Page 45 of Just Is Not Enough

“I thought we weren’t trying to scare him off, Brenda?”

“Nonsense, I was only giving Grace shit for not telling me you were here. If this guy scares off that easily he isn’t built to be in this family.”

“I can see where Luke gets his boldness and incredible sense of humor from,” Kaden’s laughter nearly bursts my heart into pieces.

For the next hour I watch my three favorite people in this world enjoy each other’s company, mostly laughing at my expense but I’ll take it any day if this is the outcome. G may or may not have attempted to bribe Kaden to marry me claiming, ‘He needs someone that looks at him the way you do.’ I swear, that woman is a wild card. When we all agree it’s time to get on with the day, I have to pry Kaden from my aunts’ arms, having to promise he will visit them again soon.

“So, that wasn’t too bad of a surprise?” The hesitation in my voice is acknowledged when I feel Kaden shaking from where my hand is on his lower back. I’m glad he’s amused.

“No, you’re not in trouble, Luke. It was a nice surprise. They’re a lot of fun to be around.”

“Good, because now that they’ve met you they are going to want to see you all the time. I can guarantee one of them will be texting me for your phone number by bedtime tonight.” Given the huge grin on his face, I am guessing he will not mind that at all.

During the short drive to Freedom Park, Kaden chatters on about how nice my aunts are and how he cannot wait to introduce them to his mom. He insists they will get along like three peas in a pod. I have no doubt knowing Kaden and Lanie, their mother is amazing, as well.

“Okay, now that you threw me into meeting ‘the parents’,” he literally uses the air quotes on me, “you’re joining Sunday dinner and game night.”

“Wait, tonight?” He notices the rise in my tone and wide-eyed look I shoot at him.

“Hey, at least I’m warning you beforehand.” Kaden’s fingers tapping away let me know I am in this whether I like it or not. “Mom said she can’t wait to meet you, and you better bring your A-game for some shit talking with my dad.”

I wipe my brow, feeling the temperature in the car rise a few degrees almost instantaneously. Kaden’s faint laughter is barely noticeable through the pulsing sounds in my ears.

“Luke, you have nothing to worry about, I promise. They will love you.” Kaden’s attempts to reassure me don’t do the trick.

“I’ve never met anyone’s parents. I’m fucking 30 years old. Why does this scare the hell out of me like I’m a 16-year-old boy?”

Because I love him. If his parents don’t like me, then what?

Kaden’s hands wrap around my face as I put the Jeep in park, pulling my lips to meet his. My shoulders lower and thoughts stop racing from his touch. I’ll never understand how he has this much power to ease my mind.

Chapter Twenty-Six

It Was Almost a Perfect Day

Kaden

Lukebeingworriedaboutmeeting my parents is adorable, but unnecessary. “Bug, relax. Let’s have a nice afternoon. You’ll see there’s no reason to worry.”

“Alright. I’m fine.” He looks a little calmer now as we get out and begin our walk through the park.

The sun shining brightly and the warm, soft breeze, despite it being the end of March, makes for the perfect day. Walking around the lake, the park is busy with people doing all sorts of activities, excited to be out and about after being cooped up all winter. We pass a group doing yoga on a large grassy area. Some families are enjoying a nice walk among the rest of us.

We walk in a comfortable silence, Luke holding my hand the whole time. I find it refreshing he has never been deterred showing me affection in public. Quite a difference from Tyler that’s for sure. I can’t believe I ever compared Luke to him.

“You said you wanted to know everything about me. Weird fact #1, I love to people watch.” I don’t know why, but I’m not nervous about sharing that with him.

“Why is that weird? People watching is great. You learn far more about people that way than anything else.”

“I guess it’s weird because I hate being in crowded areas, but they make for the best people watching.”

“Brenda and G once told me they would go to amusement parks when they first met and just people watch all day. Half the time they didn’t bother going on rides. You should hear some of their stories.”

I lead us towards the stone bridge over one end of the lake where there’s a pretty spot to take pictures. At the foot of the bridge, a man is walking around handing out roses. He hands me a white rose when we walk past him.

“Thank you. That’s sweet.”

“You gentlemen have a nice day.” The older man offers the kindest smile, then moves on to another couple.

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