyes, and I get the giggles.

“Oh, I’ve missed you, darling. I haven’t seen you for weeks.” She turns and hugs him again.

---