Page 87 of No Ordinary Love

"Yes, he is."

"Well, but for all that generational wealth bullshit, he's alright."

I laughed. Only my father would have a problem with Lucas coming from old money and lots of it.

"I feel you, Daddy. It would be easier if he hadregularmoney. His kind of family wealth is…well, firstly, it'snotearned,andsecondly, it messes relationships up. Look at how his mother and sister have decided to tow the Georgia society line instead of family."

"Rena is not doing that. That's one tough broad."

Lucas's grandmother surprised us by showing up at my door earlier today with a smile on her face and a bottle of expensive wine in her hand. We thought she'd already left for Hawaii, but she said she'd go the following day as she wanted to spend Thanksgiving withherfamily, us. Her presence was the final touch that made this day perfect.

"How do you feel about Christmas in Hawaii?" I asked.

"I feel freaking awesome about it." Daddy grinned. "Rena said theCovington house was on the water. She showed me pictures, and it's a freaking mansion with a private beach and a chef. It's going to be like being at a resort. I'm good with that."

"She likes you," I murmured.

"She thinks you're the cat's ass, kiddo, and she's delighted to see Lucas and you together. She told me that a good woman can change the life of a man, and a good man can change that of a woman. She wished her son had married better—instead, Patsy happened!"

Daddy walked to a cabinet and pulled out a water glass. He filled it from the fridge.

"You think Lucas will regret the strain I'm causing his relationship with his mother and sister? Will he blame me for it?"

Daddy raised his eyebrows and his chin to let me know there was someone behind me. I smelledhimand shook my head in amusement.

Lucas turned me around to face him. "There's nothing to regret,Tesoro. They made their choices, and my decision has nothing to do with you and everything to do withme. I could never blame you for their choices or mine. You're the love of my life, my joy."

"Christ! Next, he'll be writing poetry for you," Daddy said in mock disgust. "I'm going to go talk to people who don't talk funny."

"Not talking funny, sir. I'm just a man in love." Lucas dropped his lips to mine, and I heard my father tell him to watch it with the PDA because "she's still my daughter."

But Daddy was joking. He was happy to see us back together because he knew how much I loved Lucas.

"It's been a lovely Thanksgiving, the best ever." Lucas hugged me closed. "Thank you for making it so special."

Lucas had been the perfect host all evening, keeping everyone's glasses filled, making sure the food kept coming, and somehow managing to look effortlessly handsome in the process. He was relaxed and charming, and at ease in a way that made me fall in love with him all over again.

"Time for dessert?" Lucas queried.

"Yeah, let's do that."

"No, let me. You go sit with Basil; he's been complaining he hasn't spent any time with you."

I did as Lucas suggested. Basil told me how he'd had a lot of fun at UCLA, but he missed home.

When Lucas returned, he was carrying a tray laden with slices of pumpkin pie. He started handing them out, one by one, each slice perfectly arranged with a dollop of whipped cream on top.

He set a slice in front of Basil, who immediately dug in. "Amara makes the best pies," he explained with his mouth full.

"You're going to choke on it if you don't chew, and I'm not doing the Heimlich," Gemma warned.

"I'll do it," Daddy piped in, "You just gobble gobble, Basil."

Lucas placed slices of pie in front of everyone.

Finally, he came to me, setting down the last one with a little flourish. "And for you, my love." His eyes twinkled in a way that made my heart skip a beat.

"Thank you." I smiled up at him. He leaned down and kissed the top of my head, and I grinned as I picked up my fork.

---