Page 47 of How To Fake A Fiancé

“I know what you must be thinking,” she speaks softly. “My son, someone you barely know, has introduced you to his family when you’re still not sure how you feel.’”

I’m shocked. It’s like she’s reading my mind.

She continues, “I understand you met Ian as a…one-time thing.”

I cringe. “Yes, I did.” It’s not every day you talk with the mother of the guy you had sex with about the very sex you had with him.

“I’m sure you know this by now, but my son can be very direct about what he wants. And usually when he sees something he likes, he’ll be open about it and show how determined he is to get it. Not to say he always doesn’t take no for an answer, just that he’s not the type to give up easily.”

“I’ve definitely seen that.” The Halloween party comes to mind.

“It’s how he’s always been, but I know for others his directness and honesty can be a bit…blunt at times.”

She isn’t wrong.

“You’ve raised a very amazing man.” I do admit, his honesty and determination are the things about him that have gotten my attention.

“What do you think of him? Speak honestly. I don’t mind,” she assures me.

“How much has he told you about…him and me?” Saying it like that feels weird, yet strangely right.

“Enough to know he wants you for you.”

“He does?”

“But you’re not sure whether to trust yourself.” She finishes my sentence for me.

Damn, she’s good.I give a slight nod.

“I was around your age when I first met Ian’s father. The man, like Ian, was just as adamant on having me go out with him. So much so, he insisted on escorting me from class to class on campus for a whole week until I said yes. Like you, I was cautious. I’d been in crappy relationships before, and I didn’t want to let myself down again. But I couldn’t deny my curiosity, either. I didn’t have many close bonds with people growing up, but Michael was the first person that got me to open up. So sweet, incredibly loyal, and he had seemingly infinite patience. Over time, I fell in love with him. I was absolutely terrified confessing that to him, but our trust in each other carried me through my fear. Though the pain of losing him was terrible, I’d fall head over heels for him all over again if I had the chance.”

The kind of bond Jenny had with her husband is as beautiful as if I were reading a romance novel. Their deep affection reminds me of my parents’ relationship before it was torn to shreds, never to be mended. Can love like that exist for a lifetime? Or are Jenny and her late husband the exception, not the rule?

She continues, “I might be a bit biased as his mother, but Ian would do anything for his loved ones. Hell, he’d rather take care of others before himself. He’s a rock to those in need and never hesitates to drop everything when someone needs help.” She pauses. “I don’t mean to tell you what to do, but life is about taking chances. Are we really living our lives if we don’t experience heartache, disappointment, humility, or joy?”

Everything I’ve learned about Ian is holding true to both Jenny’s and Matt’s words. If Ian was truly the person I’d originally made him out to be, he wouldn’t have taken the time out of his life to spend time with me. Everything would have ended the way it was supposed to: in that hotel room once the sun came up.

The thought of falling for the Ian his mom and brother have told me is as scary as going down a dark unfinished basement. I don’t know what I’m walking into, and I can’t be sure if I’ll make it out alive. Then again, Jenny felt the same way, and her husband was there to guide her through the darkness. Should I take that same leap of faith with Ian?

I feel the tug, the connection, he has on my heart. It hasn’t faltered. Instead, it’s strengthened from its tiny sprouts to a more solid stem. Still small but perhaps here to stay a little while longer.

Jenny’s advice is strange and slightly awkward, especially when I’ve just met the woman, but I feel like it was also something I needed to hear. Food for thought, at least.

Chapter Fourteen

Friday Evening, November 11

Dallas, TX

Ian

“We have a reservation for two under Brown,” I explain to the hostess of the Italian-themed restaurant.

Though it’s slightly out of my comfort zone with its elegant decor and strict dress code, the only thing that matters to me right now is having Kami by my side. Especially when trying to make up for the last time.

I pray for things to work in my favor tonight. As grateful as I am that Mom is okay, the last thing I need is another emergency that keeps me away from spending one-on-one time with Kami.

I think back to my conversation with my brother that night at the hospital.

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