Page 79 of Blindly Yours

“And his status, and his heritage, and his bank account.” I turn my eyes to the river again.

Nate doesn’t say anything for a moment. “So…should I even ask what she’d say about me, then?”

I close my eyes. “Probably not. And I don’t want you to have to find out.”

“So, you’re not just torn about what you want yourself or if your parents would approve,” he says quietly. “You’re worried about how I’d feel in that environment.”

I sigh and look at him again. “My dad would probably get over it, but my mom might resent whoever I date…or especially marry…if he isn’t on her list of approved matches. And that won’t be fair to him.” I suddenly realize what I’ve said and clear my throat. “I mean, not that I’m assuming you and I…um…you know…marry.” I hate the blush I feel creeping in. “But we both said we’re not interested in casual dating.”

Nate smiles gently. “No, I get what you mean. Marriage is the end goal for both of us, I think.”

“So, you do want to marry again?” I ask carefully.

“Absolutely,” he replies without pause.

“You’re not…” I hesitate, “scared?”

His eyes flash sincerity. “I’m terrified. I can’t fathom falling hard for someone and then losing her again.”

I drop my gaze to my plate.

“But I’m more terrified of never falling again. Of being alone. That’s not for me,” he says quietly, but confidently.

I raise my eyes to his and smile slightly. “Guess you’ve gotta win the girl again.”

His expression revives and he smirks. “I’m trying.”

SIXTEEN

Nate

“Grandma’s here!” Kara scrambles out of her chair and runs to the door. She flings it open and throws her arms around Amber’s mother with enough force to almost knock her over.

I dry the last dish from dinner and cross through the kitchen toward them with a smile. “Linda, so good to see you. How was the drive?” She lives five hours away, but she makes a weekend trip every few months to see Kara and probably to check on me.

“I think you’ve grown almost a foot!” she runs her fingers lovingly through Kara’s hair and kisses her forehead as she steps through the door. “It was just fine,” she says as she rests her hands on the sides of my face, assessing me closely. “You look well, Nate. How’s work?” Her eyes are the same deep brown as Amber’s, and it’s always just a little difficult to look into them.

“The usual. But I’m thinking of hiring again.” I hug her warmly and then take her bags. I carry them down the hall while Kara grabs her hand and leads her toward the living room, where she’s already laid out all her latest drawings.

“Oh, that’s fantastic,” I hear Linda call back. “You must be busy, then?”

I put her things in her room and then return with a nod as I sink down into one of the armchairs. “Things have been good.”

“Grandma, look at this one I drew of your blue house!” Kara points at one of the papers on the coffee table. “I even drew all the daisies in the front.”

Linda holds my gaze for just a moment before she turns to Kara. “This is beautiful, sweetheart. You got it just right.”

Kara grins proudly. “I’m getting better, aren’t I, Grandma?”

Linda rubs Kara’s shoulder. “Absolutely, you’ve improved so much even since the last time I saw you. How are you doing in school? Is Dad keeping you on top of your homework?”

“He always makes me do it before dinner.” Kara rolls her eyes.

“Good.” Linda smirks at me and then turns back to Kara. “And how is your head feeling, honey?”

“Fine.” Kara shrugs and turns away. “I don’t like talking about it.”

Linda closes her mouth quickly. “Ok, no problem.” She picks up another drawing. “Nate, I haven’t spoken to your mother lately. How is she doing?”

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