Page 86 of Nate

“She sounds like a smart woman.” Nate laughed. “Is her husband coming with her?”

“Uncle Leo passed away two years ago.”

“I’m sorry for your loss.”

“He was a wonderful man, and Aunt Lola was crazy about him. His death hit her hard, but she seems to have found a way to move forward.”

“What happened to her husband?”

“He suffered a massive heart attack at just fifty-six years old.”

“That’s so young.”

“Yes, it was unexpected and devastating for our family. Aunt Lola became a widow at such a young age. She’s still a beautiful woman, and I hope she finds love again, but I can tell you one thing; she does not hold back. She always speaks her mind.”

“I’m glad she’s here for your mother.”

“Despite their differences, they are very close.”

“Does your aunt have kids?”

“No. She said Uncle Leo couldn’t have them. She was fine with it. She said she’d just spoiled me instead of her own.” Markie smiled.

“So, why wasn’t your aunt at your mother’s party?”

“She came to see her on her birthday because she was leaving on a cruise that weekend.”

“I see. Well, at least she saw her on her birthday.”

As they pulled up to the house, Nate brought the truck to a stop and opened his door before making his way around the front to open the door for Markie. Together, they walked up the stone pathway leading to the front door.

“I’ll get our bags in a few minutes. Let’s go inside first,” Nate said, placing a hand on Markie’s back as they stepped onto the porch.

“Alright.” Markie gasped as she heard raised voices coming from inside.

“Open the door,” Nate encouraged.

Markie turned the knob and took a deep breath before pushing it open, revealing the spacious foyer adorned with elegant décor.

“Aunt Lola!” Markie cried out happily, spotting her aunt standing nearby.

“Oh, my goodness! Come here,” Lola said with open arms, beckoning Markie over. She then turned to face Nate with an appraising gaze. “And you must be Nate Jefferson. I’ve heard so much about you.”

Nate extended his hand to Lola with a smile. “It’s nice to finally meet you, ma’am.”

Lola looked him up and down before letting out a hearty laugh. “You sure are one handsome devil.”

Nate couldn’t help but grin at her compliment. “Thank you, ma’am. And between you and her mother, I can definitely see where Markie gets her looks.”

Lola laughed, her eyes sparkling as she leaned closer to Nate. “I bet you’ve talked your fair share of women out of their clothes.”

Nate chuckled, playing along. “I plead the fifth.”

Lola let out another laugh before turning to Markie. “And don’t think I haven’t noticed that it’s been quite a while since my niece has had any action in that department.”

Markie’s cheeks turned pink as she tried to hide her embarrassment. Nate simply laughed and shrugged his shoulders.

“I did warn you,” Markie whispered to him, trying not to smile.

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