Page 28 of Enemies, Lovers & A Valentine's Baby

Her face lights up into a wicked grin and I brace myself knowing what’s coming next. “Seriously, Lila, when’s the last time you even got laid?”

“Jo!” I say, face turning beet red as I place my hands over Gracie’s ears. One part of me wants to be annoyed with her, but the other part knows she’s right. I can’t remember the last time I’ve been intimate with a man. How long has it been? Six years? Seven?

She laughs. “It’s not like the baby knows what we’re talking about. Anyways, I saw in a documentary somewhere that women need to have regular sex to keep things down there healthy. If you know what I mean.” Her brows raise suggestively.

I groan, burying my face in Gracie’s sweet-smelling hair.

Jo and her “documentaries.”

“They’re right, you know. You’re not getting any younger,” she continues.

“I’ve never met anyone so in love with the idea of family the way you are. Yet somehow, you’ve managed to go this long without starting one of your own. You are so beautiful, Lila, inside and out. Too many men to count are interested, yet you refuse to give them the time of day. Why do you keep saying no when it’s the only thing stopping you from living your dream?”

Joanne stands at the oven, a hand on her waist and the other holding her spoon waiting for an answer.

“Don’t let that beautiful roast burn,” I say, gesturing behind her. She rolls her eyes, turning back to the food.

She pulls the pan out of the oven, sets it down on the pad on the marble counter, and covers it with aluminum to rest.

I put Gracie down and drain the potatoes that have just finished cooking. I grab garlic, butter, and cream from the fridge and start on the garlic mashed potatoes. I add some salt and give it a taste. Perfect.

The oven pings and Joanne turns it off and pulls out the sheet pan of roasted veggies.

“I haven’t found him yet, Joanne,” I say softly.

Joanne starts whipping up gravy for the mashed potatoes, and I continue talking.

“I haven’t found the man that I want to build that family with. Yes, I want the kids and the big house and the big family, but I’m not going to settle for just any man, simply because he can afford to give me that life. I know that time is not on my side, but I refuse to settle for anything less than the perfect man.”

When her eyes meet mine again, they’re softer. Those blue eyes identical to my dad’s stare back at me with understanding.

“Also, my life is about so much more than just a man, you know? I’ve got a pretty good life, with much to be grateful for,” I say.

“I have my business. I’ve learned a lot. Remember when you almost didn’t let me plan your wedding because you were scared I would mess it up!” I exclaim.

We both burst into a fit of giggles at the memory.

“It was absolutely perfect. Better than my wildest dreams. I should’ve never doubted your abilities,” Joanne says.

“You’re right, you shouldn’t have. But I forgive you,” I tease.

“I’ve made a name for myself in this industry, plus, I already have a beautiful family. I mean, just look at this angel right here,” I whisper, kissing the top of Gracie’s head.

“That’s all true,” she says, “and I hate to be the squeaky wheel, but I’m going to keep reminding you that time is not on your side.”

A look passes between us, recognition of a truth needing to be said.

She finishes carving the perfectly medium rare roast and places it on a platter.

“Come on, dinner’s ready,” she says. We make a few trips taking the delicious meal to the beautiful table she’d already set.

“Boys, time to eat,” I yell up the top of the stairs, cradling Gracie at my hip.

“Be right down, Aunty Lila!”

Chapter 10

Tick.Tock

---