Page 287 of Dark Love

“And a handsome one at that.”

“MOM.”

“What, I’m neither blind nor dead. Maverick doesn’t hold a candle to your father.”

I hope I’m like that when I’m her age… or any age. Though Vex wouldn’t like me even appreciating another man’s looks.

“Why don’t you go settle in? Dinner is in forty minutes or so. We’ll be having company.”

Company? “Who’s coming over?”

“Just your brother, Montgomery... oh, and Maverick.”

I freeze. It’s not odd for Montgomery to be invited over. He’s my brother’s best friend and has practically lived here since they were both teenagers. But Mom would never — “How old is the new neighbor?”

“He’s about your age. Maybe a few years older.”

She says it offhand, but my mother is too determined to get me married to not have planned this. “Mom.”

“What? Don’t look at me like that. He’s rich, single, handsome, and your dad likes him. It can’t hurt to meet him.”

Except I came here to tell you I’m in love. “Mom.”

“Just meet him. It’s not like I’m asking you to go on a date. He’ll probably spend most of the night talking to your dad about golf.”

Why don’t I believe her? “I came here to spend time with you.”

“And you will. We have the entire weekend. Oh, you’re going to have to stay in your old bedroom. We’re redecorating the guest house.”

What? “You are?” We redecorated it together just a couple of years ago.

“It was time for a change.” A haunted look passes over her face. “It’s going to be a gym for your father and me. A pretty yellow room that will wipe away all the bad memories.”

“They weren’t all bad memories. I learned that no matter what happens, you and Dad will be there for me.”

Mom brushes a tear away. “Go settle in. And put on something pretty—” Mom stops. Her eyebrows crinkle. “Something is different about you.” She examines me for a long minute.

Can she tell I’ve fallen in love? I’m certainly happier than I was weeks ago.

“You’re wearing new clothes.” A tear rolls down her cheek. “You look so beautiful!”

“My clothes aren’t worth crying over.”

She smiles. “They are worth drooling over. We’ll go shopping this weekend.”

There’s no stopping Mom when shopping is involved. “Dad’s going to end up crying too after he sees the bill.”

“Yes, he will, but not because of the bill. I’m so proud of you, Dahlia.”

I blush. Such a small change made a profound difference.

Now all I need to do is be brave.

***

A simple sweater dress from the dream closet that Vex stocked for me is the perfect outfit for dinner. It’s warm enough for the fall weather, even if we have drinks outside, but still shows every one of my curves.

It’s only a little fail to have hidden in my bedroom until just before dinner.

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